massive hiatal hernia after total gastrectomy

Abstract Background: Hiatal hernia is a very rare late complication after gastrectomy but it is potentially lethal. Case Presentation: A 73 year-old patient with history of gastric cancer treated with perioperative chemotherapy and total gastrectomy five months prior, presented to the Emergency Department due to the rapid onset of abdominal symptoms and severe dyspnea. A CT-Scan was done with large hiatal hernia with small intestine loops in both hemithorax and vascular congestion. An urgent reoperation was performed. Conclusions: An early diagnosis is crucial to reduce the mortality of this uncommon complication. Keywords Gastric cancer; Hiatal hernia; Postgastrectomy complications; Total gastrectomy Abbreviations CT: Computed tomography