Iatrogenic cardiac tamponade as a mortal complication of peri-hiatal surgery. Analysis of 30 published cases

Iatrogenic cardiac tamponade (ICT) is a dreadful complication of peri-hiatal surgery and vast majority occur during a hernia repair. Strikingly, against all warnings, the incidents and related deaths seem to be increasing. The aim of this review is to provide insight on how to prevent and challenge ICT. PubMed search identified 30 distinct ICTs with 10 deaths (33.3%) due to peri-hiatal procedures. Twenty-nine operations were mechanical repairs and laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery was the primary cause (n:18). Graft fixation (n:23) and helical tacks (n:13) were the main offenders. Initial symptom was hypotension affecting 92%. Seven ICTs were only identified at autopsy. All treated patients except one underwent a drainage. Almost all ICTs were caused by injury to the diaphragmatic dome, anterior to hiatus. In conclusion, peri-hiatal surgery-related ICT is extremely fatal. ICT mainly occurs during the repair of a hernia, a benign condition and therefore must be prevented. Graft fixation, around the ante-hiatal diaphragmatic dome must be abandoned. If mesh-augmentation is absolutely necessary, meticulous stitching must be preferred instead of fixators. Persistent hypotension during or following a peri-hiatal operation is an alarming sign of ICT. Increased awareness is mandatory for prevention and survival.