[Giant posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia in 17 years after rupture of the diaphragm].

Blunt chest trauma followed by diaphragm rupture is a severe injury requiring surgical correction both in acute and long-term periods. Posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia is dangerous by infringement of dislocated organs. Thanks to adaptive mechanisms of the organism, patients with non-functioning half of the diaphragm have a good quality of life for a long time. Symptoms (respiratory disorders and arrhythmia, predominantly) occur over time in patients with concomitant diseases and impaired function of vital organs. At the same time, simultaneous thoracic and abdominal surgery is possible. Thoracotomy is advisable for injury of the right half of the diaphragm, thoracotomy and laparotomy - for injury of the left half. It is presented case report of diaphragm repair by primary suture without application of strengthening materials in 17 years after complex trauma. In this case, diaphragm function was restored that resulted improved quality of life.