Laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia

Background Foramen of Morgagni hernias are rare diaphragmatic hernias. They account for 3–5% of all diaphragmatic hernias and the majority of the cases are asymptomatic. They are caused by trauma, obesity or pregnancy. With the advancements of laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic repair has become an excellent alternative to open repair for Morgagni hernias. We report five cases of Morgagni hernia repaired with the laparoscopic approach in conjunction with a review of the literature. Patients A retrospective review comprised five patients who had a Morgagni hernia repaired with a laparoscopic approach. Data from these patients were collected for the period between February 2001 and May 2005. Results The average age at operation was 61. The anatomic pathology was detected preoperatively using X-rays and computerized tomography (CT) scans in four of our patients. Hernia was detected incidentally in one patient during an elective cholecysectomy. Three hernias were right-sided and two were left-sided. The contents of the hernias were omentum and transverse colon in the majority of the patients. The hernia was repaired with a laparoscopic approach in all patients. Four patients had composite mesh repair and one patient had primary closure with nonabsorbable sutures. There were no postoperative complications and all patients tolerated laparoscopic repair. There were also no recurrences during follow-up. Conclusions Laparoscopic repair is a candidate to be a standard treatment for Morgagni-type hernias. It is an effective and safe technique and can be performed by all compotent general surgeons with a certain learning curve. It has several advantages relative to the open operation.     

Laparoscopic repair of congenital bilateral Morgagni hernia

Morgagni hernia is a rare type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia found in the anterior aspect of the diaphragm. It typically presents in the pediatric population and rarely is diagnosed in adults. Only 3% of diaphragmatic hernias are the Morgagni type, and only 4% of these are found to present bilaterally. Surgical repair of Morgagni hernia has been performed through various approaches including open, laparoscopic, thoracotomy, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), all with and without mesh. The optimal method of surgical repair is not known due to the rarity of this condition and the limitations of setting up a prospective, randomized trial to evaluate the different methods. Laparoscopic repair with mesh has been described with good short-term results. Few case reports exist in the world literature describing laparoscopic repair of a bilateral Morgagni hernia with mesh. At the University of Washington, the authors present a video showing their technique for laparoscopic repair of a congenital, bilateral Morgagni type hernia with mesh.     

Video. Laparoscopic repair of congenital bilateral Morgagni hernia

Morgagni hernia is a rare type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia found in the anterior aspect of the diaphragm. It typically presents in the pediatric population and rarely is diagnosed in adults. Only 3% of diaphragmatic hernias are the Morgagni type, and only 4% of these are found to present bilaterally. Surgical repair of Morgagni hernia has been performed through various approaches including open, laparoscopic, thoracotomy, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), all with and without mesh. The optimal method of surgical repair is not known due to the rarity of this condition and the limitations of setting up a prospective, randomized trial to evaluate the different methods. Laparoscopic repair with mesh has been described with good short-term results. Few case reports exist in the world literature describing laparoscopic repair of a bilateral Morgagni hernia with mesh. At the University of Washington, the authors present a video showing their technique for laparoscopic repair of a congenital, bilateral Morgagni type hernia with mesh.     

Laparoscopic repair of adult diaphragmatic hernias and eventration with primary sutured closure and prosthetic reinforcement: a retrospective study

Background  Diaphragmatic hernias may be congenital or acquired (traumatic). Some patients present in adulthood with a congenital hernia undetected during childhood or due to trauma, known as the adult-onset type. The authors present their series of adult-onset type diaphragmatic hernias managed successfully by laparoscopy. Methods  This study retrospectively investigated 21 adult patients between 1995 and 2007 who underwent laparoscopic repair at the authors’ institution, 15 of whom were symptomatic. Laparoscopic repair was performed with mesh for 18 patients and without mesh for three patients who had Morgagni hernia. Results  In this series, Bochdalek hernia (n = 12), Morgagni hernia (n = 3), eventration (n = 3), and chronic traumatic hernia (n = 3) were treated. Intercostal drainage was required for 14 patients, whereas in three cases the hypoplastic lung never reinflated even after surgery. The time of discharge was in the range of postoperative days 4 to 9. The complication rate was 19%, and mortality rate was 4.5%. One case of recurrence was noted after 10 months. Conclusion  The controversies involved are the surgical approach, management of the hernial sac, whether or not to suture the defect, and choice of prosthesis. Although laparoscopic and thoracoscopic approaches are comparable, the laparoscopic approach seems to have certain distinct advantages. The authors prefer not to excise the hernial sac and favor suturing the defects before mesh reinforcement. Regarding the type of mesh used, composite, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), or polypropylene are the available options. Laparoscopic repair is feasible, effective, and reliable. It could become the gold standard in the near future.     

Laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia and paraesophageal hernia on the same patient

Morgagni hernias have been recognized with increasing frequency as a source of abdominal pain and dyspnea in adults. Morgagni hernias are rarely accompanied by paraesophageal hernias. We report a case of Morgagni hernia associated with paraosephageal hernia, both repaired laparoscopically. On the 65-year-old woman patient, diaphragmatic defect and paraesophageal hernia were closed with primary sutures, and Hill-type gastropexy was performed successfully. The procedure lasted 115 min. The patient was discharged 5 days after surgical treatment and there were no complications following the operation. Primary closure with direct sutures is rapid, simple, and effective and can be combined with other laparoscopic procedures, as in our case. It can be performed by surgeons trained in intracorporeal suturing and knotting in all kinds of hospitals. The laparoscopic approach to Morgagni hernias minimizes trauma and shortens postoperative hospital stay, and patients have a comfortable postoperative period.     

Laparoscopy is useful in the diagnosis and management of foramen of Morgagni hernia in children

Foramen of Morgagni hernia is a rare form of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. We report the use of laparoscopy to diagnose and manage suspected foramen of Morgagni hernias in children. Cardiophrenic masses were seen on chest radiography in two asymptomatic children aged 1 and 3 years. Further radiologic workup was nondiagnostic. Laparoscopy was performed in both children, and the foramen of Morgagni hernias were immediately identified. Laparoscopic repair was performed on one of the children. Both children had uneventful postoperative courses, were discharged home early, and had no evidence of recurrence at the 6-month follow-up examination. Laparoscopy is a safe and effective technique to diagnose and potentially repair foramen of Morgagni hernias. We recommend the use of this modality as the primary diagnostic evaluation in infants and children with suspected foramen of Morgagni hernias.     

Case reports: Online first

Morgagni hernias are unusual diaphragmatic hernias which usually present in adulthood. They have traditionally been repaired through transabdominal or transthoracic approaches. The authors present a case of a laparoscopic repair of a Morgagni hernia in a 52-year-old female. A tension free repair of the defect was accomplished utilizing Goretex (W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., North Elkton, MD) mesh. The patient had an uneventful recovery and is asymptomatic at 6 months follow-up. The etiology, diagnosis and traditional surgical approaches to this problem are discussed. A technique for laparoscopic repair of a Morgagni hernia is described. The literature on the laparoscopic repair of a Morgagni hernia is reviewed and different operative techniques are discussed.     

Laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia

BACKGROUND: Morgagni hernia is a rare type of diaphragmatic hernia which represents less than 5% of all congenital diaphragmatic hernias. Patients are generally asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally. When symptomatic, it generates symptoms due to the compression of thoracic organs or compression of herniated intraabdominal organs. Once diagnosed, the condition requires prompt surgical correction. The defect is repaired either by primary suture or by the use of a prosthetic mesh. In adults, prosthetic mesh repair is preferred. Recently, laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia has been introduced and gained wide acceptance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2004, 5 patients with Morgagni hernia were treated laparoscopically at our department. Female/male ratio was 3/2. Mean age was 56 years (range 41 to 69 y). Diagnosis were made by chest x-ray and CT scan. Herniation was on the left in 2 patients, and on the right in 3. The content of hernial sac was transverse colon and stomach. There were 2 separate defects in a patient with left-sided hernia. All cases were laparoscopically treated using prosthetic material. RESULTS: All operations were completed laparoscopically. The postoperative hospital stay was 3 to 5 days with a mean of 4 days. None of the patients developed any complication in the early postoperative period. The mean follow-up period is 7 months (range 3 to 24 mo). All patients are actually in good health and without recurrence. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia is a safe, simple, and reliable procedure which presents all the advantages of the minimally invasive surgery.     

Laparoscopic repair of diaphragmatic hernias: experience of six cases

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair is increasingly performed in adults for congenital diaphragmatic hernias and chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernias. This study reviewed our experience with laparoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair to evaluate its safety, efficacy and outcomes. METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2002, four male and two female patients presented to us with diaphragmatic hernias, three with traumatic and three with congenital hernias. The mean age of patients was 58.6 years (range, 42-83 years). Five patients presented with main complaints of postprandial retrosternal/chest discomfort and one patient had an acute gastric outlet obstruction. Dissection was performed laparoscopically to reduce the contents of the sac and the hernial defect was repaired using prolene sutures and a polypropylene mesh. RESULTS: Laparoscopic repair of diaphragmatic hernias was completed successfully in all patients. The mean size of the defect was 6.8 cm (range, 3-12 cm) and the mean operative time was 100 minutes (range, 60-150 minutes). There were no major intraoperative complications. One patient required placement of a chest tube due to inadvertent opening of the pleura with the hernial sac and one patient had prolonged postoperative gastric ileus. The mean hospital stay was 2.3 days (range, 1-4 days) and the mean pain score was 4 (range, 2-6). All patients remained asymptomatic over a mean follow-up of 2.9 years. CONCLUSION: Adult congenital and chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernias are amenable to laparoscopic repair. Laparoscopic repair is safe and feasible and confers all the advantages of minimal access surgery.     

Laparoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernias

Bochdalek and Morgagni hernias are the least common congenital diaphragmatic hernias, with the prevalence of Bochdalek hernia being 1/2200 births and the prevalence of Morgagni hernia being 1/1 million births. Although they are usually asymptomatic, congenital diaphragmatic hernias, especially Bochdalek and Morgagni hernias, are diagnosed in early childhood. In adulthood, they are diagnosed incidentally or when they become symptomatic. The repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia is indicated in all children and symptomatic adults. We present three cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, two Morgagni and one Bochdalek hernias, repaired laparoscopically. We describe the operational methods. The results of the operations were satisfactory, with cure defined with radiological images after 1 month. We propose the use of laparoscopy in the repair procedure because it is a safe and effective method. Benefits include that it provides an excellent view of the surgical field, ease of execution, minimal surgical trauma, excellent cosmetic results, rapid recovery, and shorter hospitalization stay.     

Laparoscopic repair of a morgagni hernia in a child: a case report

Morgagni hernias are anomalies of the sternal insertions of the diaphragmatic bundles and represent 1% to 4% of all surgically treated diaphragmatic hernias. We present a case of a laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia incidentally found in a 4-year-old boy. Primary laparoscopic closure of the defect with interrupted silk sutures was performed. The patient had uneventful recovery and is asymptomatic at 2 months of follow-up. We propose that the laparoscopic approach is feasible and effective treatment of this kind of hernia.     

Laparoscopic-assisted repair of Morgagni hernia in children

Purpose

Morgagni hernia is a rare entity that accounts for less than 6% of all surgically treated diaphragmatic hernias in pediatric age group. They are mostly asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. Open surgical repair has been the gold standard in all cases once diagnosed. However, since the introduction of minimal access surgery, different laparoscopic techniques of Morgagni hernia repair have been reported in the literatures. Most of them are reporting on few cases and the immediate outcomes. Herein, we report the largest experience to date assessing the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted full-thickness anterior abdominal wall repair of Morgagni hernia in children with more emphasis on the short-term outcomes, such as the recurrence and the fate of the hernia sac.

Methods

Fifteen children with Morgagni hernias underwent primary laparoscopic repair by placement of interrupted nonabsorbable sutures through the full thickness of the anterior abdominal wall, incorporating the hernia sac, the posterior rim of the defect, and returning back out through the anterior abdominal wall with the sutures tied in the subcutaneous tissue.

Result

Between January 2004 and January 2008, 15 children with Morgagni hernia were treated laparoscopically in our institution-affiliated hospitals. Male-female ratio was 2:1. Mean age was 21.7 months. The average operative time was 42.6 minutes. Average time to full feed was 22.9 hours. Postoperative analgesia requirement was minimal. The average hospital stay was 24 hours. All operations were completed laparoscopically. None of the patients developed intraoperative or postoperative complications. The maximum follow-up was 48 months (mean, 20 months). All patients are in good health without recurrence or significant sac residual.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic-assisted Morgagni hernia repair is a safe and effective modality of treatment. It is well tolerated and gives all the advantages of minimal access surgery, without adverse effects from leaving the sac plicated in place.     

Current status of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in Denmark

Background  Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is becoming more common in many countries, but the quality of care, experience of the operating surgeon, and details of the surgical technique are not known in detail on a national level in Denmark. In a period of expanding surgical volume for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, it is important to know the typical indications for surgery, re-operation rates, details of surgical technique, and status of surgical training on a national level in order to rationalize interventions to improve outcome. Methods  Data from the National Hernia Database for the last 8 years regarding laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair were used in combination with questionnaire data obtained from all surgical units in Denmark. The questionnaire included issues such as the number of operating surgeons in the department, number of residents training in the laparoscopic technique, and the experience level of the most experienced surgeon in the department regarding laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. The questionnaire also included details of the surgical technique. Results  The frequency of laparoscopic repair has been increasing over the last 8 years and now accounts for about 16% of the total number of inguinal herniorrhaphies with the main indication nationwide being bilateral hernias and recurrent hernias. We found slight variations in surgical technique although all departments used the TAPP repair. The majority used adequate mesh sizes at or above 10 × 15 cm, and most departments used coils or tacks for mesh fixation and peritoneal closure. Fifteen of 25 departments had only one or two surgeons performing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and 12 of 25 departments did not have any young surgeons in training for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Ten departments had one surgeon in training, and three departments had two surgeons in training. Conclusion  Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in Denmark is increasing in prevalence. Indications for surgery as well as operative techniques differ although all departments use the TAPP technique. Few surgeons are currently learning the laparoscopic technique, and it is therefore important to initiate meetings and courses to ensure uniform indications for surgery and operative techniques throughout the country.     

Morgagni’s Hernia: Analysis of 21 Patients with Our Clinical Experience in Diagnosis and Treatment

A Morgagni’s hernia is a congenital defect found in the anterior aspect of the diaphragm between the costal and the sternal portions of this muscle. This defect is also referred to as the space of Larrey. It has been reported that 70% of patients with Morgagni’s hernia are female, 90% of the hernias are right-sided, and 92% of the hernias have hernia sacs. This type of hernia is a rare clinical entity and accounts for 3% of all surgically treated diaphragmatic hernias. There are no large retrospective or prospective studies on this topic. This type of hernia is a rare type among adults without a well-described prevalence and without well-established definitive management strategies. There are also few clinical reports about this clinical entity and its surgical treatment. We treated 21 patients with Morgagni’s hernia in a 12-year period, and we report our experience while discussing the surgical treatment of this disease. We performed a retrospective review of the 21 patients who were operated between 2003 and 2015. These patients had undergone surgical repair of Morgagni’s hernia. For each subject, demographic data, symptoms of presentation, physical examination findings, preoperative imaging studies and diagnosis, and surgical procedures were documented. Location of the hernia sac and its contents, postoperative complications, and duration of hospital stay were recorded and evaluated. Twelve patients were females and nine were males. The mean age of patients was 63.85 years. Dyspnea was the most prominent symptom in our patients. Morgagni’s hernias were located on the right side in 19 patients and on the left side in 2 patients. Chest X-ray in 10 patients and abdominal computerized tomography in 17 patients were the major diagnostic tools. Four patients were operated as emergency while others underwent elective surgery (17 patients). Twelve patients were operated with laparoscopy and the remaining nine were operated with the conventional open abdominal technique. Hernia sacs were observed in all of the patients and removed except in four of them. The omentum and the transverse colon were the most commonly seen organs in hernia sacs. Hernia defects were repaired with primary sutures in four patients (all open cases) and primary closure supported with mesh in six patients (four laparoscopic, two open cases). In the remaining 11 patients, hernia defects were closed with synthetic meshes (eight laparoscopic, three open cases). Mean postoperative hospital stay was 9.8 days. No recurrence was observed in any patients. Only one of our patients died during follow-up. In Morgagni’s hernias, surgical intervention is necessary as the hernia may cause complications such as strangulation of the colon or intestines. A laparoscopic approach has increased its popularity in recent years because of the well-known advantages of laparoscopy.     

Surgical technique and complications during laparoscopic repair of diaphragmatic hernias

Diaphragmatic hernias can present as retrocostoxiphoid hernias (RCXH) or diaphragmatic dome hernias. The RCXH include the Larrey hernia (LH), the Morgagni hernia (MH), and the Larrey–Morgagni hernia (LMH). These congenital hernias are usually asymptomatic, and the diagnosis is simplified by two exams: chest X-ray, and thoraco-abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan. The potential risk in this condition is small-bowel incarceration in the hernia defect and subsequent obstruction. We report two cases of LH and one case of LMH treated by laparoscopy between February 2004 and October 2005, with a review of the surgical techniques. Two different laparoscopic techniques were used: the tension-free technique, and resection of the hernia sac with closure of the defect and reinforcement by prosthesis. One patient presented a postoperative cardiac tamponade due to a clip-induced bleeding of an epicardial artery at the inferior surface of the heart. Treatment by laparoscopy is feasible, but a consensus regarding the best laparoscopic repair is needed.     

Laparoscopic repair of a Morgagni-Larrey hernia

Morgagni-Larrey hernia is a congenital type of diaphragmatic hernia. It is quite uncommon, particularly when it occurs on the left side of the diaphragm. This is a report of a case of a large left-side diaphragmatic hernia through the foramen of Morgagni treated by laparoscopy. The hernia was repaired by incorporating and fixing a polypropylene double-filament mesh into the defect, leaving the sac in mediastinum. The patient recovered promptly after the hernia repair, and there was no recurrence or complaints 30 months after surgery. Our conclusion is that laparoscopically repairs of Morgagni hernias with a prosthetic material are a safe and effective treatment. A literature review also shows that laparoscopic techniques are the gold standard in diaphragmatic hernias repairs.     

Laparoscopic repair of Morgagni diaphragmatic hernia

Background: Morgagni diaphragmatic hernia is a rare congenital hernia that lies retrosternal through a congenital defect between the sternal and costal portions of the diaphragm. Surgical repair of Morgagni hernia is recommended because incarceration or strangulation of bowel within the thoracic cavity may occur. Methods: A case of Morgagni diaphragmatic hernia is presented and laparoscopic repair using Gore‐Tex DualMesh is described. Results: There was complete resolution of the patient’s symptoms including her dyspnoea. There were no postoperative complications. Conclusion: Laparoscopic repair of Morgagni diaphragmatic hernia is a safe and effective method for treating this rare surgical condition. The use of dual‐layer mesh allows tension‐free repair without the risk of intra‐abdominal adhesions forming between bowel and mesh.     

Transabdominal Approach in the Surgical Management of Morgagni Hernia

Purpose Morgagni hernias are uncommon diaphragmatic hernias that are generally asymptomatic, and so far only limited data have been reported. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of patients presenting with a complicated Morgagni hernia and who undergo a transabdominal repair. Methods Between September 1999 and October 2005, 11 patients with Morgagni hernia were operated on in our department. Eight of them had acute presentations because of a complicated Morgagni hernia. The patient demographics, presenting symptoms, operative approach, and complications were collected. The postoperative course was evaluated for morbidity and mortality. Results The patients' ages ranged from 42 to 85 years (mean 69.4). Two (18.2%) patients were male and nine (81.8%) patients were female. Chest roentgenograms, computed tomography, and contrast meal studies were used as diagnostic utilities. A transabdominal approach was used for all patients. One patient died due to pulmonary failure. The mean follow-up was 2.8 years. There was no recurrence or symptoms regarding the operation in the remaining patients. Conclusion We recommend the transabdominal approach in patients with Morgagni hernia as it makes it easy to reduce the hernia contents and repair of the hernia sac. Moreover, when complicated with strangulation, incarceration or perforation, a surgical repair through a transabdominal approach is mandatory.     

Transthoracic approach in surgical management of Morgagni hernia.

OBJECTIVE: Morgagni hernia is an uncommon type of diaphragmatic hernias. Numerous approaches have been described and, particularly the significance of laparatomy has been emphasized as an operative technique. We present our experience on patients with Morgagni hernia operated on via transthoracic approach in our department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1986 and March 2000, 16 patients with Morgagni hernia were operated in our department. Their ages ranged from 16 to 68 years (mean 51.5). Five (31.25%) patients were male, and 11 (68.75%) patients were female. Chest roentgenograms, thorax CT, barium enema roentgenographic studies were used as diagnostic utilities. Right posterolateral thoracotomy was performed in all patients. RESULTS: Hernia sac was present in all cases. Exploration revealed omentum in hernia sac in eight patients (50%), colon and omentum in seven patients (44%), only colon in one patient (%6). Postoperative course was uneventful. The mean follow-up was 5.7 years. There was no recurrence or symptoms related to the operation. CONCLUSIONS: We advocate transthoracic approach for surgical exposure as it provides wide exposure and easy repair of the hernia sac in Morgagni hernia.     

A new, easy, and safe suturing technique for laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernias

Laparoscopic repair is gaining attention as a minimally invasive surgical option for children with Morgagni hernias. There are very few reports in the literature in which different suturing techniques are described. In this report, the authors detail a new, easy, and safe suturing technique used in the laparoscopic repair of a Morgagni hernia in a five-and-a-half-month-old baby.