Bochdalek hernias rarely contain an intrathoracic kidney, and there are few reports of their operative repair. A woman presented with progressive dyspnoea limiting her quality of life. Imaging showed a Bochdalek hernia containing omentum, large bowel and the left kidney. The woman was unexpectedly admitted to the intensive care unit with respiratory failure secondary to gallstone pancreatitis whilst awaiting elective repair of her hernia. Surgical repair of the hernia was performed via laparotomy with cholecystectomy to treat both problems. The woman recovered well and is independently mobile without any exertional dyspnoea.