Intrathoracic stomach in hiatal hernia: the role of laparoscopic repair.

Introduction: For decades, intrathoracic stomach has been an indication for surgical repair and over time laparoscopy has become standard treatment. However, there are still many aspects in the treatment of intrathoracic stomach that are subject of debate. We performed a literature review to discuss the role of laparoscopy in intrathoracic stomach repair.

A Collective Review on Mesh-Based Repair of Umbilical and Epigastric Hernias.

In accordance with the tension-free principles for other hernias, umbilical and epigastric hernia repair should probably be mesh-based. The number of randomized studies is increasing, most of them showing significantly less recurrences with the use of a mesh. Different devices are available and are applicable by several approaches.

Mesh Or Patch for Hernia on Epigastric and Umbilical Sites (MORPHEUS trial): study protocol for a multi-centre patient blinded randomized controlled trial.

Background: Evidence is accumulating that, similar to other ventral hernias, umbilical and epigastric hernias must be mesh repaired. The difficulties involved in mesh placement and in mesh-related complications could be the reason many small abdominal hernias are still primary closed. In laparoscopic repair, a mesh is placed intraperitoneally, while the most common procedure is open surgery is pre-peritoneal mesh placement.

Early severe mediastinal bleeding after esophagectomy: a potentially lethal complication.

Background: Anastomotic leakage after cervical oesophagogastrostomy is a common and difficult problem. Mediastinal manifestation of anastomotic leakage may lead to mediastinitis with dramatic and potentially lethal outcome. Contamination of the mediastinum can be controlled by endoscopic placement of an expandable metal stent.

[A chance finding in a woman with abdominal pain].

A 73-year-old woman was presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain. A CT-scan of the abdomen showed coprostasis and a visceral abdominal aneurysm of the splenic artery. Subsequently, the aneurysm was treated with endovascular coiling.

Cardiac herniation after operative management of lung cancer: a rare and dangerous complication.

Cardiac herniation after pneumonectomy is recognized as a rare complication. This case report describes two cases. The mortality rate of this complication remains high as reported in the literature; in early-recognized cases 50 % and in late or unrecognized cases 100 %.