A case of parahiatal hernia with vomiting, and a review of the literature

Abstract

A parahiatal hernia, that occurs from muscular diaphragmatic defects causing separation from the esophageal hiatus, is rare. We treated a 68-year-old Japanese woman with the symptom of vomiting. Based on imaging studies (upper gastrointestinal studies, gastroscopy, contrast-enhanced computed tomography) we diagnosed parahiatal hernia. On laparoscopic surgery, the hernial orifice was separated from the esophageal hiatus and the crus of the diaphragm was between the hiatus and the orifice. We closed the hernial orifice with mesh. Parahiatal hernia is rare and is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. We present a case and the clinical discuss the characteristics and management of this rare disease.