Iatrogenic gastric perforation in a misdiagnosed case of late presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Report of an avoidable complication.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a defect in diaphragm which usually presents with severe respiratory distress in neonatal period.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia presenting at an age of 2.5 years in a male child. It was misdiagnosed as a case of pyothorax for which chest tube was attempted on left side resulting in iatrogenic gastric perforation. The patient was managed by early and prompt surgery.

DISCUSSION: Late presentation is usually rare with vast array of respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. It often leads to clinical and radiological misdiagnosis.

CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention in misdiagnosed cases can lead to catastrophic iatrogenic complications.