Delayed intrathoracic herniation of the stomach with pleural empyema due to diaphragmatic stab wound.

Abstract

A 32-year-old man received a left-sided thoracic stab wound, which was primarily treated with percutaneous tube thoracostomy. Ipsilateral empyema appeared 8 weeks later and subsequent investigations revealed herniation of the stomach through the diaphragm. The diaphragmatic rupture and a perforation in the gastric wall were repaired at thoracotomy. The literature on such wounds is reviewed.