Congenital intrathoracic stomach can be safely managed laparoscopically

Purpose Congenital intrathoracic stomach (CIS) is an uncommon pediatric surgical diagnosis where > 2/3rd of the stomach lies within the chest through a hiatus defect. We reviewed our recent experience with this condition. Methods A retrospective single-center review of children with a diagnosis of CIS (2007–2018) was performed. Patient demographics, presentation, imaging and management were assessed. Results are expressed as median (range). Results Eleven patients (6 girls) were identified with onset of symptoms at 2 (0–26) months of age. Presenting symptoms were vomiting (8/11), respiratory symptoms (4/11) and failure to thrive (2/11). Two patients had Marfan’s syndrome. An upper gastrointestinal contrast study demonstrated gastric herniation in all. All were corrected laparoscopically with hiatus repair and fundoplication [age at surgery 10.5 (1.5–34.5) months]. A concurrent gastrostomy was done in children ≤ 6 months ( n = 5). Enteral feeds were commenced on post-operative day one in 9 and second post-operative day in 2. At 7 (0–95) months follow-up, all were on full enteral feeds. One patient had a recurrence 6 months post-operatively, which was re-operated laparoscopically without any further recurrence. Conclusion This is the largest reported series of children with CIS. All could be managed laparoscopically with no conversions and a low recurrence.