Asymptomatic Diaphragmatic Hernia Diagnosed after Six Years Following Esophagectomy: A Case Report

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Resident of General Surgery, Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Thoracic Surgeon, Cardio-Thoracic Surgery & Transplant Research Center, Emam Reza Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Fellows of Thoracic Surgery, Cardio-Thoracic Surgery & Transplant Research Center, Emam Reza Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

4 Resident of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ovulation Dysfunction Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Diaphragmatic hernia, secondary to transhiatal esophagectomy, appears to be a relatively infrequent diagnosis. Patients may be asymptomatic or present with various symptoms. Diagnosis of this condition requires a high index of suspicion. The most common cause of diaphragmatic hernia is widened esophageal hiatus during surgery; therefore, narrowing the hiatus can prevent conduit herniation. Herein, we present the case of a 65-year-old man, who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy and gastric pull-up for squamous cell carcinoma six years ago. The patient was asymptomatic and diaphragmatic hernia was detected unexpectedly in the surveillance follow-up interval. In the present report, we also aimed to discuss the risk factors, as well as preventive and treatment methods.

Keywords


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