asymptomatic diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed after six years following esophagectomy: a case report

diaphragmatic hernia, secondary to transhiatal esophagectomy, appears to be a relatively infrequent diagnosis. patients may be asymptomatic or present with various symptoms. diagnosis of this condition requires a high index of suspicion. the most common cause of diaphragmatic hernia is widened esophageal hiatus during surgery; therefore, narrowing the hiatus can prevent conduit herniation. herein, we present the case of a 65-year-old man, who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy and gastric pull-up for squamous cell carcinoma six years ago. the patient was asymptomatic and diaphragmatic hernia was detected unexpectedly in the surveillance follow-up interval. in the present report, we also aimed to discuss the risk factors, as well as preventive and treatment methods.