Abstract
This paper reviews the presentation and management for congenital intrathoracic stomach (CIS). The features that distinguish CIS from congenital short oesophagus and acquired oesophageal shortening are emphasised. The study is based on a retrospective review of six patients treated between 1988 and 1994. The four youngest presented with vomiting and the older two with respiratory symptoms. Chest radiographs were abnormal in every case, although the precise diagnosis was confirmed by barium meal. All cases were repaired through an abdominal approach; in each case the oesophagus was of sufficient length to allow the stomach to lie below the diaphragm. CIS is an uncommon condition. The most frequent cause is a large hiatus hernia, and the transabdominal route is the most satisfactory approach for operative repair.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Allison PR (1951) Reflux oesophagitis, sliding hiatal hernia and the anatomy of repair. Surg Gynecol Obstet 92: 419–431
Banadio WA (1989) Radiological case of the month: intrathoracic stomach with volvulus. Am J Dis Childhood 143: 504
Bright R (1936) Account of a remarkable misplacement of the stomach. Guys Hosp Rep 1: 598
Burke JB (1959) Partial thoracic stomach in childhood. Br Med J 2: 787–792
Carré IJ (1959) The natural history of the partial thoracic stomach in children. Arch Dis Childhood 34: 344–353
Carré IJ (1993) Disorders of the oropharynx and esophagus. In: Gracey M, Burke V (eds) Pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology. (3rd edn) Blackwell Scientific Publications, Boston, pp 32–76
Daneman A, Kozlowski K (1977) Large hiatus hernias in infancy and childhood. Aust Radiol 21: 133–139
Gerson DE, Lewicki MD (1976) Intrathoracic stomach: when does it obstruct? Radiology 119: 257–264
Handelsman JC (1962) Esophageal hiatal hernia. Surgery 52: 803–809
Harp RA, Gonzalez JL, Graham J (1965) Total gastric hiatal herniation in an infant. Surgery 57: 302–304
Hubert BC (1987) Familial right thoracic stomach. Paediatrics 79. 430–431
Kidd HA (1948) Two cases of volvulus of the stomach in diaphragmatic hernia. Br J Surg 35: 58–60
McDevitt JB (1970) Intrathoracic volvulus of stomach in a newborn infant. Ir J Med Sci 3: 131–135
Miller DL, Pasquale MD, Seneca RP, Hodin E (1991) Gastric volvulus in the pediatric population. Arch Surg 126: 1146–1149
Reddy ER, Onyett H, Fitzgerald GWN (1989) Gastric torsion. Can Assoc Radiol J 40: 47–48
Sharief NS, Kingston JE, Wright VM, Costeloe KC (1991) Acute leukaemia in an infant with Marfan's syndrome: a case report. Paediatr Hematol Oncol 8: 323–327
Skandalakis JE, Gray SW, Ricketts R (1994) The oesophagus. In: Embryology for surgeons. The embryological basis for the treatment of congenital abnormalities. Skandalakis JE and Gray SW (eds). 2nd edn. Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, pp 65–112
Sweet RH (1952) Esophageal hiatus hernia of the diaphragm. Ann Surg 135: 1–13
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Woodward, M., Crabbe, D.C.G., Kiely, E.M. et al. Congenital intrathoracic stomach. Pediatr Surg Int 11, 116–118 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00183740
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00183740