Hiatal hernia as a late complication after gastrectomy

Abstract

Introduction: Hiatal hernia is an extremely rare complication after total gastrectomy. Case presentation: An 80-year-old man presented with acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and orthopnoea. He had a history of total gastrectomy with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction five years before. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a right hemithorax herniation with small bowel occlusion. Exploratory laparotomy showed volvulus of the small intestine in the hiatal hernia. Conclusions: Hiatal hernia is a rare complication after gastrectomy but early detection and treatment are important to avoid dismal outcomes.