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.