A Surgical Alternative in the Treatment of Recurrent Diaphragmatic Hernia after Total Gastrectomy

Treament of hiatal hernia remains a challenge for surgeons. The techniques for treatment started with cruroplasty, which was later associated with extensive mobilization of the esophagus, with or without fundoplication. Other solutions included the use of synthetic or biological mesh and autologous tissue reinforcement. Despite these therapeutic strategies, the recurrence rate for hiatal hernia is significant, and no existing treatments have had much success in reducing this rate. Total gastrectomy, as in this case, represents an additional challenge because of the absence of gastric tissue, which can buttress the pillars' repair. This case report introduces a novel approach for the treatment of recurrent hiatal hernia, using a pedicled vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap.