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Two cases of intrathoracic herniation of the gastric tube from the retrosternal route requiring reoperation after oesophagectomy
  1. Naoki Kobayashi,
  2. Motomi Nasu,
  3. Takashi Hashimoto and
  4. Shinji Mine
  1. Esophageal and Gastroenterological Surgery, Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
  1. Correspondence to Dr Naoki Kobayashi; naokikobayashi0613{at}gmail.com

Abstract

Intrathoracic herniation of the gastric tube pulled up through the retrosternal route after oesophagectomy is relatively rare and usually can be managed by conservative treatment.

We present two patients who needed reoperation for intrathoracic herniation of gastric tube after minimally invasive oesophagectomy for thoracic oesophageal cancer. Postoperatively, both patients showed herniation and acute twist of the gastric tube. Due to the twist of the gastric tube, one patient had ischaemic change of the proximal tip of the gastric tube, and the other patient showed delayed gastric emptying, both of which led to surgical repairs. In this case report, we discuss why the herniation of gastric tube from the retrosternal route occurs, how to decide to do reoperation and how to prevent this complication.

  • Gastroenterology
  • Gastrointestinal surgery

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Footnotes

  • Contributors The following authors were responsible for drafting of the text, sourcing and editing of clinical images, investigation results, drawing original diagrams and algorithms and critical revision for important intellectual content: NK, MN, TH and SM. The following authors gave final approval of the manuscript: NK, MN, TH and SM.

  • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

  • Case reports provide a valuable learning resource for the scientific community and can indicate areas of interest for future research. They should not be used in isolation to guide treatment choices or public health policy.

  • Competing interests None declared.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.