Strangulated iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia: a late diagnosed complication.

Three cases of iatrogenic diaphragmatic herniation are reported following thoracic and high abdominal surgery. Each case presented at least 6 months after the original surgery with symptoms of acute upper gastrointestinal obstruction. Diaphragmatic herniation was not considered in the initial differential diagnosis which lead to a delay in their referral. We emphasise the importance of checking the diaphragm following upper abdominal surgery and care when closing a defect.