Cruroplasty as a standalone treatment for recurrent hiatal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: Following laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS), recurrence of hiatal hernia is common. Patients with symptomatic recurrence typically undergo revision of the fundoplication or conversion to magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) in addition to cruroplasty. However, patients with an intact fundoplication or MSA may only require repeat cruroplasty to repair their recurrent hiatal hernia. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes following cruroplasty alone compared to full revision (i.e. redo fundoplication or MSA with cruroplasty) for the management of recurrent hiatal hernias. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing surgical revision of a symptomatic recurrent hiatal hernia between February 2009 and October 2022 was performed. Preoperative characteristics, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes were compared between patients undergoing cruroplasty alone versus full revision. RESULTS: A total of 141 patients were included in the analysis. 93 patients underwent full revision, and 48 patients underwent cruroplasty alone. The mean time between initial and revisional surgery was 8 ± 7.7 years. There was no significant difference in operative time or rates of intra-operative or post-operative complication between groups. Patients undergoing cruroplasty alone had a mean Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Health Related Quality Life (GERD-HRQL) Questionnaire score of 9.6 ± 10.2 compared to a mean score of 8.9 ± 11.2 for full revision patients (p = 0.829). Recurrence rates following revision was 10.4% for cruroplasty alone patients and 11.8% in full revision patients (p > 0.999). CONCLUSION: In patients with intact fundoplication or MSA, cruroplasty alone results in similar post-operative outcomes compared to full revision for recurrent hiatal hernia.

Medium term (> 12 months) outcomes after laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair without conventional fundoplication using PH4B-mesh implant (Phasix™) in 176 reflux patients: experience and technique.

BACKGROUND: Hiatal mesh repair remains a controversial topic among anti-reflux surgeons. Biosynthetic mesh cruroplasty may prevent early recurrence while avoiding late esophageal erosion and strictures associated with non-resorbable materials. So far, medium-term results on hiatal PH4B (Poly-4-Hydroxybutyrate) mesh repair from high-volume centers are lacking. METHODS: We analyzed the medium-term efficacy and safety of PH4B mesh cruroplasty in 176 consecutive patients (≥ 18 years) with symptomatic hiatal hernias. Treatment failure was defined as the clinical recurrence of reflux symptoms. Patients could choose between mesh augmented hiatal repair (combined with a modified anterior hemifundoplication and fundophrenicopexy), Nissen fundoplication, and magnetic sphincter augmentation at their discretion. We also describe the surgical approach to mesh augmented hiatal repair used at our center. RESULTS: On average, patients were 55 (± 14) years old and followed up for 22 (± 7; sum: 3931) months. Treatment failed in 6/176 (3%, 95% CI: 2-7%) patients. The 24-month Kaplan-Meier failure estimate was 2.8% (95% CI: 0.4-5%). Each centimeter in hernia size increased the risk of failure by 52% (p = 0.02). Heavier patients (BMI > 27) had an 11% higher probability of clinical symptom recurrence (p = 0.03). The dysphagia and bloating/gas rate were 13/176 (7%), each. 8 (5%) patients required endoscopy due to dysphagia but without intervention. No serious complications, including mesh infection and erosion, or fatalities, occurred. CONCLUSION: Augmented PH4B mesh cruroplasty without conventional fundoplication shows excellent intermediate-term results in patients with reflux disease due to hiatal hernia. Around one in thirty patients experience treatment failure within 2 years of surgery. Hernia size and overweight are key determinants of treatment failure.

Evidence mapping on how to perform an optimal surgical repair of large hiatal hernias.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic and large hiatal hernia (HH) is a common disorder requiring surgical management. However, there is a lack of systematic, evidence-based recommendations summarizing recent reviews on surgical treatment of symptomatic HH. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to create evidence mapping on the key technical issues of HH repair based on the highest available evidence. METHODS: A systematic review identified studies on eight key issues of large symptomatic HH repair. The literature was screened for the highest level of evidence (LE from level 1 to 5) according to the Oxford Center for evidence-based medicine's scale. For each topic, only studies of the highest available level of evidence were considered. RESULTS: Out of the 28.783 studies matching the keyword algorithm, 47 were considered. The following recommendations could be deduced: minimally invasive surgery is the recommended approach (LE 1a); a complete hernia sac dissection should be considered (LE 3b); extensive division of short gastric vessels cannot be recommended; however, limited dissection of the most upper vessels may be helpful for a floppy fundoplication (LE 1a); vagus nerve should be preserved (LE 3b); a dorso-ventral cruroplasty is recommended (LE 1b); routine fundoplication should be considered to prevent postoperative gastroesophageal reflux (LE 2b); posterior partial fundoplication should be favored over other forms of fundoplication (LE 1a); mesh augmentation is indicated in large HH with paraesophageal involvement (LE 1a). CONCLUSION: The current evidence mapping is a reasonable instrument based on the best evidence available to guide surgeons in determining optimal symptomatic and large HH repair.

Laparoscopic Posterior Cruroplasty and Anterior Gastropexy for Type IV Hiatal Hernia Repair in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

A hiatal hernia describes a defect of the portion of the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm, which leads to herniation of the abdominal contents into the chest cavity. Type IV paraesophageal hernias (PEH) have been associated with relatively large defects and are usually symptomatic. Surgical intervention is indicated in patients with symptoms or complicated paraesophageal hernias. The elderly age group represents a challenge in terms of management approach. Our purpose is to emphasize the safety and efficacy of early laparoscopic posterior cruroplasty and anterior gastropexy during PEH repair in the elderly age group. A 90-year-old male without significant past medical or surgical history was admitted for a five-day history of left upper quadrant abdominal pain associated with multiple episodes of vomiting. The physical exam revealed left upper quadrant pain and rebound tenderness. Abdominal CT with IV contrast showed a large hiatal hernia containing the entire stomach and part of the duodenum with an abrupt transition zone at the duodenum. The patient underwent laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair, posterior cruroplasty, and anterior gastropexy. Postoperatively, the patient tolerated the procedure, and further follow-up in the clinic showed resolution of his symptoms without complications. Prompt identification and proper management represent a crucial step in the management of PEH, especially in elderly comorbid patients. Laparoscopic anterior gastropexy is a safe and effective method for type III/IV hiatal hernias in elderly patients.

Enhanced Avulsion Technique for Brachioplasty and Cruroplasty: Minimizing Complications and Ensuring Patient Safety.

Background Brachioplasty and cruroplasty are commonly performed aesthetic procedures, but they are not without their risks. Among the potential complications, the development of seroma or hematoma is particularly concerning. In this article, we present a modified avulsion technique designed to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes. Methods Our study included all consecutive patients (n=28) who underwent brachioplasty and/or cruroplasty using the modified avulsion technique at the Plastic Surgery Department of the University Hospital of Grenoble between September 2019 and November 2022. Data collection was conducted retrospectively to evaluate the complications of the procedure. Histological analysis was performed on samples of excised tissues from five patients operated on with the avulsion technique and five patients operated on with electrocautery resection. Results A total of 28 patients were reviewed, with a mean follow-up of 22 months. Among the 28 patients, regarding the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), there were no major complications, with minor complications occurring in 55% of the cases. Conclusion Dermolipectomies of the extremities are associated with a high level of patient satisfaction with a low risk of major complications. The avulsion technique practiced by the authors proved to be a safe and efficient procedure.

Hiatal hernia repair with biosynthetic mesh reinforcement: a qualitative systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Reinforcement of crural closure with synthetic resorbable mesh has been proposed to decrease recurrence rates after hiatal hernia repair, but continues to be controversial. This systematic review aims to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and intermediate-term results of using biosynthetic mesh to augment the hiatus. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed throughout this systematic review. The Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions and Risk of Bias in Randomized Trials tools were used to perform qualitative assessment of all studies included in this review. Recommendations were then summarized for the following pre-defined key items: protocol, research question, search strategy, study eligibility, data extraction, study design, risk of bias, publication bias, and statistical analysis. RESULTS: The systematic literature search found 520 articles, 101 of which were duplicates and 355 articles were determined to be unrelated to our study and excluded. The full text of the remaining 64 articles was thoroughly assessed. A total of 18 articles (1846 patients) were ultimately included for this review, describing hiatal hernia repair using three different biosynthetic meshes-BIO-A, Phasix ST, and polyglactin mesh. Mean operative time varied from 127 to 223 min. Mean follow up varied from 12 to 54 months. There were no mesh erosions or explants. One mesh-related complication of stenosis requiring reoperation was reported with BIO-A. Studies showed significant improvement in symptom and quality-of-life scores, as well as satisfaction with surgery. Recurrence was reported as radiologic or clinical recurrence. Overall, recurrence rate varied from 0.9 to 25%. CONCLUSION: The use of biosynthetic mesh is safe and effective for hiatal hernia repair with low complications rates and high symptom resolution. The reported recurrence rates are highly variable due to significant heterogeneity in defining and evaluating recurrences. Further randomized controlled trials with larger samples and long-term follow-up should be performed to better analyze outcomes and recurrence rates.

Post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, intrathoracic sleeve migration and its management: A case series and review of literature.

De novo or persistent gastro-oesophageal reflux disease which may or may not be associated with injury of the oesophageal mucosa is now a known complication in post-sleeve gastrectomy patients. Repair of hiatal hernias to avoid such circumstances has been commonly performed, although recurrences may occur resulting in migration of gastric sleeve into the thorax, which is now a well-known complication. We report four cases of post-sleeve gastrectomy patients who presented with reflux symptoms, with their contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen showing intrathoracic sleeve migration and had hypotensive lower oesophageal sphincter with normal body motility on their oesophageal manometry. A laparoscopic revision Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery with hiatal hernia repair was performed for all four of them. No post-operative complications were seen at 1-year follow-up. Laparoscopic reduction of migrated sleeve with posterior cruroplasty and conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery can be safely performed for patients presenting with reflux symptoms in cases of intra-thoracic sleeve migration with good short-term outcomes.

Hiatal hernia recurrences after laparoscopic surgery: exploring the optimal technique.

INTRODUCTION: The recurrence rate of hiatal hernia (HH) after laparoscopic surgery with crural repair and Nissen or Toupet fundoplication is high (< 25-42%). HH repair can be reinforced with additional anterior sutures, vertical mesh strips (VMS) or mesh placement but the effect in the long-term (> 1 year) is still unclear. We determined the recurrence rate of HH after surgery and established whether the use of reinforcement techniques could reduce long-term recurrence rates. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study patients were included if they underwent a laparoscopic fundoplication in this hospital between 2012 and 2019. HH was measured with computed tomography and baseline patient characteristics and surgical details were collected. Primary outcomes were recurrence of symptoms and re-intervention, secondary outcome was effect of surgical reinforcement techniques. Statistical analyses comprised chi-square tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: In total, 307 patients were included, 206 women and 101 men. During primary surgery, 208 patients underwent a Toupet fundoplication and 97 patients underwent a Nissen fundoplication. Reinforcements consisted of anterior sutures in 132 patients, VMS in 89 patients and mesh in 17 patients. After primary surgery, recurrence of HH was diagnostically confirmed in 64 patients (20.8%). Use of VMS during primary surgery was significantly associated with fewer recurrences (OR = 0.34, p = 0.048), corrected for confounding factors. Secondary surgery was performed in 54 patients (17.6%) and tertiary surgery in five patients (1.6%). Mesh and VMS were used more during secondary and tertiary surgery. CONCLUSION: The recurrence rate among HH patients in this cohort study was 20.8% with a mean follow-up time of 6 years. Secondary surgery was performed in 17.6% of the patients. In future, the use of VMS might lead to fewer recurrences after primary laparoscopic repair of HH.

Mesh Versus No Mesh for Cruroplasty.

This review describes the evolution of hiatal hernia repair for the past several decades: From the use of a primary tissue repair only, the subsequent inclusion of synthetic mesh and its complications, to current day indications for mesh use. We will highlight the recent research in biologic and composite meshes as well as the ongoing limitations in studying their efficacy. Finally, we will describe our institutional indications and surgical technique practices in the utilization of biologic mesh.

Crural closure, not fundoplication, results in a significant decrease in lower esophageal sphincter distensibility.

INTRODUCTION: The esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is a complex anti-reflux barrier whose integrity relies on both the intrinsic lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and extrinsic crural diaphragm. During hiatal hernia repair, it is unclear whether the crural closure or the fundoplication is more important to restore the anti-reflux barrier. The objective of this study is to analyze changes in LES minimum diameter (Dmin) and distensibility index (DI) using the endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) during hiatal hernia repair. METHODS: Following implementation of a standardized operative FLIP protocol, all data were collected prospectively and entered into a quality database. This data were reviewed retrospectively for all patients undergoing hiatal hernia repair. FLIP measurements were collected prior to hernia dissection, after hernia reduction, after cruroplasty, and after fundoplication. Additionally, subjective assessment of the tightness of crural closure was rated by the primary surgeon on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the loosest and 5 being the tightest. RESULTS: Between August 2018 and February 2020, 97 hiatal hernia repairs were performed by a single surgeon. FLIP measurements collected using a 40-mL volume fill without pneumoperitoneum demonstrated a significant decrease in LES Dmin (13.84 ± 2.59 to 10.27 ± 2.09) and DI (6.81 ± 3.03 to 2.85 ± 1.23 mm2/mmHg) after crural closure (both p < 0.0001). Following fundoplication, there was a small, but also statistically significant, increase in both Dmin and DI (both p < 0.0001). Additionally, subjective assessment of crural tightness after cruroplasty correlated well with DI (r = - 0.466, p < 0.001) and all patients with a crural tightness rating ≥ 4.5 (N = 13) had a DI < 2.0 mm2/mmHg. CONCLUSION: Cruroplasty results in a significant decrease in LES distensibility and may be more important than fundoplication in restoring EGJ competency. Additionally, subjective estimation of crural tightness correlates well with objective FLIP evaluation, suggesting surgeon assessment of cruroplasty is reliable.

Cruroplasty added to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; does it decrease postoperative incidence of de-novo acid reflux?: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG) is the most popular bariatric surgery worldwide. Postoperative de-novo acid reflux is one of the major common complications of the procedure. Different additive anti-reflux surgical techniques have been tried to decrease the complication although no favorable outcome is obtained. This study was conducted to evaluate effects of concurrent cruroplasty during LSG on postoperative de-novo acid reflux incidence rate. METHODS: In current participant-blinded randomised controlled trial total of 80 subjects who were candidate for LSG were enrolled from the September 2018 to the December 2019. Following matching patients by gender and age, simple randomization method was held to allocate participants to LSG alone and LSG + cruroplasty groups with equal 40 members in each. Demographic data, length of hospital stay, and operation time was registered. Presence of acid reflux was looked by using gastroesophageal reflux disease-health related quality of life(GERD-HRQL) questionnaire prior and 6 months after surgery in follow-up visit. RESULTS: Finally 12/28 and 14/26 male/females with 38.5 ± 10.7 and 39.7 ± 8.2 years of age were recruited in LSG alone and LSG + cruroplasty, respectively.(p > 0.05) The length of operative time was significantly shorter in LSG alone(p < 0.01) although no obvious difference was existed in length of hospital stay between groups.(p = 0.7) Postoperative de-novo acid reflux also was not considerably lesser after cruroplasty compared with controls.(p = 0.1) The GERD-HRQL scores were not remarkable between subjects of study groups.(p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Equipping LSG with concurrent cruroplasty to diminish postoperative de-novo gastroesophageal acid reflux is not effective and not recommended in absence of other indications.

Hiatal Surface Area's CT scan measurement is useful in hiatal hernia's treatment of bariatric patients.

INTRODUCTION: Hiatal surface area (HSA) measurement has been recently proposed as useful tool for tailored treatment of hiatal defects. Multidetector CT scan (MDCT) of the hiatal area was shown to be useful in hiatal hernia (HH) management. PURPOSE: MDCT preoperative HSA measurements validation as a useful method in the surgical repair decision making process of hiatal defects in candidates to antireflux ± bariatric surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five obese patients (group A), candidates to laparoscopic cruroplasty ± bariatric surgery, were prospectively evaluated preoperatively and after one year, using an original MDCT algorithm, compared with intraoperative HSA measurement. Twelve non-obese (group B) and 12 obese patients (group C), without GERD or HH, were used as control groups. RESULTS: Median preoperative HSA was 7.9 cm2, (interquartile IQR 5.97-9.80) while intraoperative median HSA was 6 cm2 (6-9.5), p = .84. Postoperative median HSA was 3.8 cm2 (3.21-4.8), showing the efficacy of cruroplasty, comparable with HSA calculated in the control groups (3.98 for B and 3.69 cm2 for C, p = .8547). No statistically significant difference between MDCT preoperative measurement and intraoperative findings was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results demonstrate MDCT scan HSA measurements as a valid, non-invasive method to predict intraoperative findings. It allows the HSA monitoring in order to correlate the symptoms onset and failure of cruroplasty.

Less is more: cruroplasty alone is sufficient for revisional hiatal hernia surgery.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence of hiatal hernia after anti-reflux surgery is common, with past studies reporting recurrence rates of 10-15%. Most patients experience relief from GERD symptoms following initial repair; however, those suffering from recurrence can have symptoms severe enough to warrant another operation. Although the standard of care is to revise the fundoplication or convert to magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) in addition to redo cruroplasty, it stands to reason that with an intact fundoplication, a repeat cruroplasty is all that is necessary to alleviate the patients' symptoms. In other words, only fix that which is broken. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with symptomatic hiatal hernia recurrence who underwent reoperation between January 2011 and September 2018 was conducted. Patients who received revisional cruroplasty alone were compared with cruroplasty plus some other revision (fundoplication revision, or takedown and MSA placement). Demographics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. RESULTS: There were 73 patients identified. Median time to recurrence after the first procedure was 3.7 (1.9-8.2) years. Thirty-two percent of the patients had GERD symptoms for more than 10 years. Twenty-six patients underwent cruroplasty only. Forty-seven patients underwent cruroplasty plus fundoplication revision. There were no significant differences in operative times (2.4 h cruroplasty alone, 2.8 h full revision, p = 0.75) or postoperative complications between the two groups. Patients had a mean follow-up time of 1.64 years. Of the 73 patients, 8 had subsequent hiatal hernia recurrence. The recurrence rate for patients with cruroplasty alone was 11%, and the recurrence rate for the full revision group was 12% (p = 1.00). CONCLUSION: Leaving an intact fundoplication alone at the time of revisional surgery did not adversely affect surgical outcomes. This data suggests a role for hernia-only repair for recurrent hiatal hernias.

A Collective Review of Gore Bio-A Absorbable Synthetic Mesh in Cruroplasty Reinforcement.

Background: Laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia (HH) is associated with a considerable failure rate. Compared to suture repair alone, mesh-reinforced cruroplasty may be associated with fewer short-term recurrences, yet its use remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the current literature assessing the use of Bio-A absorbable synthetic mesh in the reinforcement of primary crural closure after laparoscopic HH repair. Methods: A systematic review of primary literature in the MEDLINE and PubMed databases was conducted. We searched for investigations reporting patient outcomes in laparoscopic HH repair with onlay Gore Bio-A tissue reinforcement (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.) published between January 2008 and December 2019. The primary outcome was anatomical recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes were complication rate, symptomatic outcomes, and mortality. Results: Eight studies met inclusion criteria. There were two prospective and six retrospective cohort studies. In the included studies, laparoscopic HH repair was performed with Bio-A absorbable synthetic mesh in 734 patients. The anatomical recurrence data were extracted across all studies, and an objective recurrence was identified in 21/280 (7.5%) patients. There was only 1 (0.17%) mesh-related complication in the included studies. Conclusions: The use of Bio-A absorbable synthetic mesh in the repair of HHs may be promising, as it offers low rates of anatomical recurrence and mesh-related complications, but more data are still necessary to validate these findings. This collective review of literature is a basis for future randomized controlled trials to identify the most effective and safe mesh in the long term.

Quantitative assessment of crural closure for laparoscopic anti-reflux surgeries: A novel technique to reduce post-operative dysphagia.

BACKGROUND: Long-term dysphagia is a known complication of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS). Of the several factors, inadequate hiatal closure is one of the major reasons for its occurrence. The aim of this study is to develop a technique for the quantitative assessment of crural closure during LARS to reduce dysphagia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is an analysis of prospectively collected data of 109 patients who underwent LARS at a tertiary healthcare centre in India. To identify the adequacy of hiatal closure intraoperatively, a 7 French Fogarty catheter was used, and its balloon was inflated with 1 cc air at the repaired hiatus. This inflated balloon in the repaired hiatus following cruroplasty gives an accurate quantitative assessment of the adequate closure and adequate space for food bolus to pass without causing mechanical obstruction after hiatus repair. Pre- and post-operative 12 months' DeMeester scores and lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) pressures were calculated. RESULTS: The patients had a significant reduction in DeMeester scores postoperatively from a mean of 68.5-12.3 (P < 0.0001). None of the patients had long-term dysphagia or the need for long-term proton-pump inhibitors. The mean LES pressures on post-operative manometry showed increase to 15.1 mmHg from a mean of 6.4 mmHg, which was statistically significant (P = 0.0001). None of the patients had a recurrence of hiatus hernia. CONCLUSION: Quantitative assessment of adequacy for crural closure during LARS using a 7 French Fogarty catheter balloon is a novel technique which may decrease the incidence of post-operative dysphagia or intrathoracic wrap migration or recurrence of hiatus hernia.

Prosthetic Reinforcement in Hiatal Hernia Repair, Does Mesh Material Matter? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Background: Hiatal hernia repair (HHR) is a complex surgical procedure and its management is not standardized. Several meta-analyses have compared cruroplasty with hiatus reinforcement with mesh, and crura augmentation appears to have better outcomes. However, heterogeneity in type of mesh and placement techniques has differed significantly. Materials and Methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis were carried out. An electronic systematic research was carried out throughout Pubmed, CENTRAL, and Web of Science, of articles analyzing HHR with cruroplasty, nonabsorbable mesh (NAM), and absorbable mesh (AM) reinforcement. Results: Seventeen articles based on 1857 patients were enrolled in this article. The point estimation showed that when compared against the control group (NAM), the HH recurrence risk in AM and cruroplasty group was higher (relative ratio [RR] 2.3; CrI 0.8-6.3, RR 3.6; CrI 2.0-8.3, respectively). Postoperative complication rates were alike in all groups. The prevalence of mesh erosion after HHR is low. Conclusions: This network meta-analysis showed that prosthetic reinforcement significantly reduced HH recurrence when compared with cruroplasty alone. However, there is not enough evidence to compare different mesh compositions.

Long-Term Results After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with Concomitant Posterior Cruroplasty: 5-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Hiatal hernia (HH) repair during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been advocated to reduce the incidence of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and/or intrathoracic migration (ITM). The necessity of intraoperative repair in asymptomatic patients is still controversial. Previous, mid-term results of a prospective, comparative study evaluating posterior cruroplasty concomitant with LSG (group A 48 patients with simple vs. group B 48 reinforced with bioabsorbable mesh) confirmed the safety and effectiveness of simultaneous procedures. Present aim was to report the 60 months follow-up update, evaluating GERD and esophageal lesions' incidence and HH's recurrence. RESULTS: Follow-up was completed in 87.5% of the patients. Recurrent GERD was registered in 6/38 (15.7%, group A) and in 9/46 (19.5%, group B) (p = 1.0000). Grade A esophagitis and GERD was shown in 2 patients (5.2%), respectively 2 (4.3%) of each group (p = 1.0000), and recurrent HH was confirmed subsequently by contrast study and CT scan. Neither Barrett's lesions nor de novo GERD was found in any patient. Failure of the cruroplasty with ITM was recorded in 7 patients from group A (18.4%) and 2 patients from group B (4.3%) p < 0.05; hence, a repeat posterior, reinforced cruroplasty was performed in all cases. A total of 12 patients (14.2%, 8 respective 4) were converted within 5 years for persistent/recurrent GERD, with only 1 case of de novo (group B). CONCLUSIONS: Accurate patient selection and proper sleeve technique, combined with posterior cruroplasty (simple or reinforced) ensure effectiveness, with a rate of failure (HH recurrence) at 5 years of 10.7%.

Large paraesophageal hernia in elderly patients: Two case reports of laparoscopic posterior cruroplasty and anterior gastropexy.

BACKGROUND: Paraesophageal hernia (PEH) is a rare form of hiatal hernia, which commonly occurs in elderly people. Although asymptomatic, it can be associated with severe life-threatening complications, such as gastric volvulus. Surgical treatment is reserved for symptomatic patients. Herein, we present two cases of complicated PEH that were treated with laparoscopic posterior cruroplasty and anterior gastropexy. CASE SUMMARY: An 88-year old woman presented with epigastric pain, hematemesis and food intolerance for the last two days. Physical exam revealed mild abdominal distention. Chest X-ray showed a left thoracic opacity, and barium swallow images showed a mixed type III PEH. Abdominal CT-scan images confirmed the diagnosis of incomplete gastric volvulus. The patient underwent a laparoscopic hernia reduction with sac excision, posterior cruroplasty and anterior gastropexy with continuous barbed suturing. The postoperative course was uneventful, and follow-up showed complete resolution of her symptoms. A 91-year old patient was admitted for dyspnea and fever, with vomiting and food intolerance for the last 7 days. Physical exam revealed absent sounds on both lungs. Chest X-ray showed a large left opacity. CT-scan images revealed a giant PEH with complete gastric volvulus. The patient underwent emergency laparoscopic hernia reduction and sac excision, with re-inforced posterior cruroplasty, and anterior gastropexy with continuous barbed suturing. There were no surgical complications, but the patient died on the 4th day postoperatively due to respiratory failure. CONCLUSION: Early laparoscopic posterior cruroplasty and anterior gastropexy is a safe and effective surgical alternative for elderly patients with comorbidities, presenting with symptomatic PEH.

Quantifying tension in tension-free hiatal hernia repair: a new intra-operative technique.

BACKGROUND: A similar technique to measure crural closure tension has not been described before and with this method there is now a possibility to optimise this operation with objective measures, a hundred years after it was first described. The aims of this study were to develop a reliable method for measuring the tension of crural closure during hiatal hernia repair and to describe the tension characteristics of crural closure. METHODS: 50 patients underwent crural tension measurement. Hiatal surface area (HSA) was measured intraoperatively and a Sauter FH 50 Universal Digital Force Gauge was used to measure the tension of crural closure during cruroplasty. Outcome measures included the mean tension of the crural closure and the presence of any muscle splitting during the cruroplasty. RESULTS: A combined total of 148 interrupted cruroplasty sutures were performed in all fifty patients. Each interrupted suture had three tension measurements recorded. The mean standard deviation amongst 148 sets of tension measurements was 0.27. Age, hiatal width and HSA were positively correlated with crural tension with r values of 0.44 (p = 0.0015), 0.81 (p < 0.0001) and 0.78 (p < 0.0001), respectively. Strength of association was low for age (r2 = 0.19) but moderate for hiatal width and HSA (r2 = 0.65 and 0.61, respectively). The presence of muscle splitting occurred at higher crural closure tension (5.3 N vs. 1.62 N, p < 0.0001). The lowest observed mean crural closure tension causing muscle splitting was 3.52 N (IQR 3.93-6.77 N). CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a technique for measuring the tension of crural closure during laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia which is reproducible, quick, of low cost and requires only minimal additional equipment. Initial findings suggest that crural closure tension up to ~ 4 N could be the permissible tension threshold for suture cruroplasty and higher tension often results in muscle splitting during cruroplasty.