Asymptomatic Diaphragmatic Hernia Diagnosed after Six Years Following Esophagectomy: A Case Report

Diaphragmatic hernia, secondary to transhiatal esophagectomy, appears to be a relatively infrequent diagnosis. Patients may be asymptomatic or present with various symptoms. Diagnosis of this condition requires a high index of suspicion. The most common cause of diaphragmatic hernia is widened esophageal hiatus during surgery therefore, narrowing the hiatus can prevent conduit herniation. Herein, we present the case of a 65yearold man, who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy and gastric pullup for squamous cell carcinoma six years ago. The patient was asymptomatic and diaphragmatic hernia was detected unexpectedly in the surveillance followup interval. In the present report, we also aimed to discuss the risk factors, as well as preventive and treatment methods.