[Phrenico-esophageal membrane: anchoring of the terminal esophagus and cardia at the diaphragm].

The esophageal hiatus lies in the muscular part of the diaphragm. The hiatus transmits, in addition to the esophagus, the vagus nerves, the esophageal blood vessels and connective tissue. The connective tissue binding the esophagus to the diaphragm has been termed the phrenico-esophageal membrane. Its strongest part derives from the inferior diaphragmatic fascia, extends some distance above the diaphragm to attach to the adventitia of the esophagus. The variations of the attachments have been described in detail. The importance for the surgical treatment of mobilisation and a supplementary suture of the lower esophagus are discussed.