Anterior gastropexy may reduce the recurrence rate after laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair

Background: Although laparoscopic repair of type 3 paraesophageal hernias is safe and results in symptomatic relief, recent data have questioned the anatomic integrity of the laparoscopic approach. The reports document an asymptomatic recurrence rate as high as 42% with radiologic follow-up evaluation for type 3 paraesophageal hernias repaired laparoscopically. This disturbingly high recurrence rate has prompted the addition of an anterior gastropexy to our standard laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair. Methods: A prospective series of 28 patients underwent laparoscopic repair of large type 3 hiatal hernias between July 2000 and January 2002 at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation by one surgeon. All the patients underwent reduction of the hernia, sac excision, crural repair, antireflux procedure, and anterior gastropexy. They all had a video esophagram 24 h after surgery, then at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visits and annually thereafter. Symptomatic outcomes were assessed with a standard questionnaire at each follow-up visit. Results: In this study, 21 women and 7 men with a mean age of 67 years (range, 35–82 years) underwent successful laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair. The mean operative time was 146 min (range, 101–186 min), and the average blood loss was 71 ml (range, 10–200 ml). One intraoperative complication occurred: A small esophageal mucosal tear occurred during esophageal dissection and was repaired laparoscopically. At 24 h, upper gastrointestinal examination identified no leaks. At this writing, all the patients have undergone video esophagram at a 3-month follow-up visit. All were asymptomatic and all examinations were normal. Of the 28 patients, 27 have undergone follow-up assessment at 6 months. At this writing, all the patients have undergone video esophagram at 3, 6, and 12 months follow up visits. All were asymptomatic and all examinations were normal. Ten patients have completed 2 year follow up barium swallows with no recurrences. Conclusions: With up to 2 years of follow-up evaluation, the addition of an anterior gastropexy to the laparoscopic repair of type 3 hiatal hernias resulted in no recurrences. These encouraging results necessitate further follow-up evaluation to document the long-term effects of anterior gastropexy in reducing postoperative recurrence after laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernias.     

Laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernia with teres ligament: midterm follow-up

Background Although laparoscopic repair of large, mostly paraesophageal hiatal hernias is widely applied, there is a great concern regarding the higher recurrence rate associated with this procedure. In order to reduce this high recurrence rate, several techniques have been developed, mostly applying a mesh prosthesis for hiatal reinforcement. Methods We have recently introduced a new laparoscopic technique in which the hiatal closure is reinforced with the teres ligament. To date 26 patients have been entered into this ongoing prospective study. After the operation patients were called back on a regular basis for symptom evaluation and barium swallow. All 26 patients agreed to undergo barium swallow, with a mean follow-up of 35 months. Results The mean operative time was 115 min. Perioperative morbidity was 11.5%, and conversion to an open procedure was performed in six cases. No mortality was registered. Anatomic recurrence, investigated by barium swallows was observed in four patients (15.3%). Of those four, only one (3.85%) had a symptomatic recurrent paraesophageal hernia; the other three had asymptomtic sliding hernias. In three of the four patients with anatomic recurrence, the diameter of the hiatal hernia was greater than 9 cm at the original operation, and the fourth patient underwent reoperation for recurrent hiatal hernia. No symptomatic recurrence was found in patients with diameter of hiatal hernia between 6 and 9 cm. Conclusions Laparoscopic reinforcement of the hiatal closure with the ligamentum teres is safe and effective treatment for large hiatal hernias. However, it appears that patients with extremely large hiatal hernias are at greater risk of recurrence, and therefore large hernias are not suitable for this new technique.     

Are Surgisis biomeshes effective in reducing recurrences after laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias?

Prosthetic repair is frequently advocated after repair of large hiatal hernias, and biomeshes have been proposed to help reduce the high recurrence rate. All patients undergoing laparoscopic repair of primary or recurrent large hiatal hernia, and with intraoperative finding of weak diaphragmatic pillars, as judged by the surgeon, were included, from June 2004 to July 2005, in a prospective observational study. In these patients, Surgisis biomeshes were employed to assist the repair. Six patients (4 for primary and 2 for recurrent hernia) received biomesh hiatoplasty. Four had mild dysphagia at 1 month that disappeared at the next follow-up. Three had slow radiologic transit through the esophagogastric junction, still present in 1 patient at 1 year. One patient had hernia recurrence 6 months after surgery and 2 other patients had radiologic recurrence of a small hernia at 1-year follow-up; in all 3, the recurrence was small and asymptomatic and none were reoperated. The short-term recurrence rate using biomesh for the laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias in patients with weak diaphragmatic pillars was high at 50%. Postoperative morbidity and mesh-related complications were almost absent. Biomeshes can be safely used as on lay reinforcement in hiatoplasty, but do not reduce the hiatal recurrence rate.     

Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias with higher risk for recurrence: independent assessment of results from 121 repairs

This study attempts to determine by independent review the results of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair for hernias with increased risk for recurrence. Indicators used for increased recurrence risk were recurrent hernias or simultaneously repaired bilateral inguinal hernias. Office and hospital records of all such patients who had undergone TAPP repair were reviewed from one surgeon's 242-patient laparoscopic inguinal hernia database from 1992 to 1998. All were called for assessment by an independent surgeon at least 4 months postoperatively (median 34 months). Those unable to come in person were interviewed by telephone. There were 121 hernias: 34 recurrent and 100 bilateral (13 overlap). Recurrence rate was 3 per cent, which was similar for repair of bilateral and recurrent hernias. All recurrences occurred within 3 months of surgery. No unknown recurrence was detected by the independent observer. Laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair, often claimed as the method of choice for bilateral and recurrent hernia repair, is indeed a safe and effective procedure with a low early recurrent rate in these higher-risk situations.     

Giant hiatal hernias: direct hiatus closure has an acceptable recurrence rate

The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze our results after laparoscopic repair of giant hiatal hernias with direct closure of the hiatus, since the reports document a radiological recurrence rate as high as 42%. Various studies have shown that laparoscopic hernia repair is safe and effective, and carries a lower morbidity than the open approach, but the high recurrence rates still being reported (ranging from 10 to 42%) have prompted many authors to recommend using a prosthesis. This is a report on the follow-up of 38 patients with type III and IV hiatal hernia who underwent laparoscopic repair with direct hiatal closure without the aid of meshes. From January 2000 to March 2010, 38 patients with III and IV hiatal hernia were treated at the Surgery Division of Cisanello Hospital in Pisa. Data were collected retrospectively and included demographics, preoperative symptoms, radiographic and endoscopic findings, intraoperative and postoperative complications, postoperative symptoms, barium X-ray and follow-up by medical examination and symptoms questionnaire. The sample included 12 males and 26 females, between 36 and 83 years (median age 62) with 26 type III (68.4%) and 12 type IV (31.6%) hernias. There were no conversions to laparotomy and no intraoperative or postoperative mortality. A 360° Nissen fundoplication was performed in 22 patients (57.9%) and a 270° Toupet fundoplication in 16 patients (42.1%). One patient had intraoperative complications (2.6%), and postoperative complications occurred in another three (7.9%). The follow-up was complete in all patients and ranged from 12 to 88 months (median 49 months). Barium swallow was performed in all patients and recurrence was found in five patients (13.1%); three of these patients (7.9%) were asymptomatic, while two (5.2%) were reoperated. All 38 patients' symptoms improved. Judging from our data, the recurrence rate after laparoscopic giant hiatal hernia repair with direct hiatal closure can be lowered by complying with several crucial surgical principles, e.g., complete sac excision and appropriate crural closure, adequate esophageal lengthening, and the addition of an antireflux procedure and a gastropexy. We recorded a radiological recurrence rate of 13.1% (5/38) and patient satisfaction in our series was quite high (92%). Based on these findings, the laparoscopic treatment of giant hernias with direct hiatal closure seems to be a safe and effective procedure.     

Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair has an acceptable recurrence rate

Recent literature has reported as high as a 42 per cent recurrence rate after laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (LPEHR). We report long-term follow-up in a cohort of patients undergoing LPEHR at Vanderbilt University. Thirty-one patients underwent attempted LPEHR between September 1993 and May 2000. Six of 31 patients (19%) were converted to an open procedure and were excluded from the study. All patients had complete excision of the sac, primary closure of the crura, and an antireflux procedure. An Institutional Review Board-approved follow-up barium esophagram was performed at a mean of 25 months postoperatively. Three experienced laparoscopic surgeons (K.S., M.H., and W.R.) collectively reviewed the esophagrams for evidence of recurrence. The mean age of patients was 61 years (range 41-92). There were six males and 19 females. Fifteen of 25 patients (60%) returned for an esophagram. Only one of 15 patients (7%) had a recurrent paraesophageal hernia. However, five of 15 patients (33%) had herniated an intact wrap 2 to 4 cm above the diaphragm. The patient with a true paraesophageal hernia recurrence returned with symptoms of dysphagia. Two of the five patients (40%) with a herniated wrap complained of heartburn, which was controlled with a proton pump inhibitor. All other patients were asymptomatic. Our recurrence rate of true paraesophageal hernias after LPEHR is low (7%) and compares with that reported in the literature for open repairs. However, 33 per cent of the patients in this study were found to have a herniated wrap. Because there is no risk of strangulation we have not operated on any of these patients. LPEHR is our procedure of choice for Type II and III hiatal hernias with good symptom relief and a low true recurrence rate.     

Laparoscopic management of giant hiatal hernia: factors influencing long-term outcome

Background The laparoscopic management of large hiatal hernias still is controversial. Recent studies have presented a high recurrence rate. Methods In this study, 65 patients underwent elective laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernia. A short esophagus was diagnosed in 13 cases. A primary closure of the hiatal defect was performed in 14 cases. “Tension-free” repair using a mesh was performed in 37 cases, and 14 patients underwent a Collis–Nissen gastroplasty. For the last 38 patients in the series, an intraoperative endoscopy was performed to identify the esophagogastric junction. Results There was no mortality, no conversions to open surgery, and no intraoperative complications. A recurrent hernia was present in 23 of the 77 patients (30%). The recurrence rate was 77% when a direct suture was used and 35% when a mesh was used (p < 0.05). No recurrences were observed in the patients treated with the Collis–Nissen technique, but in one case, perforation of the distal esophagus developed 3 weeks after surgery. The multivariate analysis showed that recurrences are statistically correlated with the type of hiatal hernia and surgical technique. Conclusions To reduce recurrences after laparoscopic management of large hiatal hernias, it is essential to identify all cases of short esophagus using intraoperative endoscopy and to perform a Collis–Nissen procedure in such cases.     

Clinical evaluation of laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias with TiMesh

The use of mesh for laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias may decrease recurrence rates in comparison with primary suture repair. The type of mesh material, as well as its size and shape, is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate a lightweight polypropylene mesh (TiMesh) repair of hiatal hernias, with particular reference to symptomatic relief, patient satisfaction and quality of life (QOL). From a prospectively maintained clinical database, 40 consecutive patients were identified who underwent elective laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with TiMesh between November 2004 and December 2006. QOL and symptom analysis was carried out using Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) and dysphagia questionnaires preoperatively, and postoperatively after 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. The mean age of the patient was 65.2 years (range: 40-93 years). Total complication rate was 7.5%; all complications were treated without residual disability. There was no 30-day mortality. Median hospital stay was 2.7 days (range 2-13 days). Completed questionnaires were obtained from 37 (92.5%) of 40 patients. After 1 year, more than 90% of patients were satisfied with their symptomatic outcome and regarded their surgery as successful. There was a significant improvement in QOL, measured with QOLRAD at all postoperative time-points (P < 0.001). There was no difference between pre- and postoperative dysphagia scores. Laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias with TiMesh yields good symptomatic and clinical outcome. Further studies are needed to show whether the use of this lightweight polypropylene mesh is associated with a reduction in recurrence rates after hiatal hernia repair in the longer term.     

Importance of dissection of the hernial sac in laparoscopic surgery for large hiatal hernias.

HYPOTHESIS: Laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernia is an appropriate management strategy. DESIGN: A prospective patient series. SETTING: A university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: All patients with hiatal hernias 10 cm or greater in diameter repaired laparoscopically between February 1, 1992, and September 30, 1998. INTERVENTIONS: Two operative strategies were used for laparoscopic repair: the first, which was used until early 1996, entailed initial esophageal dissection while leaving the sac in the mediastinum. The second involved preliminary dissection of the hernial sac from the mediastinum before dissecting the esophagus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Successful completion of the procedure using a laparoscopic technique, postoperative complication rate, reoperation rate, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients with a large hiatal hernia underwent attempted repair using laparoscopic methods. The median age was 63 years (range, 30-91 years), and 45 patients (52%) were women. There were 30 sliding, 10 rolling, and 46 mixed hiatal hernias. Operating times ranged from 48 to 240 minutes (median, 90 minutes), and 20 procedures (23%) were converted to an open operation. Conversion was significantly more common in the first half of our experience (16 [40%] of 40 patients vs 4 [9%] of 46 patients) before the operative strategy was changed. Esophageal-lengthening procedures were not carried out for any patient. At follow-up of a median of 2 years, 1 patient has moderate dysphagia, 4 patients have reflux symptoms, and 1 patient has undergone further surgery for a recurrent paraesophageal hernia. An overall satisfactory outcome was achieved in 81 patients (94%). CONCLUSIONS: Large hiatal hernias can be treated effectively laparoscopically. Dissecting the sac fully from the mediastinum before dissecting the esophagus helps to safely mobilize the esophagus, and we think changing to this strategy is the main reason for the improved laparoscopic success rate reported in the latter half of this series.     

Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND: Several studies have suggested that better results are obtained after laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia than after conventional operation. This is most obvious for bilateral and recurrent hernias but less accepted for primary unilateral hernias. METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial comparing transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic repair with the Shouldice technique in patients with primary unilateral hernia. Some 138 patients were randomized to laparoscopic hernia repair and 130 to open surgical repair. RESULTS: The complication rates in the two groups were similar. In the laparoscopic group the patients returned to work more rapidly with a median time of 13 versus 18 days (P < 0.005) and had a shorter period of analgesia intake with a median time of 2.1 versus 2.7 days (P < 0.02). The follow-up was 97.8 per cent complete. At a median of 12 months, four recurrences (2.9 per cent) were detected in the laparoscopic group and three (2.3 per cent) in the open group. CONCLUSION: This study shows that in patients with a primary unilateral hernia laparoscopic repair results in less postoperative pain and a quicker recovery than open repair.     

腹腔镜治疗小儿食管裂孔疝的疗效分析

目的:探讨腹腔镜治疗小儿食管裂孔疝的有效率、术后并发症及满意度。方法:回顾分析2011年12月至2015年12月收治的食管裂孔疝患儿的临床资料,电话问卷调查术后症状评分、症状复发、术后并发症及满意度情况。结果:共成功随访42例,其中Ⅰ型食管裂孔疝31例,Ⅱ型2例,Ⅲ型6例,Ⅳ型3例。手术治疗总体有效率为90.2%,术后患者各项症状评分较治疗前均有显著下降。症状复发2例,解剖复发3例。术后长期并发症发生率为9.5%。90.5%的患儿对治疗效果满意,9.5%感觉一般,无一例不满意。结论:腹腔镜治疗小儿食管裂孔疝具有微创、复发率低、并发症少、满意度高等优势,经验丰富、操作熟练的外科医生不仅能降低手术复发率、减少术后并发症,也能提高手术有效率。     

Evaluation of lightweight titanium-coated polypropylene mesh (TiMesh) for laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias

Background  The use of mesh for laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias may reduce recurrence rates in comparison with primary suture repair. However, there is a potential risk of mesh-related oesophageal complications due to prosthesis erosion. The aim of this study was to evaluate a lightweight polypropylene mesh (TiMesh) repair of hiatal hernias with particular reference to intraluminal erosion. Methods  Data were collected prospectively on 18 consecutive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic repair of a large hiatal hernia with the use of TiMesh between November 2004 and December 2005. Quality of life and symptom analysis was performed using QOLRAD questionnaires preoperatively and postoperatively after 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. Barium studies were performed preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively to assess hernia recurrence. After 2 years, oesophagogastric endoscopy was performed to assess signs of mesh-related complications. Results  All operations were completed laparoscopically. There was no 30-day mortality and median hospital stay was 2.8 days (range 2–13 days). Complications occurred in two patients (11%), both of whom were treated without residual disability. Two years after hiatal hernia repair, there was significant improvement in quality-of-life scores (QOLRAD 5.79, p < 0.001). There was no difference between pre- and postoperative dysphagia scores. No signs of stricture formation or prosthetic erosion were identified during endoscopic follow-up. One patient had a small (2 cm) sliding hiatal hernia demonstrated by barium studies, which was asymptomatic. Conclusions  Laparoscopic reinforcement of primary hiatal closure with TiMesh leads to a durable repair in patients with large hiatal hernias. Endoscopic follow-up did not show any signs of mesh-related complications after prosthetic reinforcement of the crural repair. Our preliminary results suggest that it is safe to proceed with this lightweight polypropylene mesh for reinforcement of the hiatal repair.     

Early results of the use of acellular dermal allograft in type III paraesophageal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Type III paraesophageal hernias are diaphragmatic defects with the risk of serious complications. High recurrence rates associated with primary suture repair are significantly improved with the use of a tension-free repair with prosthetic mesh. However, mesh in the hiatus is associated with multiple complications. A bio-engineered material from donated human tissue offers an attractive alternative material for hernia repair. This report is on the first series of laparoscopic type III paraesophageal hernia repairs with acellular dermal allografts (Allo-Derm, Lifecell Corporation, Branchburg, NJ) in 11 patients with follow-up evaluation. METHODS: From August 2003 to June 2004, 11 patients underwent laparoscopic repair of type III paraesophageal hernias with acellular dermal allografts. Patients were evaluated postoperatively with a symptoms questionnaire and barium esophagram. RESULTS: All patients were available for follow-up; however, 2 refused a barium esophagram. Average length of hospital stay was 3 days. Follow-up evaluation was at a mean interval of 1 year. Postoperatively, 9 of 11 patients reported no symptoms. Barium esophagram revealed one recurrence in an asymptomatic patient. CONCLUSION: Type III paraesophageal hernia can be laparoscopically repaired successfully with acellular dermal allografts.     

Laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernia with polytetrafluoroethylene

Background: Several studies have shown that large hiatal hernias are associated with a high recurrence rate. Despite the problem of recurrence, the technique of hiatal herniorrhaphy has not changed appreciably since its inception. In this 3-year study we have evaluated laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair in individuals with a hernia defect greater than 8 cm in diameter. Methods: A series of 35 patients with sliding or paraesophageal hiatal hernias was prospectively randomized to hiatal hernia repair with (n= 17) or without (n= 18) polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). All patients had an endoscopic and radiographic diagnosis of large hiatal hernia. Both repairs were performed by using interrupted stitches to approximate the crurae. In the group randomized to repair with prosthesis, PTFE mesh with a 3-cm ``keyhole' was positioned around the gastroesophageal junction with the esophagus through the keyhole. The PTFE was stapled to the diaphragm and crura with a hernia stapler. Results: Patients were followed with EGD and esophagogram at 3 months postoperatively, and with esophagogram every 6 months thereafter. Individuals with PTFE had a longer operation time, but the 2-day hospital stay was the same in both groups. The cost of the repair was $1050 ± $135 more in the group with the prosthesis. There were two complications (1 pneumonia, 1 urinary retention) in the group repaired with PTFE and one complication (pneumothorax) in the group without prosthesis. The group without PTFE was notable for three (16.7%) recurrences within the first 6 months of surgery. Conclusion: On the basis of these preliminary results it appears that repair with PTFE may confer an advantage, with lower rates of recurrence in patients with large hiatal hernia defects. Received: 1 May 1998/Accepted: 22 December 1998     

Combined treatment of symptomatic massive paraesophageal hernia in the morbidly obese

Introduction:

Repair of large paraesophageal hernias by itself is associated with high failure rates in the morbidly obese. A surgical approach addressing both giant paraesophageal hernia and morbid obesity has, to our knowledge, not been explored in the surgical literature.

Methods:

A retrospective review of a bariatric surgery database identified patients who underwent simultaneous repair of large type 3 paraesophageal hernias with primary crus closure and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Operative time, intraoperative and 30-day morbidity, weight loss, resolution of comorbid conditions and use of anti-reflux medication were outcome measures. Integrity of crural closure was studied with a barium swallow.

Results:

Three patients with a mean body mass index of 46kg/m² and mean age of 46 years underwent repair of a large paraesophageal hernia, primary crus closure, and RYGB. Mean operative time was 241 minutes and length of stay was 4 days. There was no intraoperative or 30-day morbidity. One patient required endoscopic balloon dilatation of the gastrojejunostomy. At 12 months, all patients were asymptomatic with excellent weight loss and resolution of comorbidities. Contrast studies showed no recurrence of the hiatal hernia.

Conclusion:

Simultaneous laparoscopic repair of large paraesophageal hernias in the morbidly obese is safe and effective.     

The use of small intestine submucosa in the repair of paraesophageal hernias: initial observations of a new technique

BACKGROUND: Recent reports suggest that when laparoscopy is used to repair paraesophageal hernias recurrence rates reach 20% to 40%. Tension-free hernia closure with synthetic mesh reduces recurrence but occasionally results in esophageal injury. We hypothesized that reinforcement of the hiatal closure with small intestine submucosa (SIS) mesh, in some unusually large hernias, might reduce recurrence rates without causing injury to the esophagus. METHODS: From January 2001 to March 2002 we treated 18 large paraesophageal hernias via a laparoscopic approach. In 9 of the largest hernias (one type II and 8 type III, of which 1 was recurrent) the repair was reinforced with SIS mesh (Surgisis, Cook Surgical) and represent the subjects of this study. Nissen fundoplication with gastropexy was performed in all patients. Clinical follow-up ranged from 3 to 16 months (median 8). Every patient was evaluated with barium esophagram or endoscopy or both 1 to 8 months (median 2) postoperatively. RESULTS: The presenting symptoms were postprandial pain/fullness (9 of 9), heartburn (4 of 9), anemia (4 of 9), dysphagia (3 of 9), regurgitation (3 of 9), and chest pain (3 of 9). One patient died of a hemorrhagic stroke within 30 days of the operation. Postoperatively, presenting symptoms resolved (83%) or improved (17%) in each of the remaining 8 patients. One patient required endoscopic dilation for mild dysphagia. Seven of 8 patients had a normal barium esophagram without evidence of hernia. One morbidly obese (body mass index = 47) patient had a small (2 cm) sliding hiatal hernia postoperatively. There were no other complications, and specifically no perforations or mesh erosions. CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggest that the use of SIS in the repair of paraesophageal hernias is safe and may reduce recurrence. Longer follow-up and a randomized study are needed to validate these results.     

Impact of anatomical wrap position on the outcome of Nissen fundoplication

BACKGROUND: The importance of anatomical reposition and fixation of the type I hiatal hernia during antireflux surgery has often been emphasized. It is not known whether the initial anatomical repair withstands the test of time and whether this repair is necessary for a successful outcome. METHODS: The relationship between the objective anatomical and subjective symptomatic outcome of Nissen fundoplication was investigated prospectively in 57 patients. Findings of herniation, telescoping and obstruction at the level of the lower oesophageal sphincter on barium swallow were scored 2 years after operation by investigators who were unaware of the symptoms, and were related to symptoms and patient satisfaction evaluated by a standard questionnaire. RESULTS: According to strict criteria, some 55 per cent of patients had some degree of anatomical failure; if only complete herniation, significant telescoping and signs of obstruction were scored as abnormal, 27 per cent had anatomical failure. There was no relation to subjective outcome; relief was reported by 48 of 49 patients, 25 of whom were cured and 23 significantly improved. CONCLUSION: Anatomical repair during antireflux surgery does not stand the test of time. Although this has no demonstrable influence on the subjective outcome, the authors do not recommend deviating from well designed surgical guidelines. Current theories on the mechanism of antireflux surgery require further evaluation.     

Critical evaluation of a novel DualMesh repair for large hiatal hernias

Background  The use of mesh for laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias may reduce recurrence rates in comparison to primary suture repair. However, there is a potential risk of mesh-related oesophageal complications due to prosthesis erosion. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate a novel mesh (DualMesh) repair of hiatal hernias with particular reference to intraluminal erosion. Method  Medical records of 19 patients who underwent laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with DualMesh reinforcement of the crural closure were reviewed from a prospectively collected database. Quality of life and symptom analysis was performed using quality of life in reflux and dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaires pre- and postoperatively after 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. Barium studies were performed on patients pre-operatively and two years postoperatively to assess hernia recurrence. After 2 years, oesophagogastric endoscopy was performed to assess signs of erosion. Results  Mean patient age was 70.5 years (range 49–85 years). Two years after hiatal hernia repair, there was significant improvement in quality-of-life scores (QOLRAD: p < 0.001). Follow-up barium studies performed at 31.3 months (range 29–40 months) after surgery showed moderate recurrent hernias (>4 cm) in 1/14 patients (7%). Endoscopies performed at 34.4 months (range 28–41 months) after surgery did not show any signs of prosthetic erosion. Conclusion  Laparoscopic reinforcement of primary hiatal closure with DualMesh leads to a durable repair in patients with large hiatal hernias. Long-term endoscopic follow-up did not show any signs of mesh erosion after prosthetic reinforcement of the crural repair.     

Objective Follow-up after Laparoscopic Repair of Large Type III Hiatal Hernia. Assessment of Safety and Durability

Background Symptomatic results of laparoscopic repair of large type III hiatal hernias, with/without prosthetic mesh, are often excellent; however, a high recurrence rate is detected when objective radiological/endoscopic follow-up is performed. The use of mesh may reduce the incidence of postoperative hernia recurrence or wrap migration in the chest. Methods We retrospectively studied 54 patients (10 men, 44 women; median: age 64.5 years) with a diagnosis of large type III hiatal hernia (> stomach in the chest on x-ray) who underwent laparoscopic repair at our department from January 1992 to June 2005. Complications, recurrences, and symptomatic and objective (radiological/endoscopic) long-term outcome were evaluated. Results Nineteen patients had laparoscopic Nissen/Toupet fundoplication with simple suture; in 35 patients a double mesh was added. The median radiological/endoscopic follow-up was 64 months (interquartile range (IQR): 6–104) for the non-mesh group and 33 (IQR:12–61) for the mesh group (p = 0.26). Recurrences occurred in 11/54 (20%) patients: 8/19 (42.1%) without mesh and 3/35 (8.6%) with mesh (p = 0.01). The 3 recurrences in the mesh group all occurred ≤12 months postoperatively; 4/8 recurrences in the non-mesh group occurred ≥5 years after operation. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, only mesh absence significantly predicted hernia recurrence or wrap migration. Discussion Laparoscopic repair of large type III hiatal hernias is safe and effective. Short-term symptomatic results are excellent, but mid-term objective radiological/endoscopic evaluation reveals a high recurrence rate. Possible reasons for failure of a laparoscopic hiatal repair are tension or poor muscle tissue characteristics in the hiatus. The use of a mesh, either by reducing tension or reinforcing muscle at the hiatus, might be associated with a lower recurrence rate. Longer-term follow-up will be needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn, however.     

Prospective nationwide analysis of laparoscopic versus Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia

BACKGROUND: According to a Cochrane review, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair compares favourably with open mesh repair, but few data exist from surgical practice outside departments with a special interest in hernia surgery. This study compared nationwide reoperation rates after laparoscopic and Lichtenstein repair, adjusting for factors predisposing to recurrence. METHODS: Some 3606 consecutive laparoscopic repairs were compared with 39 537 Lichtenstein repairs that were prospectively recorded in a nationwide registry between 1998 and 2003. Patients were subgrouped according to type of hernia: primary or recurrent and unilateral or bilateral. Overall reoperation rates and 95 per cent confidence intervals were calculated. Long-term reoperation rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The overall reoperation rates after laparoscopic and Lichtenstein repair of unilateral primary indirect hernia (0 versus 1.0 per cent), primary direct hernia (1.1 versus 3.1 per cent), unilateral recurrent hernia (4.6 versus 4.8 per cent) and bilateral recurrent hernia (2.6 versus 7.6 per cent) did not differ. However, laparoscopic repair of a bilateral primary hernia was associated with a higher reoperation rate than Lichtenstein repair (4.8 versus 3.0 per cent) (P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic repair compared favourably with Lichtenstein repair for primary indirect and direct hernias, and unilateral and bilateral recurrent hernias, but was inferior for primary bilateral hernias.