Laparoscopically assisted diaphragmatic hernia repair with mesh and a myocutaneous flap after left ventricular assist device explantation: A case report

We report the case of a 32-year-old man who developed a giant diaphragmatic hernia following the removal of a left ventricular assist device 4 years prior due to improved cardiac function. Chest radiography revealed an intrathoracic prolapse of the gastrointestinal tract. The patient was diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia and a laparoscopy-assisted repair was performed. A 12 × 8 cm hernia was found intraoperatively on the left diaphragm, and a large portion of the gastrointestinal tract had prolapsed into the thoracic cavity. We attempted to repair the ventromedial defect using mesh; however, it was found to be insufficient. Therefore, we used a left rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap to fill the defect and sutured it to the mesh. A myocutaneous flap could be a useful strategy in cases where complete closure with mesh is difficult.