Diaphragmatic Hernia Perforation Leading to Fecopneumothorax

Hiatal hernia is a common diagnosis. Unless symptomatic, most hiatal hernias are not repaired; in rare cases, however, severe complications can develop during conservative treatment. Although fecopneumothorax occurrence has been described in trauma and related to colonic pathology, it has not been described as occurring from spontaneous strangulation of a hiatal hernia. Regardless of the etiology, prompt recognition of the rare occurrence of fecopneumothorax is imperative. This report describes the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of a patient presenting with a type IV hiatal hernia that resulted in colonic ischemia, perforation, and fecopneumothorax.