BACKGROUND: Shortness of breath is a common symptom reported by patients after gynecologic procedures. Delayed traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is a rare cause of shortness of breath. CASE: This report describes the diagnosis and management of a patient with a delayed presentation of a ruptured right hemidiaphragm after a laparotomy for a pelvic mass. CONCLUSION: Although rare, delayed presentation of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture should be considered in patients with a history of blunt chest or abdominal trauma as a possible cause of shortness of breath in the postoperative setting. BACKGROUND: Shortness of breath is a common symptom reported by patients after gynecologic procedures. Delayed traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is a rare cause of shortness of breath. CASE: This report describes the diagnosis and management of a patient with a delayed presentation of a ruptured right hemidiaphragm after a laparotomy for a pelvic mass. CONCLUSION: Although rare, delayed presentation of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture should be considered in patients with a history of blunt chest or abdominal trauma as a possible cause of shortness of breath in the postoperative setting.