Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

Background and Objective:

Paraesophageal hernias are uncommon yet potentially lethal conditions. Their repair has now been facilitated by laparoscopic technology. We present a series of 20 patients with paraesophageal hernias repaired laparoscopically.

Methods:

Twenty patients with paraesophageal hernias had laparoscopic repairs. Eighteen patients had primary repair of their hiatal defect. Two required mesh reinforcement. Fifteen patients had a fundoplication procedure performed concomitantly.

Results:

Long-term follow-up is available on 17 patients. There was no in-hospital morbidity or mortality. Average length of stay was 2.3 days. One patient recurred in the immediate postoperative period. There were no other recurrences. The only death in the series occurred in the oldest patient 18 days postoperatively. He had been discharged from the hospital and died of cardiac failure. No patients have had complications from a paraesophageal hernia postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernias is possible. Preoperative work-up should include motility evaluation to assess esophageal peristalsis as the majority of these will need a concomitant anti-reflux procedure. This data helps the surgeon to determine whether or not a complete or partial wrap should be done. Repair of the diaphragmatic defect can be accomplished in the majority of patients without the use of prosthetic material with excellent results.     

Robotic Repair of Giant Paraesophageal Hernias

Background and Objectives:

Giant paraesophageal hernia accounts for 5% of all hiatal hernias, and it is commonly seen in elderly patients with comorbidities. Some series report complication rates up to 28%, recurrence rates between 10% and 25%, and a mortality rate close to 2%. Recently, the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) has shown equivocal benefits when used for elective surgeries, whereas for complex procedures, the benefits appear to be clearer. The purpose of this study is to present our preliminary experience in robotic giant paraesophageal hernia repair.

Methods:

We retrospectively collected data from patients who had a diagnosis of giant paraesophageal hernia and underwent a paraesophageal hernia repair with the da Vinci Surgical System.

Results:

Nineteen patients (12 women [63.1%]) underwent surgery for giant paraesophageal hernia at our center. The mean age was 70.4 ± 13.9 years (range, 40–97 years). The mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2.15. The mean surgical time and hospital length of stay were 184.5 ± 96.2 minutes (range, 96–395 minutes) and 4.3 days (range, 2–22 days), respectively. Nissen fundoplications were performed in 3 cases (15.7%), and 16 patients (84.2%) had mesh placed. Six patients (31.5%) presented with gastric volvulus, and 2 patients had other herniated viscera (colon and duodenum). There were 2 surgery-related complications (10.5%) (1 dysphagia that required dilatation and 1 pleural injury) and 1 conversion to open repair (partial gastric resection). No recurrences or deaths were observed in this series.

Conclusion:

In our experience robotic giant paraesophageal hernia repair is not different from the laparoscopic approach in terms of complications and mortality rate, but it may be associated with lower recurrence rates. However, larger series with longer follow-up are necessary to further substantiate our results.     

Laparoscopic Repair of Giant Paraesophageal Hernia Results in Long-Term Patient Satisfaction and a Durable Repair

Background  Laparoscopic repair of giant paraesophageal hernia (LRGPEH) is routinely performed in many centers, but high recurrence rates have led to concerns regarding this approach. We evaluate long-term recurrence rates, symptom improvement and correlation with radiographic recurrence, and risk factors for recurrence in our cohort of patients. Methods  A cohort of consecutive patients with a minimum of 5 years potential follow-up (1997–2003) post-LRGPEH was identified from a prospective database. Clinical outcomes, barium esophagram (BE), and quality-of-life (QoL) measures were obtained. Results  Laparoscopic repair was successful in 185/187 patients. Routine clinical follow-up (median 77 months) was available for all patients. Detailed questionnaires and BE were obtained in 65% and 82% of patients. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Health-Related QoL (GERD-HRQoL) scores were excellent to good in 86.7%. BE (median 51 months) demonstrated radiographic hernia recurrence in 15% of patients, but without consistent symptom association. There was a trend toward increased risk of radiographic recurrence in patients with a history of pulmonary disease (p = 0.08). Seven reoperations (4.4%) were performed for symptomatic recurrence (median 44 months postoperative). Conclusions  LRGPEH performed in our minimally invasive center of excellence resulted in a durable repair with a high degree of satisfaction and preservation of GERD-related QoL at a median follow-up of over 6 years. This work was presented at the Plenary Presentation of the 49th Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract on May 21, 2008, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.     

Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair. How I do it

Introduction  The approach to paraesophageal hernias has changed radically over the last 15 years, both in terms of indications for the repair and of surgical technique. Discussion  Today we operate mostly on patients who are symptomatic and the laparoscopic repair has replaced in most cases the open approach through either a laparotomy or a thoracotomy. The following describes a step by step approach to the laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernia. Presented at the 49th Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Diego, California, May 17–21, 2008     

The Laparoscopic Approach for Repair of Morgagni Hernias

Background and Objectives:

Morgagni hernias are unusual congenital diaphragmatic hernias that are generally asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. Surgical treatment is indicated once the diagnosis is made. These hernias have traditionally been repaired by the open abdominal or thoracic approaches. We report a case of Morgagni hernia repaired successfully via the laparoscopic approach.

Methods and Results:

The patient was noted to have a large anteromedial diaphragmatic hernia by chest radiograph and CT imaging. He underwent laparoscopy, during which the hernia was reduced and the defect repaired with mesh placement. We used intracorporeal suture placement to anchor the mesh. The patient recovered uneventfully after a short hospitalization.

Conclusions:

The laparoscopic approach for repair of Morgagni hernias offers diagnostic advantages as well as the potential for reduced morbidity when compared to laparotomy. We report intracorporeal knot-tying for fixation of the mesh to be a secure and satisfactory means to achieve the laparoscopic repair.     

Open versus Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair

Background:

The literature reports the efficacy of the laparoscopic approach to paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair. However, its adoption as the preferred surgical approach and the risks associated with paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair have not been reviewed in a large database.

Method:

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample dataset was queried from 1998 to 2005 for patients who underwent repair of a complicated (the entire stomach moves into the chest cavity) versus uncomplicated (only the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the chest) paraesophageal hiatal hernia via the laparoscopic, open abdominal, or open thoracic approach. A multivariate analysis was performed controlling for demographics and comorbidities while looking for independent risk factors for mortality.

Results:

In total, 23,514 patients met the inclusion criteria. By surgical approach, 55% of patients underwent open abdominal, 35% laparoscopic, and 10% open thoracic repairs. Length of stay was significantly reduced for all patients after laparoscopic repair (P < .001). Age ≥60 years and nonwhite ethnicity were associated with significantly higher odds of death. Laparoscopic repair and obesity were associated with lower odds of death in the uncomplicated group.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hiatal hernia is associated with a lower mortality in the uncomplicated group. However, older age and Hispanic ethnicity increased the odds of death.     

Laparoscopic Intraperitoneal Repair of Incisional and Ventral Hernias

Background : After reports in the literature on the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic repair of ventral hernia, and with the potential advantages of the minimal invasive approach, we started to perform this technique in 2001. This study was done to evaluate the results of our initial experience.

Methods : From March 2001 to October 2003, all patients with a ventral hernia greater than 4 cm were planned to have a laparoscopic repair. Patients were studied retrospectively, collecting data on preoperative and intraoperative variables, complications and recurrences.

Results : In 49 patients, out of 52 patients planned, laparoscopic repair was performed. The indication was incisional hernia in 88% and recurrence after open hernia repair in 43%. The mean hernia surface area was 86,6 cm² and 43% had a width greater than 10 cm. There were no intraoperative complications and the mean operating time was 103 min. Postoperative complications were seen in 9 patients (18,4%). Mean hospital stay was 5,9 days. Mean follow-up was 14,3 months. Late complications were seen in three patients (6,1%). Recurrence was present in one patient (2,0%). Conclusions : Laparoscopic repair of incisional and ventral hernia is a safe alternative for open mesh repair. Further definition of indications is needed, based on the dimension and the localization of the hernia. If the omission of transabdominal wall sutures improves the postoperative course with no adverse effect on recurrence rate, will be the subject of a randomized trial we have started this year.     

腹腔镜完全腹膜外疝修补手术难点及操作技巧

目的探讨腹腔镜完全腹膜外疝修补术（totally extraperitoneal,TEP）难点及操作技巧。方法2006年5月～2010年5月,施行257例腹腔镜疝修补手术,对术中遇到的操作难点及手术技巧进行总结分析。结果254例行TEP,3例因腹膜破裂中转为经腹腔腹膜前疝修补术（transabdominalpreperitoneal,TAPP）。术后5例出现阴囊血肿,经非手术治愈;1例出现疝囊残端血肿,手术行血肿清除及残留疝囊切除。257例随访时间6～51个月,平均28个月,其中3例（1.2％）分别于术后6、14、23个月出现对侧疝,再次行TEP;2例分别于术后20、60d复发,行二次开放无张力疝修补手术;1例7个月后出现疝钉处疼痛,局麻取出疝钉后痛疼消失,其余患者均无异常。结论TEP的技术关键点主要是腹膜前间隙的建立、镜下解剖标志的应用、正确的疝囊分离方法、补片放置及固定和隐匿疝的恰当处理。     

Current Trends in Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

Background and Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the surgical technique, postoperative complications, and possible recurrence after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) in comparison with open ventral hernia repair (OVHR), based on the international literature.

Database:

A Medline search of the current English literature was performed using the terms laparoscopic ventral hernia repair and incisional hernia repair.

Conclusions:

LVHR is a safe alternative to the open method, with the main advantages being minimal postoperative pain, shorter recovery, and decreased wound and mesh infections. Incidental enterotomy can be avoided by using a meticulous technique and sharp dissection to avoid thermal injury.     

Paraesophageal Hernia Repair With Partial Longitudinal Gastrectomy in Obese Patients

Background and Objectives:

Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with hiatal hernia in obese patients has proven difficult, as studies demonstrate poor symptom control and high failure rates in this patient population. Recent data have shown that incorporating weight loss procedures into the treatment of reflux may improve overall outcomes.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 28 obese and morbidly obese patients who presented from December 2007 through July 2013 with large or recurrent type 3 or 4 paraesophageal hernia. All of the patients underwent combined paraesophageal hernia repair and partial longitudinal gastrectomy. Charts were retrospectively reviewed, and the patients were contacted to determine symptomatic relief.

Results:

Mean preoperative body mass index was 38.1 ± 4.9 kg/m². Anatomic failure of prior fundoplication occurred in 7 patients (25%). The remaining 21 had primary paraesophageal hernia, 3 of which were type 4. Postoperative complications included pulmonary embolism (n = 1), pulmonary decompensation (n = 2), and wound infection (n = 1). Mean hospital stay was 5 ± 3 days. Upper gastrointestinal esophagogram was performed in 21 patients with no immediate recurrence or staple line dehiscence. Mean excess weight loss was 44 ± 25%. All of the patients surveyed experienced near to total resolution of their preoperative symptoms within the first month. At 1 year, symptom scores decreased significantly. At 27 months, however, there was a mild increase in the scores. Return of severe symptoms occurred in 2 patients, both of whom underwent conversion to gastric bypass.

Conclusions:

Combined laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair with longitudinal partial gastrectomy offers a safe, feasible approach to the management of large or recurrent paraesophageal hernia in well-selected obese and morbidly obese patients. Short-term results were promising; however, intermediate results showed increasing rates of reflux symptoms that required medical therapy or conversion to gastric bypass.     

Pneumoperitoneum in Repair of Giant Hernias and Eventrations

The common use of laparoscopy has made many surgeons familiar with the use of pneumoperitoneum. It is important to know the therapeutic advantage of this technique in the repair of giant hernias and eventrations where the viscera are forced out of the abdominal cavity.