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Published on: September 11, 2021
Congenital para-oesophageal hiatal hernia in infancy
A J Jawad1, A I al-Samarrai, S al-Mofada
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Congenital para-oesophageal hiatal hernia (PEHH) is rare in infants but requires surgery. This condition can lead to severe complications, necessitating prompt diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Congenital para-oesophageal hiatal hernia (PEHH) is a rare infant condition requiring surgical intervention.
- Acquired PEHH can complicate Nissen fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux in children.
- PEHH, common in the elderly, presents risks like gastric volvulus, incarceration, and perforation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present six cases of congenital PEHH in infants.
- To explore the potential etiology of congenital PEHH.
- To review current surgical management strategies for congenital PEHH.
Main Methods:
- Case series presentation of six infants with congenital PEHH.
- Review of current literature on PEHH etiology and management.
- Analysis of surgical approaches for congenital PEHH.
Main Results:
- Six infants diagnosed with congenital PEHH were identified.
- Discussion on the potential causes and contributing factors for congenital PEHH.
- Evaluation of surgical outcomes and techniques used.
Conclusions:
- Congenital PEHH, though rare, is a significant surgical condition in infants.
- Understanding the etiology is crucial for effective management.
- Surgical repair is indicated for congenital PEHH to prevent life-threatening complications.
Abstract:
Congenital para-oesophageal hiatal hernia (PEHH) is a rare problem in infancy, however, it constitutes a clinical entity that mandates surgical repair once the diagnosis is made. In the paediatric age group, acquired PEHH has been described as a major complication in a number of patients who were treated surgically for gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) by Nissen fundoplication. PEHH is a frequently encountered condition in elderly patients; it accounts for 5% of diaphragmatic hiatal hernias. In both paediatric and adult patients PEHH, whether congenital or acquired in origin, is usually associated with potentially lethal complications such as gastric volvulus, incarceration, and perforation. In clinical practice true PEHH is extremely rare. The term has been expanded to include large gastric hiatal hernias where most of the stomach and the gastro-oesophageal junction are in the chest. Six infants with congenital PEHH are presented, together with an attempt to understand its possible aetiology and a review of its current surgical management.
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