Hiatal Hernia After Esophagectomy for Cancer

In a retrospective review of patients undergoing esophagectomy at two high volume centers, the incidence of hiatal hernia was 5% – 10%.  The incidence did not differ between open and MIE approaches.  Two-thirds of the hernias were discovered incidentally, although half of those patients were symptomatic.  Mortality in patients undergoing urgent correction was almost 20%.