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     

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.     

Vagotomy During Hiatal Hernia Repair: A Benign Esophageal Lengthening Procedure

Introduction  This study describes the use of vagotomy in patients during complex laparoscopic esophageal surgery (e.g., reoperative antireflux surgery (rLARS) or paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair) when, after extensive esophageal mobilization, the gastroesophageal junction cannot be made to reach the abdomen without tension. In doing so, we hope to understand the risk incurred by vagus nerve division in this setting in order to evaluate its role in managing the short esophagus. Methods  One hundred and sixty-six patients underwent rLARS or PEH repair between 1/1998 and 6/2003 at our institution. Clinical data was obtained from a prospectively maintained database and systematic patient questionnaires administered for this study. Follow-up was available for 102 (61%) of these patients, at a median of 19 months (range 6–69 months). Results  Fifty-two patients underwent rLARS while 50 patients underwent PEH repair. Thirty patients had a vagotomy during the course of their operation (Vag Group; 20 anterior, six posterior, four bilateral), 13 in the rLARS group (25%), and 17 in the PEH group (34%). The primary presenting symptoms for rLARS and PEH repair patients were improved in 89% in the Vag Group and 91% in the No Vag Group. Similarly, there was no difference in the severity of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or early satiety between the Vag and No Vag groups at follow-up. No patient required a subsequent operation for gastric outlet obstruction. Conclusions  Vagotomy during rLARS and PEH repair does not lead to a higher rate delayed gastric emptying, dumping syndrome, or other side effects. Thus, we propose vagotomy to be a legitimate alternative to Collis gastroplasty when extensive mobilization of the esophagus fails to provide adequate esophageal length. Presented at the annual meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Ailmentary Tract New Orleans, 2004 This work was supported in part by the Mary and Dennis Wise Fund.     

Laparoscopic redo Nissen fundoplication in infants and children

From January 1994 to December 2004, 118 patients with recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after fundoplication underwent laparoscopic redo Nissen fundoplication. The patients ranged in age from 6 months to 19 years (mean, 7 years), and weighed from 6.4 to 85 kg. Of the 118 patients, 64 had previous open fundoplications, 53 had previous laparoscopic fundoplications, and 19 had more than one previous fundoplication. All the procedures had been successfully completed laparoscopically. The average operative time was 100 min. The intraoperative complication rate was 1.1%. The average time to full feeding was 1.8 days, and the average hospital stay was 2.2 days. The postoperative complication rate was 3.6%. The wrap failure rate during an average follow-up period of 48 months was 6%. Laparoscopic redo Nissen fundoplication for a failed antireflux procedure is a safe and effective procedure. It has the same benefits as a primary laparoscopic Nissen for GERD, with low morbidity and a quicker recovery. Early follow-up evaluation suggests that the long-term outcome is superior to that associated with open redo fundoplication.     

Obesity does not adversely affect the outcome of laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS)

Background: Because it has been suggested that obesity adversely affects the outcome of LARS, it is unclear how surgeons should counsel obese patients referred for antireflux surgery. Methods: A prospective database of patients undergoing LARS from 1992 to 2001 was used to compare obese and nonobese patients. Patients were surveyed preoperatively and annually thereafter. Questionnaires were completed regarding global symptoms and overall satisfaction. Results: Of the 505 patients, the body mass index (BMI) was <25 (normal) in 16%, 25–29 (overweight) in 42%, and >30 (obese) in 42%. Although the operative time was longer in the obese group than in the normal weight group (137 ± 55 min vs 115 ± 42 min, p = 0.003), the time to discharge and rate of complications did not differ. At a mean follow-up of 35 ± 25 months, there were no differences in symptoms, overall improvement, or patient satisfaction. Further, the rates of anatomic failure were similar among the obese, overweight, and normal weight groups. Conclusions: Although the operative time is longer in the obese, complication and anatomic failure rates are similar to those in the nonobese at long-term follow-up. Obese patients have equivalent symptom relief and are equally satisfied postoperatively. Therefore, obesity should not be a contraindication to LARS. Presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Academic Surgeons, Boston, MA, USA, November 2002     

Long-Term Results (6–10 Years) of Laparoscopic Fundoplication

Most papers report excellent results of laparoscopic fundoplication but with relatively short follow-up. Only few studies have a follow-up longer than 5 years. We prospectively collected data of 399 consecutive patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or large paraesophageal/mixed hiatal hernia who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication between January 1992 and June 2005. Preoperative workup included symptoms questionnaire, videoesophagogram, upper endoscopy, manometry, and pH-metry. Postoperative clinical/functional studies were performed at 1, 6, 12 months, and thereafter every other year. Patients were divided into four groups: GERD with nonerosive esophagitis, erosive esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and large paraesophageal/mixed hiatal hernia. Surgical failures were considered as follows: (1) recurrence of GERD symptoms or abnormal 24-h pH monitoring; (2) recurrence of endoscopic esophagitis; (3) recurrence of hiatal hernia/slipped fundoplication on endoscopy/barium swallow; (4) postoperative onset of dysphagia; (5) postoperative onset of gas bloating. One hundred and forty-five patients (87 M:58 F) were operated between January 1992 and June 1999: 80 nonerosive esophagitis, 29 erosive esophagitis, 17 Barrett’s esophagus, and 19 large paraesophageal/mixed hiatal hernias. At a median follow-up of 97 months, the success rate was 74% for surgery only and 86% for primary surgery and ‘complementary’ treatments (21 patients: 13 redo surgery and eight endoscopic dilations). Dysphagia and recurrence of reflux were the most frequent causes of failure for nonerosive esophagitis patients; recurrence of hernia was prevalent among patients with large paraesophageal/mixed hiatal hernia. Gas bloating (causing failure) was reported by nonerosive esophagitis patients only. At last follow-up, 115 patients were off ‘proton-pump inhibitors’; 30 were still on medications (eight for causes unrelated to GERD). Conclusion confirms that laparoscopic fundoplication provides effective, long-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Hernia recurrence and dysphagia are its weak points.     

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Diagnosis and Patient Selection

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a high prevalence worldwide. Recent reports have noted a high prevalence even in Asian countries. GERD significantly affects the quality of life and can present with a wide variety of symptoms. Not all reflux is acid, and non-acid reflux disease can be more difficult to diagnose and can lead to a variety of extra-esophageal symptoms. Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effective in the majority of patients, but they are not without side effects, and their effect often diminishes with time. For patients who do not desire to be on long-term PPIs or have incomplete symptom resolution with medication, various endoscopic and minimally invasive treatment modalities are now available. The etiology of GERD can be multifactorial including dysfunctional LES, presence of a hiatal hernia, and transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs). We hence believe that the treatment should be individualized to the cause of the reflux. In the following review, we describe the etiology of reflux disease and attempt to lay a framework for the diagnosis and selection of patients for the various interventions available for treatment, along with their evidence base.     

Laparoscopic treatment of paraesophageal and large mixed hiatal hernias

Background: Laparoscopic treatment of large mixed hiatal hernias was attempted in eight patients. Methods: One patient (12.5%) was converted to open surgery due to difficulty in repositioning the LES into the abdomen resulting from a shortened esophagus. One left pleural tear occurred intraoperatively and was repaired without further consequence. Median duration of the operation was 150 min (range 120–300 min). Results: No postoperative complications were recorded. All patients are asymptomatic after a median follow-up of 14 months (range 7–15 months). Correct repositioning of the stomach was confirmed by radiological evaluation 1 month after surgery. Early functional results are good. (One asymptomatic gastroesophageal reflux was detected and medical treatment was undertaken). Conclusions: Laparoscopic crural repair and fundoplication are feasible even in paraesophageal and large mixed hiatal hernias. Advantages of the minimally invasive approach are clear in terms of morbidity, patient comfort, and duration of hospital stay. Nevertheless, long-term assessment is required to confirm the effectiveness of the laparoscopic approach in patients with large mixed hiatal hernias.     

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.     

The contribution of hiatal hernia to severe gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with gastroschisis

Background

A relationship between gastroschisis-associated gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and hiatal hernia (HH) has not been previously reported. In reviewing our experience with gastroschisis-related GER, we noted a surprising incidence of associated HH in patients requiring antireflux procedures.

Methods

A single center retrospective chart review focused on GER in all gastroschisis patients repaired between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2012 was performed.

Results

Of the 141 patients surviving initial gastroschisis repair and hospitalization, 16 (11.3%) were noted to have an associated HH (12 Type I, 3 Type II, 1 Type III) on upper gastrointestinal series for severe reflux. Ten of the 13 (76.9%) patients who required an antireflux procedure had an associated HH. The time to initiation of feeds was similar in all patients, 19 and 23 days. However, time to full feedings and discharge was delayed until a median of 80 and 96 days, respectively, in HH patients.

Conclusions

This study describes a high incidence of associated HH in gastroschisis patients. The presence of large associated HH correlated with severe GER, delayed feeding, requirement for antireflux surgery, and a prolonged hospital stay. Patients with gastroschisis and clinically severe GER should undergo early assessment for associated HH.     

腹腔镜Nissen胃底折叠术对胃食管反流病患者食管动力学的影响

目的通过食管高分辨率测压（high resolution manometry,HRM）对比胃食管反流病（gastroesophageal reflux disease,GERD）患者腹腔镜下Nissen胃底折叠术（laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication,LNF）前后食管动力学的改变情况,探讨手术的抗反流原理。 方法选取2014年6月至2016年7月,火箭军总医院73例连续住院的GERD患者,LNF术前1周内行包括HRM在内一系列术前评估,术后GERD症状明显缓解且吞咽困难等并发症已经消失时复查HRM。对手术前后2次HRM的9个食管动力学参数进行对比分析,并按术前是否存在食管裂孔疝进一步分组分析。 结果术后患者食管长度平均延长了（0.43±1.72）cm,腹腔内下食管括约肌长度平均延长了（1.20± 0.94）cm,术后患者下食管括约肌静息压平均增加了（5.99±7.79）mmHg（1 mmHg=0.133 kPa）,综合松弛压平均增加了（3.41±5.43）mmHg;远端收缩分数平均增加了（157.26±596.01）mmHg·s·cm,远端收缩延迟时间平均增加了（0.93±2.30）s;上述6个动力学参数与术前比较差异均有统计学意义（P=0.04,<0.01,<0.01,<0.01,0.03,<0.01）。而术后下食管括约肌长度、食管上括约肌压力和收缩前沿速度与术前相比差异无统计学意义（P=0.83,0.43,0.73）。食管长度、下食管括约肌长度和远端收缩分数在食管裂孔疝患者中较无食管裂孔疝患者改善更为显著（P<0.01,<0.01,<0.01）。 结论LNF主要通过延长腹腔内食管长度,增强下食管括约压力,增强食管的廓清功能,从而到达有效的抗反流作用。其中合并食管裂孔疝的患者较无食管裂孔疝患者术后上述食管动力学改善更为显著。     

Type IV Hiatal Hernia Post Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication: Report of a Case

A postoperative hiatal hernia is a rare but serious complication of fundoplication. We report herein a 62-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain and vomiting 2 years following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. At laparotomy, the stomach and the transverse colon were intrathoracic (type IV hiatal hernia); the esophageal hiatus was markedly dilated with no evidence that they had been approximated. At 18 months follow-up, she is doing very well apart from occasional heartburn. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose postoperative hiatal hernias. A routine closure of the crura with nonabsorbable suture material and an avoidance of iatrogenic pneumothorax may help to reduce the occurrence of this problem. Received: March 3, 2000 / Accepted: July 25, 2000     

Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair in 221 Patients: Outcomes and Experience

Background and Objectives:

Hiatal hernia is a common condition often associated with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The objectives of this study were to examine the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair (LHHR) with biologic mesh to reduce and/or alleviate GERD symptoms and associated hiatal hernia recurrence.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive LHHR procedures with biologic mesh performed by a single surgeon from July 2009 to October 2014. The primary efficacy outcome measures were relief from GERD symptoms, as measured according to the GERD–health-related quality-of-life (GERD-HRQL) scale and hiatal hernia recurrence. A secondary outcome measure was overall safety of the procedure.

Results:

A total of 221 patients underwent LHHR with biologic mesh during the study period, and pre- and postoperative GERD-HRQL studies were available for 172 of them. At baseline (preoperative), the mean GERD-HRQL score for all procedures was 18.5 ± 14.4. At follow-up (mean, 14.5 ± 11.0 months [range, 2.0–56.0]), the score showed a statistically significant decline to a mean of 4.4 ± 7.5 (P < .0001). To date, 8 patients (3.6%, 8/221) have had a documented anatomic hiatal hernia recurrence. However, a secondary hiatal hernia repair reoperation was necessary in only 1 patient. Most complications were minor (dysphagia, nausea and vomiting). However, there was 1 death caused by a hemorrhage that occurred 1 week after surgery.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair using biologic mesh, both with and without a simultaneous bariatric or antireflux procedure, is an efficacious and safe therapeutic option for management of hiatal hernia, prevention of recurrence, and relief of symptomatic GERD.     

Nissen fundoplication improves gastric myoelectrical activity characteristics and symptoms in gastroesophageal reflux patients: evaluation in transcutaneous electrogastrography

Background Gastric myoelectrical activity disorders play an essential role in the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), although little is known about gastric motility following surgical treatment of the disease. The aim of present study was to analyze the impact of Nissen fundoplication on both gastric myoelectrical activity, measured using the transcutaneous electrogastrography technique (EGG), and change in digestive symptoms. Methods In 43 patients with GERD, EGG was recorded before and after the Nissen procedure and compared with the EGG obtained in eight healthy volunteers. Symptoms of epigastric pain, belching, regurgitation, heartburn, postprandial abdominal distension, and early satiety were recorded. At a three-week and a one-year postoperative follow-up, these tests were repeated. Results In fasted patients before the operation, the slow-wave frequency distribution (normogastria, 53.7%; bradygastria, 44.2%; dysrhythmia, 47.1%) was significantly different compared with that of controls (89.2%, 7.0%, and 10.4%, respectively). No major changes in slow-wave frequency distribution were observed after a meal in examined patients, besides a significant rise in tachygastria (12.4%). Three weeks following the Nissen fundoplication, the fasting slow-wave frequency distribution did not change significantly compared with the preoperative period, being 58.1% for normogastria, 43.2% for bradygastria, and 12.0% for tachygastria. The abnormal distribution of slow waves (bradygastria + tachygastria) was not significantly affected by Nissen fundoplication, being 47.1% before and 44.9% after the operation, respectively. At the same time and still one year after operation there was a significant improvement in all clinical symptoms measured. Conclusion EGG showed that Nissen fundoplication influenced and might improve the slow-wave generation in gastric pacemaker. Dyspeptic symptoms were also improved up to one year postoperatively.     

食管裂孔疝与呼吸道症状关系的研究进展

目的介绍食管裂孔疝（hiatal hernia，HH）的现状及其与呼吸道症状关系的研究进展。方法收集近年来国内外关于HH及其与呼吸道症状关系的相关文献并进行综述。结果胃食管反流病（gastroesophageal reflux disease，GERD）在人群中普遍存在，常引起喉、气道等食管外症状，极易误诊误治。HH在GERD者中常见；且在因反流引起的食管外症状患者中，并发HH者不在少数。经腔镜积极治疗HH，能显著减轻反流及其引起的呼吸道症状。结论HH能增加反流所致的呼吸道症状的发生风险，积极治疗HH可明显改善反流引起的呼吸道症状。     

腹腔镜手术治疗食管裂孔疝45例

目的探讨腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补联合抗反流手术治疗食管裂孔疝的疗效。方法 2004年5月~2008年11月45例食管裂孔疝行腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补联合抗反流手术。采用视觉模拟积分(visual analogue scales,VAS)评价术前及术后1、6、12个月胃食管反流症状,包括烧心、吞咽梗阻、反酸、胸痛、嗳气等。结果在缝合缩小食管裂孔的同时,行改良Nissen术9例,Toupet术10例,Dor术26例。无中转开腹。手术时间92~203min,平均118min。术后住院2~8d,平均2.7d。术后发生胃潴留3例,吞咽梗阻2例。术后随访1~48个月,平均21.5月,2例分别在术后1、12个月复发。胃食管反流综合症状VAS评分术前中位数5分(4~8分),术后1、6、12个月中位数均为1分,术前后比较均有统计学意义(P=0.000)。结论腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补联合抗反流手术是治疗食管裂孔疝的有效方法 ,具有创伤小、恢复快的特点。