A Rare Transverse Colon Hiatal Herniation as a Complication of an Esophagectomy

Hiatal herniations involving the transverse colon are a rare condition. This case study explores the hiatal herniation of the transverse colon as a complication of an esophagectomy through the prosection findings of a 91-year-old male anatomical donor ("donor") who had a documented esophagectomy procedure due to esophageal adenocarcinoma. A thorough dissection of the abdomen and thorax confirmed that a large portion of the esophagus was removed during an esophagectomy, and the remaining cervical portion was reconnected to the stomach in the posterior mediastinum of the thoracic cavity. A type IV hiatal hernia involving the transverse colon and greater omentum was also noted. This study aims to evaluate the donor's noted esophageal hiatal herniations and how surrounding atypical anatomy may be correlated with the history of a completed esophagectomy.