Correction of diaphragmatic hernia using the transverse colon in a dog

Abstract

A 3-year-old female Golden Retriever was referred with weakness, tachypnea and dyspnea. An incomplete
diaphragmatic silhouette, gas-filled small intestine and pleural effusion in the thoracic cavity were revealed in
radiographs, implying a diaphragmatic hernia. After laparotomy, the abdominal structures were gently retrieved into
the abdomen and a defect of 2 × 7 cm2 was found. The transverse colon was used as an autologous tissue flap for the
repair of the defect. There were no complications identified for 2 years after surgery. Thus, patching with the transverse
colon can be considered as an alternative for treating a defect in patients with a diaphragmatic hernia.