Samenvatting
From 1970 to 1987, 62 patients, suffering from traumatic rupture of the diaphragm, have been treated. In more than 75% of the cases, other severe post- traumatic associated lesions were noticed. In 54 cases these concerned blunt trauma, most of which were due to road accidents. The total mortality rate was 21%. Death was due to hypovolemia, serious brain injuries or multiple organ failure due to sepsis.