Hiatal hernia and acute pancreatitis

The hiatus hernia is defined by the permanent or intermittent protrusion of elements of the abdominal cavity into the chest through the diaphragmatic esophageal hiatus. The migration of the stomach may be accompanied by various other abdominal organs such as colon, splenic flexure, small intestine, omentum, pancreas. Although the majority of hiatal hernias are asymptomatic and incidentally discovered, life –threatening complications may occur. Pancreatitis is one of the complications. Its pathogenesis results from the obstruction of the distal pancreatic duct after the sliding of the pancreas into the thorax. In general asymptomatic hernia are treated supportively and symptomatic hernia are treated surgicaly according to the recommendations. We decribe a case of24 year old symptomatic patient who was admitted with acute pancreatitis secondary toa massive incarcerated paraoesophageal hernia with pancreatic herniation. Following laparotomy and adequate therapy, she has recovered and has been discharged.