Splenic Rupture Caused by Giant Paraesophageal Hernia

Splenic hemorrhage secondary to retching and vomiting from incarceration of paraesophageal hernia is a rare but life-threatening complication. Clinicians need to be aware of this complication in the event of sudden unexplained hemodynamic instability. Surgical intervention for the hernia is best performed as soon as possible once the patient is stabilized, before complications such as perforation or further bleeding occur. We report two cases of splenic rupture and intraperitoneal bleeding resulting from traction of the gastrosplenic pedicle associated with retching and vomiting from a giant paraesophageal hernia.