Two cases of intrathoracic herniation of the gastric tube from the retrosternal route requiring reoperation after oesophagectomy

Intrathoracic herniation of the gastric tube pulled up through the retrosternal route after oesophagectomy is relatively rare and usually can be managed by conservative treatment.We present two patients who needed reoperation for intrathoracic herniation of gastric tube after minimally invasive oesophagectomy for thoracic oesophageal cancer. Postoperatively, both patients showed herniation and acute twist of the gastric tube. Due to the twist of the gastric tube, one patient had ischaemic change of the proximal tip of the gastric tube, and the other patient showed delayed gastric emptying, both of which led to surgical repairs. In this case report, we discuss why the herniation of gastric tube from the retrosternal route occurs, how to decide to do reoperation and how to prevent this complication.