Diagnosis Of Diaphragmatic Hernia Research Articles

Should We Operate Nonagenarians with Symptomatic Giant Paraesophageal Hernias?

Introduction: Hiatal hernia (HH) is a common disorder of the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract that general surgeons encounter. Giant paraesophageal is a subtype of HH in which more than 30% of the stomach is located in the chest. It can cause symptoms such as dysphagia, UGI bleeding, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and vomiting. As the life expectancy of the general population increases, the incidence of giant HH increases and can cause morbidity, including recurrent admissions and prolonged length of hospitalization. In this article, we describe a cohort of nonagenarian patients with HH who were admitted to our institution and were treated either surgically or medically. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained database of all nonagenarians who were admitted to our center between 2018 and 2022 with the diagnosis of HH. We compared the demographic data, clinical data, and outcomes between patients undergoing operative and nonoperative management. Results: Twenty patients of age over 90 years were hospitalized with HH-related symptoms. Six underwent surgery, whereas 14 received medical management. Surgical patients had fewer overall hospitalization days, shorter length of stay, and less blood product requirements. Notably two cases of in-hospital mortality occurred in the nonoperative group, whereas none occurred in the operative group. All surgical procedures were performed laparoscopically, with two minor perioperative complications. Conclusion: In selected nonagenarian patients, laparoscopic HH repair is safe and should be considered favorably. It can reduce hospitalization time and can mitigate morbidity.

The role of endoscopic ultrasound in assessment of physiological cardia insufficiency during diagnosis of hiatal hernia

Background. The aim of the study: to determine the role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in assessing the failure of the physiological cardia in the diagnosis of hiatal hernias (HH). Materials and methods. At the Department of Digestive Surgery of the State Institution “Institute of Gastroenterology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine” in 2023, we have performed surgical treatment of 33 patients with HH: axial HH were diagnosed in 21 (63.6 %) cases (I type), paraesophageal HH — in 12 (36.4 %) patients (II type) (ICD-10 code is K44). Control group included 20 practically healthy people. Results. All patients underwent an X-ray and endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and EUS. All 33 (100.0 %) patients underwent an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and an endoscopic examination to detect changes in the esophageal mucosa. EUS was performed in 31 (93.9 %) patients. The thickness of the esophageal wall was assessed using EUS, which made it possible to determine the state of the structures of the phy­siological cardia in HH: the displacement of part of the stomach above the diaphragm, location of the gastroesophageal junction relative to the legs of the diaphragm and relative to each other; the distance between the legs of the diaphragm (area of the HH) and their length; the cross-sectional area of the HH (hernial sac). The data obtained during EUS influenced the choice of the method for surgical correction of the physiological cardia with HH. Conclusions. Thus, with HH, EUS makes it possible to evaluate pathological changes of the main structures in the failure of the physiological cardia, to improve diagnosis for the types of HH, the location of the gastroesophageal junction, with determination of dimensions of the esophageal hiatus, the distance between the legs of the physiological cardia, localization and cross-section of the hernial sac, which influenced the choice of the surgery for physiological cardia in HH.

High-resolution 3-dimensional tomography may be a useful tool for understanding the anatomy of hiatal hernias and surgical planning of patients eligible for laparoscopic or robotic antireflux surgery.

3D computed tomography (CT) has been seldom used for the evaluation of hiatal hernias (HH) in surgical patients. This study aims to describe the 3D CT findings in candidates for laparoscopic or robotic antireflux surgery or HH repair and compare them with other tests. Thirty patients with HH and/or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who were candidates for surgical treatment and underwent high-resolution CT were recruited. The variables studied were distance from the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) to the hiatus; total gastric volume and herniated gastric volume, percentage of herniated volume in relation to the total gastric volume; diameters and area of the esophageal hiatus. HH was diagnosed with CT in 21 (70%) patients. There was no correlation between the distance EGJ-hiatus and the herniated gastric volume. There was a statistically significant correlation between the distance from the EGJ to the hiatus and the area of the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm. There was correlation between tomographic and endoscopic findings for the presence and size of HH. HH was diagnosed with manometry in 9 (50%) patients. There was no correlation between tomographic and manometric findings for the diagnosis of HH and between hiatal area and lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure. There was no correlation between any parameter and DeMeester score. The anatomy of HH and the hiatus can be well defined by 3D CT. The EGJ-hiatus distance may be equally measured by 3D CT or upper digestive endoscopy. DeMeester score did not correlate with any anatomical parameter.

EP20.22: Absent fetal stomach in third trimester for the diagnosis of hiatal hernia

EP20.22: Absent fetal stomach in third trimester for the diagnosis of hiatal hernia

HIATAL HERNIA, PANORAMIC REVIEW OF DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT

Introduction: Hiatal hernia (HH) occurs frequently in the population, characterized by various non-specific symptoms, however most of these symptoms are found to be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease. A hiatal hernia is said to be a medical condition in which the upper portion of the stomach or other internal organ protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm. Objective: to detail current information related to hiatal hernia, description, etiology, classification, diagnosis, differential, prognosis, management and complications. Methodology: a total of 38 articles were analyzed in this review, including review and original articles, as well as clinical cases, of which 27 bibliographies were used because the other articles were not relevant for this study. The sources of information were PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane; the terms used to search for information in Spanish, Portuguese and English were: hiatal hernia, hiatal repair, diagnosis, management. Results: The incidence of symptomatic cases of hiatal hernia is related to the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The incidence of hiatal hernias increases with age. About 55%-60% of individuals over 50 years of age have a hiatal hernia. However, approximately 9% have symptoms and it depends on the type and competence of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The largest percentage of these hernias are type I sliding hiatal hernias. Type II, paraesophageal hernias, represent approximately 5% of hiatal hernias in which the LES remains stationary, with the stomach protruding superiorly to the diaphragm. There is also a high prevalence in women, attributable to increased intra-abdominal pressure during pregnancy. The estimated overall 30-day mortality rate in relation to antireflux surgery is approximately 0.19%. Conclusions: Hiatal hernia (HH) is relatively common in the general population. It is caused by increased intra-abdominal pressure, leading to protrusion of the stomach and other abdominal viscera into the mediastinum. Hiatal hernias can be congenital or acquired. The current anatomical classification of hiatal hernias consists of four types or categories, each with its different characteristics. Diagnosis of hiatal hernia can be challenging because of the change in the anatomy of the esophagogastric junction on swallowing, breathing and movement. The pre-surgical study of the individual supports the diagnosis and the exclusion of other pathologic entities to properly direct the surgical intervention. The success of hiatal hernia surgery can be measured by the improvement of symptoms, such as esophageal acid exposure, complications and the requirement for reoperation. Complications of surgery are usually mild and are not directly linked to the surgery itself. KEY WORDS: surgery, hernia, hiatus, diagnosis, management.

The Effect of Deep Sedation in Endoscopic Diagnosis of Hiatal Hernia

The Effect of Deep Sedation in Endoscopic Diagnosis of Hiatal Hernia

Renal Replacement by Thoracic Approach in Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia with Thoracic Kidney: Case Report

An acquired diaphragmatic hernia usually occurs after thoracoabdominal trauma, causing a defect in the diaphragm that allows the migration of intraperitoneal structures into the thoracic cavity. The finding of renal involvement has a low incidence. The diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernias is based on chest x-ray and computed tomography. Treatment is surgical, due to the risk of strangulation, and consists of content reduction, resection of the sac, and closure of the hernia defect. It can be performed through the thoracic or abdominal approach, with an increasing number of minimally invasive techniques, which reduce trans and postoperative complications. We present the case of a patient with a diagnosis of late-onset post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with renal involvement, treated surgically through a thoracic approach with an attempt to preserve the kidneys, who finally underwent nephrectomy due to urinoma secondary to a lesion of the renal pelvis during the mobilization of the kidney to the abdominal cavity.

Abdominal Wall Hernias in Patients with Hiatal Hernias: Predictors of Association in a Large Cohort of Patients

Introduction: Hiatal hernia and abdominal wall hernia (AWH) have a common theme of pathogenesis and etiology. This suggests a potential relationship between these 2 types of hernia. However, no large studies have examined such an association. We designed the current study to characterize this association and identify factors associated with this coexistence. Methods: A database of patients seen at a large multi-center health network serving 3 states in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States was queried for patients with a documented diagnosis of hiatal hernia (HH) or paraesophageal hernia (PEH). This population was then divided into groups based on whether or not they had a history of another type of AWH (ventral, inguinal/ femoral, umbilical, or incisional hernia). Demographic and clinical data were compared between groups using univariate, followed by multivariable logistic analysis. Results: The final study population consisted of 28 114 patients (66.5% female) with HH/PEH. The prevalence of AWH in this population was 8.2% (n = 2299). Of these 69.1% had only one AWH with the remaining 30.9% having two or more hernias. Multivariable analysis showed male patients with HH/PEH were more likely to have AWH (OR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.810-2.162, P <0 .0001). The odds of AWH were higher in patients aged 50 to 80 years old compared to younger patients (OR: 1.527; 95% CI: 1.348-1.730, P <0 .0001). Patients with any comorbidity were also more likely to develop AWH (OR: 1.764; 95% CI: 1.566-1.986, P < 0.0001), with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) being the comorbidity with the highest risk (OR: 1.295; 95% CI: 1.161-1.444, P <0 .0001), followed by obesity (OR: 1.267; 95% CI: 1.156-1.388, P <0 .0001). Conclusion: The prevalence of an AWH in patients with a HH/PEH was 8.2%. Although HH/PEH are more prevalent in females, males with HH/PEH are at higher risk for AWH. Obesity, OSA, tobacco use, hypertension, diabetes, and hypothyroidism are independent risk factors for presence of an AWH in patients with HH/PEH.

Bochdalek hernia presenting gastrointestinal symptoms in late childhood: a case report

Most cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can be diagnosed based on symptoms of severe respiratory failure during the neonatal period or fetal ultrasonography. However, some rare cases are diagnosed in late childhood or adolescence. In this case report, I describe an 11-year-old male patient diagnosed with late-onset CDH presenting with acute abdominal pain. The patient had recently experienced anorexia, nausea, and vomiting after eating. However, he reported no abdominal pain or past history of trauma. The abdomen was generally convex. All laboratory data were within normal limits. A chest X-ray revealed elevation of the left diaphragm. Chest computed tomography showed a defect in the left diaphragm. Based on the above radiologic findings, emergency surgery was performed after the diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia. A surgical incision was performed in the left subcostal area. Finally, late-presenting Bochdalek hernia was diagnosed. The operation was completed and no specific findings on chest X-ray were found after surgery. The patient was discharged on the fourth day after surgery. In conclusion, CDH in late childhood or adolescence is rare and has various clinical manifestations. To avoid complications such as strangulation and bowel perforation, emergency surgery may be required. Thus, it is necessary to suspect CDH in children with recurrent gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms, based on which an accurate diagnosis can be made and successful surgical treatment can be performed.

Repair of diaphragmatic hernias: Retrospective analysis of 70 cases.

Congenital and traumatic diaphragmatic hernias (DH) can lead to respiratory and gastrointestinal complications that can be the cause of serious morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to share our experience with the surgical repair of complicated or non-complicated DH. Patients who were operated on under emergency or elective conditions with the diagnosis of DH between 2009 and 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, histories, symptoms, etiology of DH, computed tomography find-ings, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes of the patients were recorded. The mean age of the cases was 51.5±18.5, and 29 were female and 41 were male. Hernia etiology was found to be con-genital (40%), traumatic (32.8%), spontaneous (14.3%), and iatrogenic (12.8%), respectively. The mean diameter of the defects was 7.3±2.76 cm (range: 3-15 cm), and 84% of the defects were on the left side. Sixty percent of the cases were treated by laparoscopic surgery and 11.4% by laparotomy. The conversion rate from laparoscopic to open was 24.3%. Dual mesh was used in 48% of the pa-tients, and primary suturing was applied in 34%. The postoperative mortality rate was 7.1%. DH is an important cause of morbidity and mortality due to abdominal organ strangulation and pulmonary and cardiac complications. When a DH is diagnosed, laparoscopic or open surgery is the treatment that should be preferred.

One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass and Hiatal Hernia: Nissen Fundoplication with the Excluded Stomach to Decrease the Risk of Postoperative Gastroesophageal Reflux.

The realization of an antireflux valve according to the Nissen technique during the operation of one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) may theoretically decrease the incidence of postoperative reflux in patients with hiatal hernia (HH). In this retrospective study, we included all patients operated on between January 2015 and January 2019 for an OAGB associated with the creation of an antireflux Nissen valve (360-degree wrap). The patients included had type II or type III HH that had been diagnosed preoperatively or discovered intraoperatively. Twenty-two patients were operated on during the period considered. The mean preoperative BMI was 40 ± 14 kg/m2. Five patients (22.7%) had a history of bariatric surgery. Typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were preoperatively present in four patients (18%), and HH was revealed preoperatively only in four patients; for all the other patients, the diagnosis of HH was made intraoperatively. The rate of early and/or late postoperative complications was 0%. The mean duration of follow-up was 23 ± 15 months. No dysphagia was reported during follow-up. Three patients presented with symptomatic GERD postoperatively, including one de novo. Mean BMI at the end of follow-up was 24 ± 3 kg/m2, and the % of total weight loss was 108 ± 30%. OAGB with a Nissen antireflux valve seems to be a safe and effective surgical technique and it could be an extra arrow in the surgeon's quiver in the presence of HH in a patient scheduled for OAGB.

Pelvic radiography as a non-invasive screening tool for hiatal hernia in children with cerebral palsy.

The diagnosis of hiatal hernia (HH), causing severe gastroesophageal reflux disease and complications in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is cumbersome because invasive investigations are required for diagnosis. Hip displacement, one of the most common complications in children with CP, can be diagnosed with a simple pelvic radiograph. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the severity of hip displacement and HH and the diagnostic accuracy of Reimers’ hip migration percentage (MP) on pelvic radiography in assessing the presence of HH. A total of 52 children with CP (27 boys, 25 girls; mean age, 6.3 years; range, 0.6–17.4 years) who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, upper gastrointestinal series and pelvic radiography between March 2013 and February 2020 were recruited. Demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as endoscopic and radiological findings, were evaluated and statistically analyzed. HH was defined as ≥ 2 cm proximal displacement of the gastroesophageal junction identified in esophagogastroduodenoscopy or upper gastrointestinal series, and MP was calculated by evaluating the pelvic radiograph. Of the 52 children enrolled in this study, HH was diagnosed in 18 children (34.6%). When the patients were classified and analyzed according to the MP result, HH was observed in 10%, 26.7%, and 70.6% in MP <33%, MP 33%–39%, and MP > 40% groups, respectively (P < .001). The optimal MP cutoff of 36.5% distinguished pediatric CP patients with HH from those without HH with a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 68%, a positive predictive value of 56.0%, and a negative predictive value of 85.2%, respectively. The application of MP and the severity of hip displacement, which can be easily measured by simple radiography, may be useful and reliable in screening for detecting HH in children with CP. Retrospectively registered. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (IRB No. B-2007-627-106).

A058 Comparison of preoperative studies and symptom questionnaires with intraoperative diagnosis of hiatal hernia during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

A058 Comparison of preoperative studies and symptom questionnaires with intraoperative diagnosis of hiatal hernia during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

The uncommon diagnosis of hiatal hernia associated pancreatitis: A case report.

Introduction and importanceHiatal hernia (HH) contents commonly include stomach, transverse colon, small intestine, and spleen but herniation of the pancreas is an extremely rare phenomenon, even rarer when HH is associated with acute pancreatitis.Case presentationA 56-year-old female with hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and chest discomfort evolving for 24 h. Physical examination revealed left-upper quadrant tenderness without guarding. Blood tests showed elevated serum amylase and lipase levels.An abdominal CT scan demonstrated a large type-IV hiatal hernia involving the entire stomach, transverse and right colon, small intestine, duodenum as well as the head, body and the tail of pancreas. The pancreas was enlarged consistent with pancreatitis. Patient clinical status improved with conservative treatment.Clinical discussionThe stomach is the most common organ to herniate through the diaphragm and pancreatic herniation is extremely rare with only few cases in the literature. Even rarer when associated with acute pancreatitis. This diagnosis is a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge that has to be evoked in elderly presenting with chest pain and a negative cardiopulmonary evaluation. The ideal treatment is still unclear, however, conservative treatment is the initial management and surgery may be considered in case of recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis.ConclusionHH associated with acute pancreatitis is a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Clinicians should consider this rare diagnosis in every case of chest pain with negative cardiopulmonary evaluation.

Diagnosis and surgical correction of insufficiency of physiological cardia in hiatal hernia

Background. The purpose of the study was to improve the diagnosis and improving the results of surgical treatment of patients with hiatal hernia (HH) and GERD by applying the developed method of surgical correction of insufficiency of physiological cardia aimed at preserving and restoring the anatomical and topographic relationships of the esophagocardial organs. Materials and methods. In the Department of Digestive Surgery of the State Institution “Institute of Gastroenterology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine” for the period 2017–2021 conducted a study in 78 patients with HH, including: axial HH (typeI) was 60 (77.0%) patients; paraesophageal (type II)— 9 (11.5%) patients; mixed (type III)— 9 (11.5%) (code for ICD-10— K44). To establish and confirm the diagnosis, patients underwent radiological and endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, manometry. Results. In the analysis of complaints of examined patients it can be noted that the most common clinical manifestations in patients with HH and GERD were heartburn in 73 (93.7%), belching in 68 (87.2%) and epigastric pain in 64 (82.0%). The erosions of the lower third of the esophagus was found in 13 (16.7%) patients, while according to the Los Angeles classification in 6 (7.7%) patients had esophagitis grade A, 7 (8.9%) patients— grade B. According to the results of the manometry study, the highest pressure was observed in patients with axial HH and was (13.54±3.32) mm Hg, and the lowest— in patients with GERD and was (9.81±3.18) mm Hg. After a comprehensive examination, 3 (3.8%) patients after confirmation of the diagnosis of HH in combination with Barrett’s esophagus underwent two-stage treatment: the first stage performed argonoplasmic ablation of altered esophageal mucosa, the second stage— antireflux surgery. All of 78 (100%) patients underwent antireflux surgery. Laparoscopic fundoplications were performed: the Nissen fundoplication was performed in 53 (67.9%) patients, Toupet fundoplication in 7 (8.9%) patients and Dor fundoplication in 5 (6.6%) patients, cruroraphy was performed in 100.0%. The 11 (14.1%) patients underwent surgery according to a new method that provides reliable restoration of physiological cardia and preservation of the anatomical relationship of the diaphragm and esophageal-gastric junction and includes cruroraphy and fundoplication. Conclusions. The method of surgical treatment of insufficiency of physiological cardia in HH, proposed by us, aimed at the correction of physiological cardia is less traumatic than known, provides a reliable restoration of the anatomical relationship of the esophagogastric region.

Concomitant trans-sternal repair of Morgagni hernia and ventricular septal defect in a patient with Down syndrome: A case report

IntroductionMorgagni hernia is a rare type of hernia occurring secondary to potential anterior-medial defects in the diaphragm. The association of the defect with congenital cardiac pathologies and Down syndrome are well known. The defect is repaired usually by trans-abdominal or transthoracic approaches. Trans-sternal repair of the hernia is preferred in patients undergoing concomitant open heart surgery.Case presentationA 2-year-old child with Down syndrome underwent concomitant repair of Morgagni hernia and closure of his ventricular septal defect under cardiopulmonary bypass. The hernia was corrected by the sternotomy approach, without opening the hernia content, before the correction of the cardiac pathology. The patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the 4th postoperative day.DiscussionPreoperative diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia in congenital heart disease is important to decrease mortality rate. However, trans-sternal exposure of the defect is also possible, as in this case, in patients undergoing open heart surgery for congenital cardiac defects. The defect can be repaired by this approach, concomitantly with the cardiac anomaly, no need for an additional incision and without opening the hernia sac.ConclusionOur experience, although very limited, in patients who are suffering from Morgagni hernia and concomitant congenital heart defects shows that simultaneous repair of Morgagni hernia through midline sternotomy prior to cardiac procedure is effective. As Morgagni hernia can be accompanied with many congenital cardiac anomalies, cardiac surgeons should be familiar with the trans-sternal approach to the defect.

A Retrospective Study of Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia in Rajasthan

Introduction: Diaphragmatic injuries occur in 3.9 % of chest injuries. Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia usually undergo unrecognized. Diagnosis of diaphragmatic injuries is usually difficult. Materials and Methods: The records of patients who got operated for traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in the Department of Cardio- Thoracic and Vascular Surgery at SMS Hospital, Jaipur between July 2012 to July 2019 were referred. 39 patients underwent surgery for diaphragmatic hernia. From records history, age, sex, symptoms, signs, chest X-ray finding, operative approach for repair, operative course and outcome were recorded. Results: From 2012 July to 2019 July, 39 patients were operated by thoracotomy for traumatic diaphragmatic injury of which 29 were males and 10 were females. The oldest patient was 60 years old and the youngest was 12 years old. The cause of rupture of diaphragm was blunt abdominal trauma in 30 cases, penetrating chest trauma was seen in 9 cases. 33 cases gave history of road traffic accidents, 6 had fallen from height. Left sided tear was seen in 35 cases whereas 4 patients had right sided rupture. Most common symptom was difficulty in breathing seen in 34 cases. Reduced air entry was seen in 39 cases. The diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia was made on the basis of history, clinical examination of chest X-ray with ryles tube in situ in 36 cases, whereas 3 case required CECT. Conclusion: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia requires high index of suspicion for diagnosis, investigation most commonly chest x ray with ryles tube. It is more common in males and usually left sided. Early and prompt surgical repair by thoracotomy is the treatment of choice. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Patient care and Procedural skills, Medical knowledge, and System-based practice.

Anti-reflux surgical treatment for Barrett’s oesophagus

The aim of the study. To improve the effectiveness of surgical treatment for patients with hiatal hernia (HH) and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in combination with Barrett’s esophagus by developing a new method for surgical correction of the physiological cardia incompetence. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the Department of Digestive Surgery of the State Institution “Institute of Gastroenterology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine” in 2020–2021 and involved 56 patients with HH and GERD, among them axial HH was detected in 42 patients (75.0 %) – type I; paraesophageal HH – in 6 patients (10.7 %) – type II; mixed HH – in 8 patients (14.3 %) – type III (code ICD-10 – K44). The diagnosis was established using esophagogastroduodenoscopy (by high-resolution NBI mode), X-ray and histological examinations, manometry. Results. When the diagnosis of HH in combination with Barrett’s esophagus was confirmed, a two-stage treatment was performed. During the first stage, argonoplasmic coagulation of the altered esophageal mucosa was done. Anti-reflux procedures constituted the second stage to remove HH and restore an excessive dilatation of the esophageal orifice of the diaphragm by cruroraphy with correction of anti-reflux function of the cardia by fundoplication, angle of His reconstruction and providing free food passage. 11 (19.6 %) patients underwent surgery according to a new technique that provided reliable recovery of cardia physiological functions and preservation of the anatomical relation between the diaphragm and the esophageal-gastric junction and included cruroraphy and fundoplication. Conclusions. Thus, the proposed two-stage method of surgical treatment for patients with HH and GERD in combination with Barrett’s esophagus is highly effective. The application of the proposed method provides the elimination of pathological changes which are visible on conventional endoscopy in the esophageal mucosa, reliable restoration of cardia physiology and preservation of the anatomical relation between the diaphragm and the esophageal-gastric junction. In the post-surgical period, the proposed method of surgical treatment reduces the likelihood of recurrent failure of cardia physiological functions, dysphagia and Barrett’s esophagus.

Test to optimize the physical diagnosis of hiatal hernia

Test to optimize the physical diagnosis of hiatal hernia

Intestinal complications are common in patients with acquired diaphragmatic hernia after pediatric living donor liver transplantation

Acquired diaphragmatic hernia (DH) following liver transplantation (LT) is usually considered a surgical emergency. Interplay of contributing elements determines its occurrence but, in children, LT with partial liver grafts seems to be the most important causative factor. This retrospective study describes the clinical scenario and outcomes of 11 patients with acquired DH following LDLT. During the study period, 1109 primary pediatric LDLT were performed (0.8% DH). The median age and BW of the recipients with DH at transplantation were 17months and 11.1kg, respectively; 63.7% of the cases had a weight/age Z-score of less than -2 at transplantation. The median interval between transplantation and diagnosis of DH was 114days (32-538days). A total of 6 (54.5%) of the patients had bowel obstruction due to bowel migration into the hemithorax. Ten defects were right-sided. Three patients required enterectomy and enterorrhaphy. Two patients required a new bilioenteric anastomosis, and one of them had complete necrosis of the Roux-in-Y limb. The patient with left-side DH presented gastroesophageal perforation. Most defects necessitate primary closure as the first treatment, and recurrence is rare. The associated problems encountered, especially related to intestinal complications, can determine increased morbidity following DH repair. Early diagnosis and intervention are required for achieving better outcomes.