# Successful Laparoscopic Treatment of Morgagni’s Hernia in an Elderly Female Presenting as a Hypoxemic Hypercapnic Respiratory Distress

## TL;DR

An elderly woman with Morgagni’s hernia presented with severe breathing issues and was successfully treated with laparoscopic surgery.

## Contribution

This case highlights the successful laparoscopic treatment of Morgagni’s hernia in an elderly patient presenting with respiratory distress.

## Key findings

- The patient presented with dyspnea and desaturation, leading to ICU admission.
- CT scan confirmed Morgagni’s hernia with complete lobar collapse.
- Laparoscopic reduction of the hernia resulted in patient improvement and good prognosis.

## Abstract

Morgagni's hernia (MH) occurs when the abdominal viscera herniates into the thoracic cavity through a congenital anatomical defect in the diaphragm, termed the foramen of Morgagni. Although it is more frequently detected in childhood, its delayed presentation in adults and the elderly could be easily overlooked due to the non-specificity of its symptoms. Here, we report the case of an elderly female who presented purely with dyspnea and desaturation, necessitating admission to the intensive care unit. Her computed tomography (CT) scan revealed the presence of MH with complete lobar collapse. Laparoscopy was successful in reducing the hernia, and the patient improved with a good prognosis. Surgical treatment for MH is advised for all cases in order to prevent the occurrence of serious complications.