Blunt diaphragmatic rupture in elderly patients

Background/Aims: Severe blunt torso trauma can cause diaphragmatic rupture. Such trauma remains a diagnostic challenge to the trauma surgeon, particularly when the initial chest roentgenogram is unrevealing. Owing to age, preexisting diseases, and poor physiological reserves, elderly patients suffer higher mortality rates after trauma than young patients. The difference between elderly and young patients in terms of blunt diaphragmatic rupture is particularly interesting. Methodology: Records from 78 patients presenting with blunt diaphragmatic rupture at our hospital from July 1992 to January 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, co-morbid disease, trauma mechanism, associated organ injury, injury severity score, hemodynamic status on arrival at our Emergency Room, injury side and size of diaphragmatic rupture, delay before operation, and postoperative complications and mortality were determined for elderly (>65 years) and young (