The Problem of Hiatus Hernia Complicated by Peptic Esophagitis

Abstract

IN the sixteenth century Ambroise Paré¹ described the post-mortem findings in the first 2 reported cases of diaphragmatic hernia.‡ Nearly four centuries later Winklestein² originated the term peptic esophagitis. Only within the past decade has the relation between diaphragmatic hernia and esophagitis become widely recognized. It is the purpose of this report to present the problem as seen on the Thoracic Surgical Service of the New Haven Hospital during the ten-year span, 1945–55.Case MaterialDuring this interval there were over 3000 admissions to the Thoracic Surgical Section. Twenty-nine patients, or about 1 per cent, had proved peptic esophagitis. Sixty-two . . .