Thoracoabdominal hernia after treatment of chronic sterno-mediastinitis

AIM: To analyze clinical course and develop surgical technique for thoracoabdominal hernia in patients after previous sterno-mediastinitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 7 (20%) patients aged 53-69 years with thoracoabdominal hernia after previous cardiac surgery followed by postoperative sterno-mediastinitis. Thoracoomentoplasty was used for treatment of this complication. There were 2 males and 5 females. RESULTS: All patients underwent surgery aimed at translocation of the organs from mediastinum to abdominal cavity, restoring normal anatomical location of stomach, transverse colon and large omentum, stabilizing the thorax and closing the defects in the diaphragm and anterior abdominal wall. CONCLUSION: Surgical indications are justified by stomach and transverse colon dysfunction due to their displacement to the mediastinum with threat of strangulation, cardiac compression by hernial sac, as well as chest instability. Combined approach allows to achieve recovery in all patients.