A 66-year-old female patient underwent surgery because of a large paraesophageal hiatal hernia. Just prior to the fundal wrap of the Nissen fundoplication, the patient suddenly became tachycardic and profoundly hypotensive. Emergency sternotomy revealed hemopericardium and a 2-cm laceration of the diaphragmatic surface of the right ventricle, which was controlled by placement of several sutures. The authors believed that the injury to the heart was secondary to a perforating needle on the contracting ventricle. The patient could be discharged from hospital on postoperative day 21.
A 70-year-old woman presented with a giant hiatal hernia with intrathoracic stomach. The patient underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with hiatal mesh reinforcement using absorbable tacks. On postoperative day 2, the patient developed hypotension, tachycardia, and irregular pulse.\nA CT scan revealed an extrapericardial hematoma in the hernia sac with mild left atrium compromise. Conservative treatment was decided and the patient discharged on postoperative day 15.