Videoassisted diaphragmatic hernia repair in a cat: case report

ABSTRACT

This is a case report of a cat with signs of respiratory distress for about 30 days and progressive weight loss. The thoracic radiograph and abdomen examination evidencing loss of definition of the diaphragmatic line is compatible with diaphragmatic hernia. In laparoscopy, a large diaphragmatic defect and herniated structures were observed. Since abdominal viscera point towards the chest making occlusion of defective intracorporeal sutures difficult, paracostal incision proceeding to hernia repair by short celiotomy was chosen. Laparoscopy allows for location of herniated place and promotes the reduction of organs involved with minimal surgical trauma. Therefore, it was shown to be an effective diagnostic tool and an aid in the treatment of chronic diaphragmatic hernias of large size in a cat.

Keywords:
feline; diaphragmatic hernia; minimally invasive surgery