581. SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ACUTE SYMPTOMATIC POST-ESOPHAGECTOMY DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA

Abstract Background Post esophagectomy diaphragmatic hernia (PEDH) is a rare, often asymptomatic condition, but it can also present as a life-threatening complication leading to emergency treatment. Acute onset of symptoms such as epigastric pain, shortness of breath and evidence of serious complications like strangulation, necrosis or perforation of the herniated organs represent an indication for emergency surgery. The aim of the present study is to report the experience of a tertiary care center for esophageal disease and to describe the clinical and surgical management of acute-onset PEDH treated in an emergency setting. Methods A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of esophagectomies for cancer (hybrid, open, transhiatal or minimally invasive) performed at our Institution between January 2013 to June 2022 was performed. Early PEDH was defined as onset within 90 days from surgery. All patients with acute presentation of volvulus, ischemia, respiratory dysfunction or perforation were treated surgically by two expert surgeons. Results Among 357 patients, 10 had an urgent PEDH requiring surgery within 24 hours after onset of symptoms. Early PEDH was diagnosed in 5 patients (median time 4 days) and 3 of them had a concomitant diagnosis of anastomotic leak. Late hernia was treated at median time of 249 days. Organ resection was performed in 4 patients. Surgical access was laparoscopy in 8 patients, open and thoracotomy in 2. Cruroplasty was performed in 8 cases. Mortality was 0%. Recurrence was 10%. No preoperative risk factors for PEDH were identified (Table 1). Conclusions Diaphragmatic hernia could be a challenging complication after esophagectomy, that could present either as an early or late complication. Its early recognition is of paramount importance given its association with anastomotic leak or strangulation. Laparoscopic repair should be considered as the approach of choice in high-volume centers and cruroplasty with or without mesh positioning should be evaluated.