World’s first documented case of right-sided adult Bochdalek hernia with liver & colon mass successfully treated at BABINA Hospital

IMPHAL, Jul 26
In a medical milestone, BABINA Hospital has successfully performed the first documented case in the World of a right-sided adult Bochdalek hernia involving herniation of the liver and bowel obstruction caused by a sigmoid colonic mass-a rare and life-threatening condition that had never been successfully treated and reported before.
As per a release issued by BABINA Hospital, the patient, a 59-year-old man, presented with severe respiratory distress, abdominal pain and nausea.
A CT scan revealed a right-sided diaphragmatic defect, through which both the liver and part of the colon had herniated into the chest cavity, compressing his lungs and causing breathing difficulty.
A six-hour, high-risk surgery was performed by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Sidartha Lukram, Consultant Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon, in collaboration with Departments of Anesthesia, General Surgery and Critical Care.
Speaking about the surgery, Dr Sidartha said, “We approached the hernia through the chest and successfully returned the liver to the abdominal cavity and repaired the diaphragmatic defect”.
“However, we noticed that the colon was not decompressing. Suspecting a blockage, we immediately proceeded with an abdominal exploration”, he added.
During the abdominal surgery, the team discovered a sigmoid colon mass that was causing the obstruction. A proximal colostomy, a surgical procedure where the upper part of the large intestine is brought out through the abdominal wall so waste can safely exit the body, was performed to bypass the blocked and unhealthy section of the colon, which proved to be life-saving.
“The patient's oxygen levels improved immediately after surgery. He was extubated the next day and made a full recovery”, added Dr Sidartha.
What makes this case globally significant is the cause of obstruction. While a small number of right-sided Bochdalek hernias have been reported in adults-typically causing obstruction through strangulation or incarceration of bowel loops-no published case until now has involved obstruction caused by an internal colonic mass, especially in combination with liver herniation.
This is the first documented case in the world of a right-sided adult Bochdalek hernia involving both liver herniation and bowel obstruction caused by a sigmoid colon mass, successfully treated through combined thoracic and abdominal surgery.
While other cases report obstruction due to strangulation or incarceration of bowel through the hernia, none have documented a colonic mass as the cause of obstruction within such a hernia.
Dr Shyamkumar Laishram, Medical Superintendent of BABINA Hospital, stressed the significance of collaboration, stating “The speed, skill, and teamwork shown by our surgical, anesthesia, and critical care teams exemplify what modern, coordinated care can achieve”.
Dr Thangjam Dhabali Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of BABINA Group of Companies, stated “This is a proud moment not only for BABINA Hospital but for Manipur and India. It proves that with the right expertise and infrastructure, globally benchmarked care is possible right here at home”.
“At BABINA, every life matters”, said Dr Dhabali, adding “This case is not just a medical triumph, but a promise to our people that the highest standards of care are not beyond reach, but right here at home”.
Bochdalek hernias are congenital defects typically diagnosed in newborns. In adults, especially on the right side, they are exceedingly rare. When combined with a sigmoid colon mass, the condition becomes critically dangerous and requires immediate intervention.
The landmark surgery further strengthened BABINA Hospital's commitment to offering cutting-edge treatment, early diagnosis, and compassionate care in even the most complex medical emergencies.