Laparoscopic antireflux procedures with hepatic shoulder technique for the surgical management of large paraesophageal hernias and gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background

Large paraesophageal hernias are notoriously difficult to manage via laparoscopy and are associated with a significant recurrence rate. A novel laparoscopic approach was used to close the diaphragmatic defect in four patients diagnosed with large, paraesophageal hernias and gastroesophageal reflux disease symptomatology.

Methods

All procedures were performed via laparoscopy. Three patients underwent a reduction of the paraesophageal hernia with a Nissen fundoplication and one with Collis-Nissen fundoplication. Standard crural closure was performed over a #60 Fr Bougie in two patients, and two patients did not undergo a cruroplasty. In all four patients, the left hepatic lobe was freed, repositioned, and anchored under and inferior to the gastroesophageal junction, propping the gastroesophageal junction anteriorly. This maneuver entirely covers and closes the diaphragmatic defect.

Results

Postoperatively, all patients did well without notable, unusual complaints. Average length of stay was 2 days. Although not statistically significant, all patients had no recurrence of symptoms or of their paraesophageal hernia at 8, 9, 11, and 15 months after the procedure.

Conclusions

In selected patients, large paraesophageal hernias can safely be managed via a laparoscopic antireflux procedure with the hepatic shoulder technique. Although no long-term follow-up is available, this technique has shown good early postoperative results and may be used as an alternative to a laparoscopic Mesh reinforced fundoplication or difficult crural closure.     

Management of paraesophageal hernias

A tailored approach to the management of patients who have para-esophageal herniation appears to be the best policy. No one approach can universally apply to this patient population if optimal therapy, quality of life, and overall survival are to be optimized.     

Repair of paraesophageal hernias.

BACKGROUND: Three years ago we proposed the use of laparoscopy and systematic addition of an antireflux procedure to repair paraesophageal hernias. We now present an analysis of the outcome on patients and the evolution of the technique proposed. METHODS: Symptoms and esophageal function were prospectively collected and followed in 41 consecutive patients treated over a 4-year period. Indications for repair included chronic anemia in 15 patients, and previous incarceration in 8. Twenty-two patients had symptoms of reflux. RESULTS: All operations were started laparoscopically, two were converted. Mean operating time was 210 minutes, and mean hospital stay was 4 days. Mean follow-up was 3 years. The operation was effective; all symptoms had improved significantly at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernia with the addition of an antireflux procedure, although difficult, lengthy, and not totally without risk, improves symptoms substantially, resolves anemia, and prevents incarceration in nearly all patients.     

Laparoscopic repair of incarcerated paraesophageal hernias

Paraesophageal hernias comprise only 2–5% of all hiatal hernias, yet unlike the more common sliding hiatal hernia, paraesophageal hernias are prone to undergo volvulus, with obstruction, ischemia, and gangrenous perforation. Due to their propensity toward calamitous complications, they must be recognized and repaired as expeditiously as possible. Traditionally these hernias have been repaired by either an open transabdominal or an open transthoracic approach. Laparoscopic repair with Nissen fundoplication has already been successfully applied to the repair of the more common sliding hiatal hernia. Described here is the laparoscopic repair of two paraesophageal hernias. The merit of an anti-reflux procedure as part of this repair is discussed.     

Laparoscopic treatment of large paraesophageal hernias

Background: We set out to evaluate the results of the laparoscopic treatment of large paraesophageal hernias in 22 patients. Methods: Between 1993 and 1998, we operated on 22 consecutive patients. Preoperative assessment consisted of endoscopy, barium esophagogram, 24-h pH testing, manometry, and gastric emptying times. Results: In the first three patients, the sac was not excised and gastropexy was not performed. Because of recurrences, we decided to change the technique in an attempt to avoid further complications. During middle- to long-term follow-up, only three recurrences were seen in the subsequent 19 patients. There were no deaths in this series. Conclusions: Laparoscopic treatment of large paraesophageal hernias is feasible. Because recurrences may occur after successful laparoscopic treatment, both resection of the sac and some form of gastropexy are imperative. Received: 22 March 2000/Accepted: 30 April 2000/Online publication: 20 September 2000     

Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hiatal hernias

The advent of minimally invasive techniques has brought about a shift in the operative approach of patients with paraesophageal hiatal hernia. Today, the laparoscopic repair of a paraesophageal hiatal hernia has almost completely replaced the open approach through either a laparotomy or a left thoracotomy. The laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hiatal hernias is a technically challenging operation; however, it is technically feasible and safe, and it is associated with a positive relief of symptoms, decreased postoperative pain, and a rapid return to normal activities (1, 2). This paper describes, step by step, our approach to the laparoscopic repair of a paraesophageal hiatal hernia.     

The need for flexibility in the operative management of type III paraesophageal hernias

BACKGROUND: A myriad of operation exist to treat type III paraesophageal hernias (T3PH). How does one choose? METHODS: A retrospective review of a consecutive series of resident-preformed T3PH repair. RESULTS: Three patients with T3PH were operated on during a 6-year period. The presentation of each patient was unique. Three different surgical procedures were used to treat these patients depending on the patient's condition at presentation, the location of the gastroesophageal junction, and the documentation of reflux. Transabdominal hernia reduction and a modified Hill procedure was used in 1 patient; a transthoracic hernia reduction was supplemented with a either a Belsy-Mark IV fundoplication or a Collis-Nissen gastroplasty in the other 2 patients. Patients were discharged home 7 (3-13) days postoperatively, and at a mean follow-up of 23 (2-60) months, all patients are asymptomatic and without radiographic recurrence. CONCLUSION: Operative selection for T3PH should be flexible depending on the (1) urgency of symptoms, (2) location of the gastroesophageal junction, and (3) evidence for gastroesophageal reflux.     

Surgical management of paraesophageal hernias: outcome and quality of life analysis.

BACKGROUND: Paraesophageal hernias (PEHs) have protean clinical manifestations, and a variety of surgical approaches may be appropriate. We report both surgical and quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes for PEH repairs. METHODS: All patients undergoing elective repair of PEHs were evaluated preoperatively for symptoms and the radiologic appearance of the PEH. In addition, patients undergoing elective repair completed the SF-36, a generic QoL instrument, preoperatively and postoperatively. Short-term postoperative complications were recorded. Symptomatic outcomes and QoL outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Over a 50-month period, 44 PEH repairs were completed. 3 patients represented emergently - 2 with gastric ischemia, 1 with frank gastric necrosis. The most common presenting symptoms were heartburn (48%), chest pain (27%), abdominal pain (20%), regurgitation (20%), dysphagia (18%), and microcytic anemia (18%). Only 4 patients (9%) were truly asymptomatic. 31 repairs were attempted laparoscopically, 5 were converted to open procedures. There were no gastric or esophageal perforations. 91% of patients had resolution of preoperative symptoms. The only death was in a patient with gastric necrosis. 5 of 8 patients treated by crural repair without fundoplication developed postoperative heartburn. Patients treated laparoscopically had superior QoL scores than patients treated by open surgery in the domains of physical functioning (90 vs. 65), role-physical (100 vs. 0), role-emotional (100 vs. 66.7), vitality (80 vs. 55), and social functioning (100 vs. 75). However, there were 3 symptomatic recurrences in the laparoscopic group (11.5%), all in patients with large, type-III hiatal hernias. CONCLUSIONS: PEH is a potentially life-threatening disease. Although most can be repaired laparoscopically, specific principles must be individualized to each patient to minimize complications and recurrences. A fundoplication should be added to all repairs. Laparoscopic repairs can produce superior QoL results: however, patients with large, type-III hernias may not be appropriate candidates for laparoscopic repair.     

Biomesh placement in laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernias

The placement of mesh in the crural closure of paraesophageal hiatal hernia repairs has been shown to decrease hernia recurrence rates. Typical synthetic mesh are easy to use but have high rate of erosion into the esophagus. Alternatively, biologic mesh decrease the risk of erosion, but are more difficult to manipulate, and there is currently no well-described method for securing them. Current fixation techniques of mesh are difficult, cumbersome, incur extra expense, and are not without complications. A method that requires no additional sutures or staples and achieves excellent contact and reinforcement of the crural closure is presented.     

Laparoscopic tension-free repair of large paraesophageal hernias

The paraesophageal hernia is an unusual disorder of the esophageal hiatus that may be associated with life-threatening mechanical problems. Elective repair is recommended at the time the condition is diagnosed, and open surgery can be accomplished with a low incidence of complications. The option of performing these repairs through a laparoscopic approach may further reduce morbidity and recovery time associated with surgical intervention. The purpose of this report was to review available options for laparoscopic repair and to present our experience with a tension-free technique for large paraesophageal hernias. Three patients with large diaphragmatic defects had laparoscopic repairs using an expanded polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) patch secured with intracorporeal suturing techniques. One of these patients also underwent laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication in conjunction with repair of the hernia. In the other two patients, the fundus was secured to the right diaphragmatic crus to reduce the potential for recurrence and minimize postoperative reflux symptoms. All patients underwent successful repair without perioperative complications and had excellent long-term results. Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernias can be accomplished by a number of different reported techniques. The use of a tension-free repair with PTFE may be particularly suitable for large diaphragmatic defects. An antireflux operation may be added selectively depending on clinical circumstances.     

Laparoscopic mesh hiatoplasty for paraesophageal hernias and fundoplications

Background Little grade A medical evidence exists to support the use of prosthetic material for hiatal closure. Therefore, the authors compiled and analyzed all the available literature to determine whether the use of prosthetic mesh in hiatoplasty for routine laparoscopic fundoplications (LF) or for the repair of large (>5 cm) paraesophageal hernias (PEH) would decrease recurrence. Methods A literature search was performed using an inclusive list of relevant search terms via Medline/PubMed to identify papers (n = 19) describing the use of prosthetic material to repair the crura of patients undergoing laparoscopic PEH reduction, LF, or both. Results Case series (n = 5), retrospective reviews (n = 6), and prospective randomized (n = 4) and nonrandomized (n = 4) trials were identified. Laparoscopic procedures (n = 1,368) were performed for PEH, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia, or a combination of the three. Group A (n = 729) had primary suture repair of the crura, and group B (n = 639) had repair with either interposition of mesh to close the hiatus or onlay of prosthetic material after hiatal or crural closure. The use of mesh was associated with fewer recurrences than primary suture repair in both the LF and PEH groups. The mean follow-up period did not differ between the groups (20.7 months for group A vs. 19.2 months for group B). None of the papers cited any instance of prosthetic erosion into the gastrointestinal tract. Conclusions The current data tend to support the use of prosthetic materials for hiatal repair in both routine LF and the repair of large PEHs. Longer and more stringent follow-up evaluation is necessary to delineate better the safety profile of mesh hiatoplasty. Future randomized trials are needed to confirm that mesh repair is superior to simple crural closure.     

Surgical treatment after the failed antireflux operation

Eighty-seven adults have undergone reoperation for recurrent gastroesophageal reflux or complications of prior antireflux procedures. Operations performed included the transthoracic Collis-Nissen procedure (59), Collis-Belsey repair (14), Nissen fundoplication (one), repair of acute postoperative paraesophageal hernia (one), division of obstructing crural suture (one), and esophageal resection (23). Among the 73 patients undergoing an additional hiatal hernia repair, there were two postoperative deaths. Follow-up averages 28 months. Subjectively, results have been excellent or good (no or mild reflux symptoms or dysphagia) in 47 (67%); fair in eight (12%), who have moderate dysphagia or reflux symptoms controlled medically; and poor in 15 (21%), 12 of whom have required additional operations. Early postoperative esophageal dilations were required in 25 patients (36%) and regular dilations in seven (10%). Among the 23 patients undergoing esophageal resection, four had a distal esophagectomy and short-segment colon interposition and 19 had a transhiatal esophagectomy without thoracotomy; stomach was used for esophageal replacement in 14 and colon in five. There were no operative deaths. Follow-up averages 17 months. Thirteen patients have had esophageal dilations (nine early and four regularly), and one has clinically significant reflux. Overall, subjective results are good or excellent in 64 (76%). The results of "redo hiatal hernia operation" are far from ideal. Optimal surgical treatment after the failed antireflux operation requires careful analysis of the existing anatomy and experience to decide when esophageal resection is a safer and more reliable approach than another hiatal hernia repair.     

Recurrent hernias after previous Shouldice operation

For all 158 surgical operations performed on hernia recurrences throughout the period from March 2000 until the end of May 2001, we compared the intra-operative findings to the information contained in the operation reports--as far as available--as part of our quality management. In less than 20 % of the patients for whom a Shouldice repair had been documented in the operation reports, we found evidence of the actual performance of a Shouldice repair (typical cicatrised modifications on the rear wall or the fascia transversalis, sutures or residues of sutures). 74 % of the patients were treated with a Marlex(R) Perfix plug, avoiding the resection of stable cicatrisation fractions with incision of the rear wall in the case of an intact fascia. On 26 % of the patients it was possible to perform a Shouldice repair in compliance with the original technique. Meanwhile, mesh techniques have outpaced the Shouldice technique with respect to the recurrence rates in the efficiency statistics. This, however, is not caused by the technique as such, but rather by the fact that in many clinics the anatomical situations are obviously incorrectly assessed and/or that insufficient knowledge about suturing techniques prevails. As a consequence, worse results are reported for the Shouldice technique than for the mesh techniques. It is not the Shouldice technique that is insufficient but its performance suffers in many hospitals from substantial insufficiencies in terms of quality.     

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.     

腹腔镜在食管裂孔疝修补术中的临床应用

目的探讨腹腔镜在食道裂孔疝修补术中应用的疗效及安全性。方法运用腹腔镜对21例食道裂孔疝患者行食道裂孔疝修补术,其中13例食道裂孔缺损≥4 cm者使用巴德Cru-raSoft补片进行修补,8例缺损4 cm者用2-0普理灵缝线连续缝合将两膈肌脚关闭。同时将胃底固定于食道左侧膈肌下,以恢复锐性His角。结果 21例均顺利完成疝修补术,无中转开腹,未出现并发症。平均手术时间117 min;平均出血量约36.7 ml;平均住院日3.7 d。术后3个月行胃镜复查,显示患者的食道炎均已明显好转,未见消化性溃疡或糜烂性胃炎;术后随访3～30个月,单纯缝合修补者有2例复发。结论对于老年人要适当控制气腹的压力。腹腔镜手术的高清晰度、宽广视野是直视手术所无法比拟的,用以治疗食道裂孔疝有手术损伤小、出血少、患者恢复快、住院时间短等优点,其并发症的发生率和死亡率都比开腹直视手术要低。腹腔镜下行食道裂孔疝修补的治疗是安全可行的,值得临床推广应用。     

Presentation and management of epigastric hernias in children

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Although epigastric hernias are common, there are no reports that describe the presentation and treatment of these defects in children. The authors reviewed their experience with these hernias to develop recommendations for their management in this age group. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for all children younger than 18 years who presented for evaluation of an epigastric hernia at our institution over 14 years. Data on presentation, operative findings, and postoperative results were obtained. RESULTS: Forty children were evaluated for an epigastric hernia, representing 4% of all pediatric patients seen for treatment of a hernia. An epigastric hernia was first observed at birth in 12 patients (30%). All children presented with a mass in the epigastrium. The hernia was observed to be either symptomatic (abdominal wall pain or tenderness) or enlarging in 22 patients (55%). Thirty-eight children underwent repair, and 2 were lost to follow-up. There was no recurrence or morbidity associated with surgical repair of these defects. CONCLUSIONS: Epigastric hernias are common in children and frequently present in infancy. Because most are either symptomatic or enlarging, the authors recommend repair of these defects at the time of presentation.     

Combined paraesophageal hernia repair and partial longitudinal gastrectomy in obese patients with symptomatic paraesophageal hernias

Background

Obesity is a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia. Studies have demonstrated poor symptom control in obese patients undergoing fundoplication. The ideal operation remains elusive. However, addressing both obesity and the anatomic abnormality should be the goal.

Methods

This study retrospectively identified 19 obese (body mass index [BMI], >30?kg/m²) and morbidly obese (BMI, >40?kg/m²) patients who presented between December 2007 and November 2011 for management of large or recurrent paraesophageal hernia. All the patients underwent a combined primary paraesophageal hernia repair and longitudinal gastrectomy. Charts were retrospectively reviewed to collect preoperative, operative, and short-term postoperative results. Quantitative data were analyzed using Student??s t test and qualitative data with ??² testing.

Results

Laparoscopy was successful for all 19 patients. The mean preoperative BMI was 37.8?±?4.1?kg/m², and the mean operative time was 236?±?80?min. Preoperative endoscopy showed that 5 patients who had undergone prior fundoplication experienced anatomic failures, whereas the remaining 14 patients had type 3 and one type 4 paraesophageal Hernia. Mesh was used to reinforce the hiatus in 15 of the 19 cases. The postoperative complications included pulmonary embolism (n?=?1) and pulmonary decompensation (n?=?2) due to underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The mean hospital stay was 5.3?±?3?days. Upper gastrointestinal esophagography was performed for all the patients, with no short-term recurrence of paraesophageal hernia. Weight loss was seen for all the patients during the first month, with a mean BMI drop of 2.7?±?1?kg/m². All the patients experienced near to total resolution of their preoperative symptoms within the first month.

Conclusion

Combined laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair and longitudinal gastrectomy offer a safe and feasible approach for the management of large or recurrent paraesophageal hernias in well-selected obese and morbidly obese patients. In a short-term follow-up period, this approach demonstrated effective symptom control and weight loss.     

Laparoscopic treatment of simultaneously occurring Morgagni and paraesophageal hernias

A paraesophageal hernia was diagnosed in a 67-year-old female patient suffering from epigastric pain and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The patient underwent laparoscopy. Beside the paraesophageal hernia, a Morgagni hernia was also observed, with a significant part of the omentum herniated in the sac. A 360-degree Nissen fundoplication was performed, the Morgagni hernia sac was not resected, and its closure was performed with interrupted sutures. No complications were observed in the postoperative period and on one-year follow-up the patient was free of symptoms.