Perforation of gastric ulcer associated with paraesophageal hernia causingdiffuse peritonitis

Background/Aims: Free peritoneal perforation of a gastric ulcer associated with paraesophageal hernia causing diffuse peritonitis is an extremely rare event. Methods: Two new cases of this rare condition and the specificities of management are described. Results: One patient recovered well after sur gery, while the other died with signs of persisting sepsis and multiple sys tem organ failure. Conclusion: In the wide spectrum of complications relate d to paraesophageal hernia, free peritoneal perforation of an associated ul cer seems to be one of the gravest. Early elective repair of the paraesopha geal hernia is justified. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.