Bowel in Chest Following Hiatal Hernia: A Rare Presentation

Case Series

Austin Crit Care Case Rep. 2023; 7(1): 1043.

Bowel in Chest Following Hiatal Hernia: A Rare Presentation

Boubekri A¹*; Bentalha A²; Atmani W¹; Bouaiyda A¹; El Kettani SE²; Baite A¹; Bensghir M¹

1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Mohammed V University, Morocco

2Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children Hospital of Rabat, Morocco

*Corresponding author: Boubekri Ayoub Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Mohammed V University, Morocco. Email: dr.boubkri@gmail.com

Received: June 02, 2023 Accepted: June 26, 2023 Published: July 03, 2023

Abstract

Organ displacement severity across the esophageal hiatus determines how severe a hiatal hernia is. Rare Type IV paraesophageal hernias entail the protrusion of additional abdominal organs in addition to the stomach. We discuss the case of a 13-year-old boy who experienced intestinal obstruction and had a recurring hiatal hernia. A paraesophageal hiatal hernia with colonic and small bowel herniation was identified through clinical examination and imaging. Surgery was used to strengthen the anti-reflux system, reduce the hernia contents, and fix the hernia defect. The patient’s postoperative course was successful. This instance emphasizes the significance of quick paraesophageal hernia diagnosis and care to avoid consequences. An early surgical intervention can enhance results and reduce possibly fatal consequences.

Keywords: Hiatal hernia; Bowel in chest; Paraeosophageal hernia

Introduction

Hiatal Hernias (HH) are classified based on the position of the Gastroesophageal Junction (GEJ), the extent of herniation of the stomach, and the presence of other organs in the hernia sac. Type IV Paraesophageal Hernias (PEH) is uncommon, accounting for only 2%-5% of all cases [1] and are characterized by the displacement of not only the stomach but also other organs such as the colon, spleen, and small bowel into the chest cavity. Although some individuals with this condition may not experience any symptoms, it can lead to serious complications, including perforation, bleeding, and obstruction. Diagnosis of paraesophageal hernia usually involves a combination of clinical examination and imaging tests. In this article, we present a unique case of colonic obstruction in the chest.

Observation

This concerns a 13-year-old child who underwent surgery for hiatal hernia in 2013, and then underwent another surgery in 2019 due to recurrence. The patient presented with a five-day history of bowel obstruction, characterized by the cessation of bowel movements and gas, along with vomiting and abdominal pain. Upon clinical examination, the patient was in poor general condition, conscious, and hemodynamically stable, but was experiencing shortness of breath with a pulse oxygen saturation level of 92% on room air. The abdomen was distended and painful. After initial stabilization, including oxygen therapy and peripheral venous access, intravenous fluid resuscitation, the patient was taken to the radiology department where an upright abdominal X-ray was performed (Figure 1), revealing air-fluid levels in the abdomen and thorax. The patient was then admitted to the emergency operating room and underwent rapid sequence induction followed by intubation and ventilation. The previous supraumbilical midline incision was reopened, revealing marked distension of the colon and small intestine (Figure 2), along with a paraesophageal hiatal hernia and the ascent of the small bowel, transverse colon, and part of the left colon, as well as a tight adhesion. The adhesion was released, the hernia contents were reduced, and the anti-reflux system was reinforced with a Nissen fundoplication and hiatal narrowing (Figure 3). The patient was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit postoperatively, where they remained for four days without complications, and then transferred to the surgical ward.