Application of Laparoscopy to Repair of Congenital Esophageal Hiatal Hernia / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic repair in children with congenital esophageal hiatal hernia. Methods From September 2001 to December 2008,seven children with congenital esophageal hiatal hernia,including 4 boys and 3 girls,were treated by laparoscopic repair and Nissen's fundoplication in our hospital. One of them received laparoscopic pyloroplasty in the meanwhile because of delayed gastric emptying (confirmed by preoperative gastrointestinal angiography); one child underwent laparoscopic high ligation due to right oblique inguinal hernia; spleneolus was found in one patient,no further treatment was carried out. Results The procedures were completed in all of the patients without conversion to open surgery. The mean operation time was 94.2 min (75-150 min) in this series,and the average blood loss was 5 ml (2-10 ml). No patient received blood transfusion after the surgery. The children began to intake milk or regular diet in 24-48 hours after the operation. They were discharged from hospital in a mean of 4.5 days (ranged from 3 to 7 days). Then,the children were followed up for 6 to 20 months (mean,12.6 months). One of the patients suffered from vomiting on the 10th day after the operation,1 patient showed recurrence in 1 year postoperation and then was cured by a second operation. The other five patients were healthy during the follow-up. Conclusions Laparoscopic repair of congenital esophageal hiatal hernia is a safe,effective,and minimally invasive procedure. It is feasible for patients complicated with other diseases. The indications for the surgery must be strictly selected.