Acute hiatal hernia: a late complication following gastrectomy

Introduction. We describe a case of acute hiatal hernia during chemotherapy, in a female patient previously treated with gastrectomy. Case presentation. After gastric resection, the patient underwent chemotherapy, developing important emetic symptoms. A radiograph of the abdomen was performed because of acute epigastrial pain and it showed a marked left diaphragm elevation. A CT scan carried out 24 hours later identified an occlusion with herniation in the left hemi thorax. Subsequent surgical investigation resulted in a diagnosis of hiatal hernia with volvulus. Conclusions. This case represents a rare, late complication occurring after gastrectomy. © 2010 Piciucchi et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.