[Operative treatment of hiatus hernia : Evidence on mesh inlay]. / Operative Therapie bei Hiatushernie : Evidenz zur Netzeinlage.

High rates of recurrence in hiatus hernia and antireflux surgery led to the introduction of different methods for diaphragm closure. Prosthetic diaphragm closure with meshes remains a controversial issue in the literature. Available data show lower recurrence rates after prosthetic diaphragm closure; however, there is no clear standard for the indications and technique. Despite the availability of a few prospective randomized trials, a clear recommendation regarding this issue cannot currently be given.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery through the umbilicus is associated with a higher incidence of trocar-site hernia than conventional laparoscopy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery has been developed with the objective to reduce surgical trauma, decrease associated surgical stress and to improve cosmetic outcome. However, concerns have been raised regarding the risk of trocar-site hernia following this approach. Previous meta-analyses have suggested a trend toward higher hernia rates, but have failed to demonstrate a significant difference between single-incision and conventional laparoscopic surgery. METHOD: Medline, AMED, CINAHL and CENTRAL were searched up to May 2014. Randomized controlled trials comparing single-incision and conventional laparoscopic surgery were considered for inclusion. Studies with patients aged less than 18 years and those reporting on robotic surgery were disregarded. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to measure the comparative risk of trocar-site hernia following single-incision and conventional laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS: Nineteen randomized trials encompassing 1705 patients were included. Trocar-site hernia occurred in 2.2% of patients in the single-incision group and in 0.7% of patients in the conventional laparoscopic surgery group (odds ratio 2.26, 95% confidence interval 1.00-5.08, p = 0.05). Sensitivity analysis of quality randomized trials validated the outcome estimates of the primary analysis. There was no heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 0%) and no evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSION: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery involving entry into the peritoneal cavity through the umbilicus is associated with a slightly higher risk of trocar-site hernia than conventional laparoscopy. Its effect on long-term morbidity and quality of life is a matter for further investigation.

[Laparoscopic Toupet - fundoplication]. / Laparoskopische Fundoplicatio nach Toupet.

The laparoscopic fundoplicatio is the "gold standard" among surgical therapy of gastrooesophageal reflux disease. In this context the Toupet fundoplicatio is an alternative indication to the Nissen fundoplicatio. The lesser dysphagia rate is specified as postoperative advantage. To avoid complications, a standardized procedure is relevant for a good postoperative outcome, even in more complex procedures. In this article, the indications and surgical methods are illustrated, as they are performed by the authors. The operation steps are demonstrated in addition to the text also in the attached video.

Similar symptom patterns in gastroesophageal reflux patients with and without hiatal hernia.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common clinical entity in Western societies. Its association with hiatal hernia has been well documented; however, the comparative clinical profile of patients in the presence or absence of hiatal hernia remains mostly unknown. The aim of the present study was to delineate and compare symptom, impedance, and manometric patterns of patients with and without hiatal hernia. A cumulative number of 120 patients with reflux disease were enrolled in the study. Quality of life score, demographic, symptom, manometric, and impedance data were prospectively collected. Data comparison was undertaken between patients with and without hiatal hernia. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Patients with hiatal hernia tended to be older than patients without hernia (52.3 vs. 48.6 years, P < 0.05), whereas quality of life scores were slightly better for the former (97.0 vs. 88.2, P= 0.005). Regurgitation occurred more frequently in patients without hiatal hernia (78.3% vs. 93.9%, P < 0.05). Otherwise, no differences were found with regard to esophageal and extraesophageal symptoms. However, lower esophageal sphincter pressures (7.7 vs. 10.0 mmHg, P= 0.007) and more frequent reflux episodes (upright, 170 vs. 134, P= 0.01; supine, 41 vs. 24, P < 0.03) were documented for patients with hiatal hernia on manometric and impedance studies. Distinct functional characteristics in patients with and without hiatal hernia may suggest a tailored therapeutic management for these diverse patient groups.

Influence of the esophageal hiatus size on the lower esophageal sphincter, on reflux activity and on symptomatology.

Hiatal hernia is an underlying factor contributing to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, it remains elusive whether the size of the esophageal hiatus has a de facto influence on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), on the intensity of patient reflux, on GERD symptoms and on the quality of life (QoL). One hundred patients with documented chronic GERD underwent laparoscopic fundoplication. QoL was evaluated before surgery using the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Additionally, GERD symptoms and nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms were documented using a standardized questionnaire (score 0-224). The size of the esophageal hiatus was measured during surgery by calculating the hiatal surface area (HSA). Correlation analysis between the preoperative QoL, GERD symptoms, esophageal manometry, multichannel intraluminal impedance monitoring data and HSA size was performed, in order to investigate whether the HSA has an influence on the patients'symptoms, GIQLI, manometry and multichannel intraluminal impedance monitoring data. Statistical significance was set at a P-value of 0.05. The HSA sizes ranged from 1.51cm(2) to 16.09cm(2) (mean 4.14cm(2) ). The preoperative GIQLI ranged from 15 points to 133 points (mean 94.37 points). Symptom scores ranged from 2 points to 192 points (mean 49.84 points). No significant influence of the HSA on GIQLI or preoperative symptoms was recorded. HSA size had a significant negative effect on LES pressure. Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between HSA size and number of refluxes in supine position. For the rest of the evaluated data, including DeMeester score, total number of refluxes, refluxes in upright position, acid reflux events, proximal reflux events, LES length and body motility, no significant correlation was found. Although patients subjectively are not significantly affected by the size of the hiatus, it has significant effects on the LES pressure and on gastroesopageal reflux in supine position.

The esophageal hiatus: what is the normal size?

BACKGROUND: A hiatal hernia is defined as the protrusion of intra-abdominal organs through a dilated esophageal hiatus. The esophageal hiatus and its function have been described extensively, but an exact anatomical determination of its normal size is lacking. It seems important to define the normal size, as crural closure is an important part of surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal or paraesophageal hernias. The aim of this study was to determine normal values for the size of the esophageal hiatus. METHODS: In a prospective study 50 consecutive cadaver autopsies were performed between February and May 2008. The subjects had died from several diseases not related to GERD. Size of the esophageal hiatus was measured after opening the abdominal cavity before extirpation of any organs. Distance of the cardia and gastroesophageal junction and position of the angle of His were further measured. A formula was used to calculate the hiatal surface area (HSA). Results were analyzed regarding subject height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and chest circumference. RESULTS: In all 50 cadavers (24 male/26 female) the autopsy was performed and all measurements were obtained. Mean age was 74 years (40-90 years), mean height was 1.68 m (1.39-1.83 m), mean weight was 71 kg (40-120 kg), and mean body mass index (BMI) was 25 kg/m(2) (14-40 kg/m(2)). Mean chest circumference was 101 cm (75-178 range). Mean HSA was 5.84 cm(2) (3.62-9.56 cm(2)). In all cadavers the gastroesophageal junction was intraabdominal, the mean distance to the angle of His was 3.6 cm (2.7-4.6 cm), the mean length of the right and left crura was similar at 3.6 cm (2.7-4.6 cm), and the opening segment had a mean length of 2.4 cm (1.7-4.0 cm). CONCLUSION: The mean HSA was determined in these normal subjects to be 5.84 cm(2). It was directly proportional to chest circumference and independent of height, weight, BMI, and gender.

The role of matrix metalloproteinases in the pathogenesis of abdominal wall hernias.

Surgical treatment of abdominal wall hernia has been based for many decades on observational evidence, as the disease physiopathology was ambiguous. The long-standing hypothesis of abnormal collagen metabolism as a causative factor of hernia disease seems to become substantiated by modern investigations, demonstrating a link between abnormal matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and abdominal wall hernia. Current evidence suggests a strong correlation between MMP-2 and direct inguinal hernia, while the role of this MMP in indirect, incisional and recurrent hernias has not been completely elucidated yet. Furthermore, MMP-1 and MMP-13 seem to be implicated in the physiopathology of recurrent hernia, while limited data link MMP-1 also with incisional hernia formation. Despite the importance of MMP-9 in wound healing mechanisms, its role in hernia pathogenesis has not been adequately investigated. Future research is expected to decipher the complex physiopathological mechanisms of hernia development and provide a basis for potential therapeutic applications.

Dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter and dysmotility of the tubular esophagus in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity is associated with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). The aim of this prospective study was to determine esophageal motility in asymptomatic morbidly obese patients and compare it to non-obese individuals. METHODS: Forty-seven morbidly obese patients without GERD symptoms and 15 normal weight individuals were divided into four groups according to their body mass index (BMI; group I, <30 kg/m2; group II, 35-39.9 kg/m2; group III, 40-49.9 kg/m2; group IV, >or=50 kg/m2). Standard stationary water-perfused manometry was performed for the assessment of anatomy and function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Twenty-four-hour ambulatory pH-metry and measurement of esophageal motility were performed with a microtransducer sleeve catheter. Data are given as mean+/-SD, and the results of groups II-IV were compared to the non-obese individuals from group I. RESULTS: Patients with morbid obesity had significantly lower LES pressures than non-obese individuals (I, 15.1+/-4.9; II-IV, 10.5+/-5.4, mmHg, p<0.05 vs. I) and showed an altered esophageal motility with respect to contraction frequency (I, 1.8+/-0.7/min; II-IV, 3.6+/-2.5/min; p<0.05 vs. I) and contraction amplitude (I, 38+/-12 mmHg; II-IV, 33+/-17 mmHg; p<0.05 vs. I). Furthermore, these patients had significantly higher DeMeester scores than non-obese individuals. Length and relaxation of the LES as well as propulsion velocity of the tubular esophagus did not differ. CONCLUSION: Patients with morbid obesity (=BMI>40 kg/m2) have a dysfunction of the LES and an altered esophageal motility, even when they are asymptomatic for GERD symptoms.

Laparoscopic revisional fundoplication with circular hiatal mesh prosthesis: the long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Failure of hiatal closure has proven to be the most frequent complication leading to revisional surgery after primary failed open or laparoscopic antireflux surgery. To prevent hiatal hernia recurrence some authors recommend the use of prosthetic meshes for reinforcement of the hiatal crura. The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a circular hiatal onlay mesh prosthesis applied during laparoscopic refundoplication after primary failed antireflux surgery with intrathoracic wrap migration. The follow-up period was 5 years. METHODS: A total of 33 patients underwent laparoscopic refundoplication for recurrent symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease after primary failed laparoscopic or open antireflux surgery. The underlying morphological complication for symptom recurrence in all patients was hiatal hernia recurrence with intrathoracic migration of the fundoplication. During revisional surgery, after breakdown of the former fundoplication, the esophageal hiatus was thoroughly revised and a circular polypropylene mesh was used to buttress the primarily simple sutured hiatal crura. Additionally, in all patients a refundoplication was performed. Recurrences, complications, functional data, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and cinematographic X-ray results, as well as quality of life data, were evaluated for the 60-month follow-up period. RESULTS: All reoperations were successfully completed laparoscopically. Twenty-one patients underwent laparoscopic 360 degrees "floppy" Nissen refundoplication, and 12 patients underwent laparoscopic 270 degrees Toupet refundoplication. Hiatal closure was performed by placing a circular polypropylene sheet that had a 3-4 cm keyhole for the esophageal body. Of 24 patients who underwent redo-surgery before May 2000, no patient developed a recurrent hiatal hernia during the first 12 postoperative months. All 33 patients were re-evaluated and underwent complete diagnostic work-up over a follow-up period of 60 months postoperatively. During the long-term follow-up, a new recurrent hiatal hernia with intrathoracic wrap migration developed in 2 patients (6%). In both cases, slippage occurred anteriorly to the esophagus. Both patients were scheduled for repeat refundoplication. In all other patients no recurrence occurred for the complete follow-up period, and no mesh-related complications developed. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic refundoplication for primary failed hiatal closure with the use of a circular mesh prosthesis is a safe and effective procedure to prevent hiatal hernia recurrence for short- and mid-term follow-up. However, for long-term follow-up, even with the placement of prosthetic mesh, re-recurrence occurs in some patients, leading to repeated surgery.

[Hiatus hernia and recurrence : the Achilles heel of antireflux surgery?]. / Hiatushernie und Rezidive : Die Achillessehne der Antirefluxchirurgie?

Long-term studies show good postoperative results after laparoscopic antireflux surgery, but still approximately 10% of patients suffer from new or recurrent symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. In the majority of cases the symptoms are caused by morphological changes of the fundic wrap or are related to the hiatal closure. Closure of the esophageal hiatus is therefore becoming more and more the key point of antireflux surgery. The aim of this study was to show the problems caused by the esophageal hiatus and to offer possible solutions. Therefore 1,201 laparoscopic antireflux procedures and 240 refundoplications performed in our department between 1993 and 2007 were analyzed with respect to morphologic reasons for failures and the corresponding symptoms. The most common morphological reason for complications after surgery was failure of the hiatal closure with consecutive intrathoracic migration of the fundic wrap, the so-called slipped Nissen. In the past the typical problems after open antireflux surgery were either that the wrap was too loose, a breakdown of the wrap or a so-called telescope phenomenon, all caused by failure of the fundic wrap and now a rarity since laparoscopic surgery. Even after repeated laparoscopic refundoplications the main problem was always the hiatus. This shows the importance of the crural closure and the necessity of a specific definition of size and form of the hiatus.The aim of this study was to initiate a discussion leading to a new definition of the hiatus with the focus on the "hiatal surface area" for a better basis for comparison of the published results of antireflux or hiatal surgery.

Laparoscopic transhiatal resection of giant epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum.

Epiphrenic diverticula are rare. Their true incidence is unknown. Thoracotomy or thoracoscopy with resection and myotomy is the most common reported approach for the surgical treatment of epiphrenic esophageal diverticula. In patients with large epiphrenic diverticula, the laparoscopic approach is an uncommon procedure. In this case, the laparoscopic transhiatal approach was shown to be safe and effective over with short-term follow-up. However, long-term follow-up of this procedure is needed.

Ambulatory pH: monitoring with a wireless system.

BACKGROUND: Currently, pH monitoring is the gold standard for assessing esophageal acid exposure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The shortcomings of 24-h pH-monitoring wires led to the development of a 48-h, catheter-free pH measurement system using the telemetry technique with the BRAVO capsule. This prospective study aimed to compare conventional 24-h pH monitoring with the BRAVO catheter-free pH-monitoring system in patients with GERD, patients after antireflux surgery, and a healthy control group. METHODS: A sample of 133 participants were enrolled in the current trial and divided into three subgroups. Group 1 consisted of 10 healthy volunteers. Group 2 consisted of 123 patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux and endoscopic signs of esophagitis. Group 3 consisted of 43 GERD patients (extracted from group 2) who underwent a laparoscopic 360 degree "floppy" Nissen fundoplication. All the patients underwent both conventional 24-h pH monitoring and BRAVO catheter-free pH monitoring. The data for both methods were recorded and compared in line with the different patient groups regarding their validity and reliability. Additionally, all the patients were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire concerning their subjective perception of the two different methods. RESULTS: Both the 24-h pH monitoring and the 48-h BRAVO catheter-free pH monitoring could be successfully performed for all the patients. During measurement, 122 of the patients (92%) continued working or performing daily activities. A significant difference could not be found regarding objective outcome between the two measurement methods in the three patient groups. The two methods showed comparable results in terms of data and measurement reliability. The validity also was comparable, with no significant differences within the groups. Concerning the patients' subjective estimation of the two methods, the patients reported reduced regular activities and a higher level of discomfort during measurement with the conventional 24-h pH-monitoring system (p < 0.001 and p< 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Both conventional 24-h pH monitoring and the 48-h catheter-free pH monitoring are valid and reliable recording devices for measuring esophageal acid exposure. However, from the patients' point of view, the BRAVO capsule affords less discomfort in the throat and allows more normal daily activities.

Gas-related symptoms after laparoscopic 360 degrees Nissen or 270 degrees Toupet fundoplication in gastrooesophageal reflux disease patients with aerophagia as comorbidity.

BACKGROUND: Aerophagia is a rare but well-known comorbidity in patients with gastrooesophageal reflux disease. Particularly after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, it has proven to result in worse symptomatic outcome and a lower postoperative quality of life in comparison to patients without preoperative gas-related symptoms. AIMS: Aim of the study was to compare the postoperative outcome in gastrooesophageal reflux disease patients with aerophagia as comorbidity after either laparoscopic 360 degrees 'floppy' Nissen fundoplication or 270 degrees Toupet fundoplication with main focus on the frequency and subjective impairment of gas-related symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 56 gastrooesophageal reflux disease patients, the comorbidity of aerophagia was diagnosed prior to laparoscopic antireflux surgery. Irrespective of their preoperative manometric findings, the patients were either scheduled to a laparoscopic 360 degrees 'floppy' Nissen (n=28) or a laparoscopic 270 degrees Toupet fundoplication (n=28). All patients have been analysed concerning the presence of gas-related symptoms preoperatively as well as 3 months after surgery. Additionally, the subjective degree of impairment was evaluated using a numerous rating scale (0=no perception/impairment, 100=most severe perception/impairment). The following symptoms have been analysed: ability/inability to belch, 'gas bloat', flatulence, postprandial fullness and epigastric pain. RESULTS: Before surgery, there were no significant differences between both surgical groups. Three months after surgery, significant differences (p<0.05-0.01) were found: patients who underwent a laparoscopic 270 degrees Toupet fundoplication suffered from less impairing gas bloat, flatulence and postprandial fullness when compared with patients with a 360 degrees 'floppy' Nissen fundoplication. The majority of these patients were able to belch postoperatively but felt no impairment due to this symptom. In contrast, patients of the Nissen group felt a significant impairment due to the inability to belch. CONCLUSION: Gas-related symptoms are very common in gastrooesophageal reflux disease patients with aerophagia as a comorbidity. Patients who undergo a laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication show less impairment in relation to gas-related problems compared with patients treated with a Nissen fundoplication for a follow-up period of at least 3 months. In the Toupet group, the ability to belch postoperatively seems to be a positive aspect from the patients' view which also improves the percentage of gas-related problems. However, long-term results are necessary.

The lower esophageal sphincter strength in patients with gastroesophageal reflux before and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) and sphincter strength (LESS) were measured before and after short and floppy laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in 38 patients with severe gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). These patients were compared with a control group of 23 healthy volunteers. GERD was assessed by stationary manometry, 24-h pH recordings and endoscopy. LESS was verified by motorized pull-back of an air-filled balloon catheter from the stomach into the esophagus. The catheter assembly was well tolerated by all study participants. LESP increased significantly after operation from 8 mmHg to 14 mmHg (75% of normal values; P < 0.0001), but compared to the control group, LESP (22 mmHg) decreased significantly (P < 0.002). In the control group and in patients with GERD, LESP and LESS showed excellent correlation (r = 0.97, r = 0.94, respectively). After LNF, LESS increased significantly from 0.6 to 1.6 N (P < 0.0001), about 166%. We conclude that the measurement of LESS is able to explain the discrepancy between satisfactory NF operation and the distinct increase of postoperative LESP. The evaluation of LESS is a helpful tool in assessing functional understanding of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with a short and floppy wrap.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery: tailoring the hiatal closure to the size of hiatal surface area.

BACKGROUND: The closure of the hiatal crura has proven to be a fundamental issue in laparoscopic antireflux surgery. In particular, the use of prosthetic meshes for crural closure results in a significantly lower rate of postoperative hiatal hernia recurrence with or without intrathoracic migration of the fundic wrap. The aim of the present study was to evaluate different methods of crural closure depending on the size of the hiatal defect by measuring the hiatal surface area. METHODS: Fifty-five consecutive patients (mean age = 53 years) with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were scheduled for laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) in our surgical unit. Intraoperatively, the length, breadth, and diameter of the hiatal defect was measured using an endoscopic ruler. In every patient, the hiatal surface area (HSA) was calculated using an arithmetic formula. Depending on the calculated HSA, hiatal closure was performed by (1) simple sutures, (2) simple sutures with a 1 x 3-cm polypropylene mesh, (3) simple sutures with dual Parietex dual mesh, or (4) "tension-free" polytetrafluoroethylene BARD Crurasoft mesh. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (47.2%) underwent laparoscopic 360 degree "floppy" Nissen fundoplication. The remaining 29 patients (52.8%) with esophageal body motility disorder underwent laparoscopic 270 degree Toupet fundoplication. Mean calculated HSA in all patients was 5.092 cm2. Thirty-two patients (58.2%) with a smaller hiatal defect (mean HSA = 3.859 cm2) underwent hiatal closure with simple sutures (mean number of sutures: = 2.0). In 12 patients (21.8%) with a mean HSA of 7.148 cm2, hiatal closure was performed with a 1 x 3-cm polypropylene mesh in addition to simple sutures. Five patients with a mean HSA of 6.703 cm2 underwent hiatal closure with Parietex mesh, and in the remaining six patients, who had a mean HSA of 8.483 cm2, the hiatus was closed using BARD Crurasoft mesh. For a mean followup period of 6.3 months, only one patient (1.8%) developed a postoperative partial intrathoracic wrap migration. CONCLUSION: Measurement of HSA with subsequent tailoring of the hiatal closure to the hiatal defect is an effective procedure to prevent hiatal hernia recurrence and/or intrathoracic wrap migration in laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

Incarcerated recurrent inguinal hernia with covered and perforated appendicitis and periappendicular abscess: case report and review of the literature.

We report the case of a 72-year-old woman with a covered and perforated appendicitis and periappendicular abscess within the hernial sac (Amyand's hernia) of an incarcerated recurrent inguinal hernia after primary Shouldice repair. Initially, a preoperative CT-scan showed signs of an incarcerated femoral hernia. This would be the first reported case of an incarcerated recurrent Amyand's hernia, which is an extremely rare condition.

Prosthetic closure of the esophageal hiatus in large hiatal hernia repair and laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy has become the standard surgical approach to both surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease and large/paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair with excellent long-term results and high patient satisfaction. However, several studies have shown that laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair is associated with high recurrence rates. Therefore, some authors recommend the use of prosthetic meshes for either laparoscopic large hiatal hernia repair or laparoscopic antireflux surgery. The aim of this article was to review available studies regarding the evolution, different techniques, results, and future perspectives concerning the use of prosthetic materials for closure of the esophageal hiatus. METHODS: A search of electronic databases, including Medline and Embase, was performed to identify available articles regarding prosthetic hiatal closure for large hiatal or paraesophageal hernia repair and/or laparoscopic antireflux surgery. Techniques and results as well as recurrence rates and complications related to the use of prosthetics for hiatal closure were reviewed and compared. Additionally, recent experiences and recommendations of experienced experts in this field were collected. RESULTS: The results of 42 studies were analyzed in this review. Some techniques of mesh hiatal closure were evaluated; however, most authors prefer posterior mesh cruroplasty. The type and shape of hiatal meshes vary from small angular meshes to A-shaped, V-shaped, or complete circular meshes. The most frequently utilized materials are polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, or dual meshes. All studies show a low rate of postoperative hernia recurrence, with no mortality and low morbidity. In particular, comparative studies including two prospective randomized trials comparing simple sutured hiatal closure to prosthetic hiatal closure show a significantly lower rate of postoperative hiatal hernia recurrence and/or intrathoracic wrap migration in patients who underwent prosthetic hiatal closure. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic large hiatal/paraesophageal hernia repair with prosthetic meshes as well as laparoscopic antireflux surgery with prosthetic hiatal closure are safe and effective procedures to prevent hiatal hernia recurrence and/or postoperative intrathoracic wrap migration, with low complication rates. The type of mesh, particularly the size and shape, is still controversial and is a matter for future research in this field.

Dysphagia after laparoscopic antireflux surgery: a problem of hiatal closure more than a problem of the wrap.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative dysphagia after laparoscopic antireflux surgery usually is transient and resolves within weeks after surgery. Persistent dysphagia develops in a small percentage of patients after surgery. There still is debate about whether postoperative dysphagia is caused by the type or placement of the fundic wrap or by mechanical obstruction of the hiatal crura. This study aimed to investigate patients who experienced recurrent or persistent dysphagia after laparoscopic antireflux surgery, and to identify the morphologic reason for this complication. METHODS: A sample of 50 patients consecutively referred to the authors' unit with recurrent, persistent, or new-onset of dysphagia after laparoscopic antireflux surgery were prospectively reviewed to identify the morphologic cause of postoperative dysphagia. According to their radiologic findings, these patients were divided into three groups: patients with signs of obstruction at or above the gastroesophageal junction suspicious of crural stenosis (group A; n = 18), patients with signs of total or partial migration of the wrap intrathoracically (group B; n = 27), and patients in whom the hiatal closure was radiologically assessed to be correct with a supposed stenosis of the wrap (group C; n = 5). The exact diagnosis of a too tight (group A) or too loose (group B) hiatus in contrast to a too tight wrap (group C) was established during laparoscopic redo surgery (groups B and C) or by x-ray during pneumatic dilation (group A). RESULTS: For all 18 group A patients, intraoperative x-ray during pneumatic dilation showed the typical signs of hiatal tightness. Of these, 15 were free of symptoms after dilation, and 3 had to undergo laparoscopic redo surgery because of persistent dysphagia. In all these patients, the hiatal closure was narrowing the esophagus. All the group B patients underwent laparoscopic redo surgery because of intrathoracic wrap migration. Intraoperatively, all the patients had an intact fundoplication, which slipped above the diaphragm. Definitely, only in 10% of all 50 patients (group C) presenting with the symptom of dysphagia, was the morphologic reason for the obstruction a problem of the fundic wrap. CONCLUSIONS: In most patients, postoperative dysphagia is more a problem of hiatal closure than a problem of the fundic wrap.