Early colonic transhiatal herniation and anastomotic leak after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy

Transhiatal herniation of the abdominal organs is a rare complication after esophagectomy. Surgical treatment is usually mandatory because of the high mortality associated with this condition. We present a case of colonic herniation that could contribute to failure of the esophagogastric anastomosis. Repair of both problems was performed through a right posterior thoracotomy.