Gastro-Pleural Fistula as a Complication of Esophageal Hiatal Hernia *

Possible etiological factors leading to the formation of a gastro-pleural fistula have been reviewed. Two cases of gastro-pleural fistulae secondary to perforation of the stomach in esophageal hiatal hernia have been presented. While rare, perforation of the herniated stomach into the pleural cavity should be added to the growing list of complications of the untreated hiatal hernia.