[Surgical treatment of paraesophageal hernia]

Four types of hernia may occur in the area of esophageal hiatus. Type I is represented by hiatus slipping hernia. Type II is represented by hernia, which is generally known as paraesophageal hernia. In this type of hernia, cardia and distal stomach remain under diaphragm. The weakened tissue in phreno-esophageal membrane is the place, where stomach fundus penetrates into thorax above the diaphragm. The authors present 10 patients with paraesophageal hernia, who were operated on at the 2nd Surgery Clinic of Medical Faculty, UPJS, Faculty Hospital L. Pasteur in Kosice. These were adult patients, five man and five women. In four patients, so called "upside-down stomach" was the case. Hernias were operated on in all cases by laparotomy, after reposition of the stomach into abdominal cavity the area of hiatus and diaphragm was reconstructed. One patient was operated on under emergency conditions for bleeding from stomach ulcer. Immediate postoperation results were good, the postoperation course was favorable in all patients, no complications occurred. In conclusion, the authors are of the opinion that every diagnosed paraesophageal hernia should be indicated for surgical intervention. An anti-reflux operation should be executed in symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux. The question of operation approach (thoracotomy or laparotomy) is a matter of continuous discussion, each of them having its advocates. However, in recent years laparoscopic solution of paraesophageal hernia is getting increasing attention.