BACKGROUND: A Bochdalek hernia (BH) is a rare congenital condition consisting of a posterolateral defect in the diaphragm. A para-esophageal hernia (PEH) is a rare variant of hiatus hernia. BH and PEH may present with gastric volvulus or incarceration, requiring emergency treatment. Minimally invasive surgery is the preferred treatment, particularly for elderly patients and patients with comorbidities. The occurrence of BH with concomitant PEH is a very rare event. We describe a case of an octogenarian patient with BH and concomitant PEH treated laparoscopically.

CASE REPORT: An 81-year-old male patient, without significant comorbidities, presented with a two-month history of severe chest pain and vomiting after eating. Cardiological investigations ruled out cardiac ischemia, infarction, or other cardiovascular abnormalities. Chest and abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging demonstrated a large diaphragmatic hernia, with the entire stomach in the left thorax. Laboratory results showed mild anemia and a low iron level. The patient underwent simultaneous laparoscopic repair of a BH and a PEH with mesh reinforcement without antireflux fundoplication. The patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful.

CONCLUSIONS: We have presented a rare case of BH with concomitant PEH in an octogenarian that was successfully treated with laparoscopic surgery. Although these two forms of hernia are a very rare association, this case report illustrates that the surgical approach should be individualized in each patient’s case to ensure a successful surgical outcome. In this case, the decision was made to suture the diaphragmatic crura and reinforce the diaphragm repair with mesh, rather than by fundoplication.

Keywords: Hernia, Diaphragmatic, herniorrhaphy, Laparoscopy