Large Hiatal Hernia in a Patient With Bulimia Nervosa and Obesity: An Interdisciplinary Case Report

BACKGROUND Hiatal hernia (HH) is a common condition that can present diagnostic challenges when accompanied by complex comorbidities. While HH is associated with obesity and elevated intra-abdominal pressure, its occurrence with eating disorders is not as well documented. We report a rare case of symptomatic HH in a patient with concurrent obesity and bulimia nervosa, a combination not previously reported in the literature. CASE REPORT A 39-year-old woman presented with 2 years of postprandial vomiting, chest pain, dyspnea, and heartburn. Her medical history revealed self-induced vomiting for weight control that progressed to bulimia nervosa, resulting in weight loss of 44 kg. Initial treatments with proton pump inhibitors provided minimal relief. Comprehensive evaluation revealed type III paraesophageal HH (5 cm hernial orifice), grade 2 reflux esophagitis, anemia, and a gallbladder polyp. The patient underwent laparoscopic cruroplasty with Toupet fundoplication and cholecystectomy, combined with psychiatric management including cognitive-behavioral therapy and fluoxetine. At 3-month follow-up, complete symptom resolution was achieved. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the importance of thorough history-taking in patients with atypical gastrointestinal symptoms and demonstrates that bulimia nervosa can contribute to HH development through repeated increases in intra-abdominal pressure. A multidisciplinary approach integrating surgical and psychiatric interventions is essential for successful management of HH when associated with eating disorders and other complex comorbidities.

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