Acute Chest Presentation following a Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication

Abstract

We describe a case of an acute paraoesophageal hernia in the early post-operative period following a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Patient developed intraoperative tension pneumothorax requiring an immediate chest drain and subsequently needed respiratory support of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation. A short discussion of this rare but deleterious complication and the difficulty of making a prompt diagnosis are included as delayed revision surgery can be technically challenging with a poor outcome.