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Giant hiatal hernias. A series of cases.

BACKGROUND
Dyspnoea is most often caused by disorders of the respiratory and/or cardiovascular systems. Much less often it is caused by the displacement of abdominal organs into the thoracic cage. Hiatal hernias may cause diagnostic difficulties, as both clinical and radiological symptoms suggest different disorders. Computed tomography is the method of choice when making a diagnosis.


METHODS
We have presented a series of 7 cases of giant hiatal hernias, each with a varying course of disease, clinical symptoms, radiological results and prognoses.


RESULTS
In two of the cases the hernias were of a post-traumatic nature. Four cases of large diaphragmatic hernias were found in elderly patients (over 90 years old). An advanced age and numerous coexisting chronic diseases disqualified most of the patients from surgical treatment despite the hernias' large sizes. In only one case was fundoplication performed with a good end result. Two patients died and an extensive hernia was the cause of one of the deaths. Upper gastrointestinal symptoms were present only in a few of the patients.


CONCLUSION
An early diagnosis of giant hiatal hernia is crucial for the patients to undergo prompt corrective surgeries.