[Paraesophageal hiatal hernia]

Paraesophageal hiatal hernia is an uncommon disease but it frequently presents in aged people, causing chronic vague abdominal symptoms up to surgical emergencies from incarceration, strangulation or obstruction. The authors describe the physiopathology and clinical anatomical features of paraesophageal hiatal hernia. Important diagnostic radiological and instrumental aspects are then illustrated, versus sliding esophageal hiatal hernia. There are followed by a description of possible complications of this lesion and therapeutic implications.