Diaphragmatic Pericardial Hernia

WARNING!  pictures in this section can be quite graphic.  Viewer discretion is advised.

This procedure the a repair of a Diaphragmatic Pericardial Hernia.  This could be a genetic defect or may be the result of impact trauma.

Below in the next two shots, we see the surgical approach to the abdomen.

Below,  you'll see the hernia where the intestines are in the wrong place.  They are in the chest, forward, towards the heart.

Multiple loops of intestine have been removed from the chest cavity and only the hernia remains.  (Note the heart in the distance through the hernia).

In the next few pictures,  you'll see the doctors preparing and closing the diaphragmatic hernia.

Now that the hernia has been closed,  the intestines are returned to their proper position in the abdomen.

Here's the final closure.

Our patient before the surgery was lethargic,  having GI distress and was set up for a severe cardiac episode.  Since surgery,  this dog is now running,  playing and living a significantly active life.