Giant hiatal hernia

The Role of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Provoking High Blood Pressure Episodes in Patients With Hypertension

GOALS

We assessed the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hypertension and whether antiacid therapy could be used to control blood pressure (BP) on hypertension in patients with GERD.

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may provoke cardiovascular disease. Many factors are involved in the development of essential hypertension, but whether GERD has a role needs further study.

STUDY

Patients with essential hypertension (n=86) were studied by 24-hour continuous BP monitoring and esophageal impedance and pH monitoring. Patients fulfilling the GERD criteria received 14-day therapy with omeprazole (20 mg twice a day), and the effect on BP was studied.

RESULTS

Of the 86 essential hypertension patients, 38 (44.2%) had GERD. Among these 38 patients, 494 episodes of pathologic reflux (PR), and 684 episodes of high BP were recorded. PR was significantly more common at nighttime especially when supine. Of the 684 episodes of hypertension, 102 (14.9%) were synchronous with PR. GERD patients had significantly higher nocturnal BP than non-GERD patients. Antiacid therapy brought about significant reduction in all esophageal monitoring parameters as well as in BP parameters in GERD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that there is significant correlation between hypertension and GERD. Antiacid therapy can restore normal esophageal pH and help maintain normal BP.

Nationwide survey of partial fundoplication in Korea: comparison with total fundoplication

Purpose

Laparoscopic total fundoplication is the standard surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, partial fundoplication may be a viable alternative. Here, we conducted a nationwide survey of partial fundoplication in Korea.

Methods

The Korean Anti-Reflux Surgery study group recorded 32 cases of partial fundoplication at eight hospitals between September 2009 and January 2016. The surgical outcomes and postoperative adverse symptoms in these cases were evaluated and compared with 86 cases of total fundoplication.

Results

Anterior partial fundoplication was performed in 20 cases (62.5%) and posterior in 12 (37.5%). In most cases, partial fundoplication was a secondary procedure after operations for other conditions. Half of patients who underwent partial fundoplication had typical symptoms at the time of initial diagnosis, and most of them showed excellent (68.8%), good (25.0%), or fair (6.3%) symptom resolution at discharge. Compared to total fundoplication, partial fundoplication showed no difference in the resolution rate of typical and atypical symptoms. However, adverse symptoms such as dysphagia, difficult belching, gas bloating and flatulence were less common after partial fundoplication.

Conclusion

Although antireflux surgery is not popular in Korea and total fundoplication is the primary surgical choice for gastroesophageal reflux disease, partial fundoplication may be useful in certain conditions because it has less postoperative adverse symptoms but similar efficacy to total fundoplication.

Delayed Gastric Emptying Following Laparoscopic Repair of Very Large Hiatus Hernias Impairs Quality of Life

BACKGROUND

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) following hiatus hernia surgery may affect a substantial number of patients with adverse clinical consequences. Here, we aim to evaluate the impact of DGE following laparoscopic repair of very large hiatus hernias on patients' quality of life, gastrointestinal symptomatology, and daily function.

METHODS

Analysis of data collected from a multicenter prospective randomised trial of patients who underwent laparoscopic mesh versus sutured repair of very large hiatus hernias (>50% of stomach in chest). DGE was defined as gastric food retention visualised at endoscopy after 6 h of fasting at 6 months post-surgery. Quality of life (QOL), gastrointestinal symptomatology, and daily function were assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire, Visick scoring and structured surveys administered prior to surgery and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Nineteen of 102 (18.6%) patients had DGE 6 months after surgery. QOL questionnaires were completed in at least 80% of patients across all time points. Compared with controls, the DGE group demonstrated significantly lower SF-36 physical component scores, delayed improvement in health transition, more adverse gastrointestinal symptoms, higher Visick scores and a slower rate of return to normal daily activities. These differences were still present 12 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

DGE following large hiatus hernia repair is associated with a negative impact on quality of life at follow-up to 12 months after surgery.

Large hiatal hernia with pancreatic body herniation: Case-report

INTRODUCTION

A hiatal hernia can be classified as one of four types according to the position of the gastroesophageal (GE) junction and the extent of herniated stomach. Type IV paraesophageal hiatal hernia (PEHH) is characterized by a large defect in the diaphragmatic hiatus that allows other organs, besides stomach, such as the colon, pancreas, spleen, or small intestine to herniate into the thorax. Herniation of the pancreas through a gastroesophageal hiatus is a rare condition, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of an asymptomatic patient with paraesophageal herniation along with the body and tail of the pancreas.

CONCLUSION

However, surgery is optimal choice for symptomatic patients, it is important for surgeons to consider the risks of different approaches and choose the best intervention.

A modified Nissen fundoplication: subjective and objective midterm results

PURPOSE

The failure rate of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is approximately 10-20%. The aim of our prospective study was to investigate whether a modified Nissen fundoplication (MNF) can improve reflux symptoms and prevent surgical treatment failure in the midterm.

METHODS

The MNF consisted of (1) suturing the esophagus to the diaphragmatic crura on each side using four non-absorbable stitches, (2) reinforcing clearly weak crura with a tailored Ultrapro mesh, and (3) fixing the upper stitch of the valve to the diaphragm. Forty-eight consecutive patients experiencing typical gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms at least three times per week for 6 months or longer were assessed before and after surgery using validated symptom and quality of life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaires, high-resolution manometry, 24-h impedance-pH monitoring, endoscopy, and barium swallow.

RESULTS

Mortality and perioperative complications were nil. At median follow-up of 46.7 months, the patients experienced significant improvements in symptom and GERD-HRQL scores. One patient presented with severe dyspepsia and another complained of dysphagia requiring a repeat surgery 12 months after the first operation. Esophageal acid exposure (8.8 vs 0.1; p < 0.0001), reflux number (62 vs 8.5; p < 0.0001), and symptom-reflux association (19 vs 0; p < 0.0001) significantly decreased postoperatively. The median esophagogastric junction contractile integral (EGJ-CI) from 31 cases (8.2 vs 21.2 mmHg cm; p = 0.0003) and the abdominal length of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) (0 vs 16 mm; p = 0.01) increased postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that the MNF is a safe and effective procedure both in the short term and midterm.

Contribution of hiatal hernia to asthma in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

To determine the correlation between asthma and hiatal hernia (HH) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-related asthma requiring laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-six GERD patients with medically refractory asthma with (80 patients) or without HH (56 patients) were enrolled. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was assessed by endoscopy, esophageal manometry, reflux monitoring and symptom questionnaires, and treated with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) or LNF with concomitant hiatal hernia repair (LNF-HHR). The outcome measures included patients' satisfaction and drug independence.

RESULTS

The patients with HH had lower esophageal sphincters (P = .005) and higher DeMeester scores (P = .014) than those without HH. After an average follow-up of 24 months, symptom scores were significantly decreased from the preoperative values (P < .05). Compared to LNF, LNF-HHR showed a better improvement in both esophageal and asthmatic symptoms (P < .0001 and P = .016, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The patients with GERD with asthma have a high prevalence of HH. The presence of HH maybe correlated with asthma and severe GERD. Actively treating HH not only improved reflux, but also controlled asthma symptoms.

Treatment of giant paraesophageal hernia: pro laparoscopic approach

PURPOSE

Giant paraesophageal hernias (GPEH) are relatively uncommon and account for less than 5% of all primary hiatal hernias. Giant Secondary GPEH can be observed after surgery involving hiatal orifice opening, such as esophagectomy, antireflux surgery, and hiatal hernia repair. Surgical treatment is challenging, and there are still residual controversies regarding the laparoscopic approach, even though a reduced morbidity and mortality, as well as a shorter hospital stay have been demonstrated.

METHODS

A Pubmed electronic search of the literature including articles published between 1992 and 2016 was conducted using the following key words: hiatal hernia, paraesophageal hernias, mesh, laparoscopy, intrathoracic stomach, gastric volvulus, diaphragmatic hernia.

RESULTS

Given the risks of non-operative management, GPEH surgical repair is indicated in symptomatic patients. Technical steps for primary hernia repair include hernia reduction and sac excision, correct repositioning of the gastroesophageal junction, crural repair, and fundoplication. For secondary hernias, the surgical technique varies according to hernia type and components and according to the approach used during the first surgery. There is an ongoing debate regarding the best and safest method to close the hiatal orifice. The laparoscopic approach has demonstrated a lower postoperative morbidity and mortality, and a shorter hospital stay as compared to the open approach. A high recurrence rate has been reported for primary GPEH repair. However, recent studies suggest that recurrence does not reduce symptomatic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The laparoscopic treatment of primary and secondary GPEH is safe and feasible in elective and emergency settings, especially in high-volume centers. The procedure is still challenging. The main steps are well defined. However, there is still room for improvement to lower the recurrence rate.

Laparoscopic treatment in Type IV Giant Paraesophagic Hernia and intestinal occlusion a case report

INTRODUCTION

A Giant Hiatal Paraesophageal Hernia (GPEH) is a Hiatal Hernia (HH) that includes more than 30% of the stomach in the thorax. The gold standard form of repair today is the laparoscopic abdominal approach in elective scenarios. Laparoscopic HH repair advantages include, less postoperative pain, small incisions, reduced postoperative respiratory complications are reduced, shorter hospital stay. The objective of this paper is to describe a patient undergoing with upper intestinal obstruction and a GPEH Type IV, approached laparoscopically.

CASE PRESENTATION

We received a female patient 59 years old, she came with symptoms abdominal pain, emesis of intestinal characteristics and obstipation, with an evolution of 5 days. She also referred dyspnea; she went to another institution where made a CAT scan finding a GPEH. We decided to realize the procedure laparoscopically. We follow the principal objectives, reducing the hernia, dissecting al de hernia sac excision, Hiatal reparation with no mesh, and Nissen type fundoplication without Collis Gastroplasty. The patient stayed for seven days for surveillance and when the leukocyte and LDH went to a regular rate patient was discharged. With no complications with normal intestinal function and nearly no pain.

DISCUSSION

We present a GPEH case associated with upper intestinal obstruction, with clinical findings that suggested ischemia. The approach of the treatment was abdominal laparoscopy.

CONCLUSION

In elective patients Laparoscopy is superior than abdominal approach. Randomized trials comparing laparoscopic versus open approach are needed to conclude that laparoscopic approach is superior to open approach, in potentially GPEH complicated patients.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Laparoscopic Surgery in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux and Related Disease: A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS) is generally the treatment of choice for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This report describes our experiences in performing LARS on patients with GERD, and focuses retrospectively on the pathophysiology of individual patients and the current status of Japanese patients who have undergone LARS. We demonstrate that patients with non-erosive reflux disease resistant to proton pump inhibitors (PPI-resistant NERD) and high-risk giant hernia, whom we are sometimes hesitant to treat surgically, can be safely and successfully treated with LARS (depending on the pathophysiology of individual patients).

METHODS

Between January 2007 and June 2015, 37 patients underwent LARS at Nippon Medical School Hospital. These patients were retrospectively subgrouped according to pathophysiology; 9 of them had PPI-resistant NERD (Group A), 19 had a giant hiatal hernia (Group B), and 9 had erosive esophagitis (Group N). Patient characteristics, intraoperative bleeding, operation duration, perioperative complications, and length of hospital stay were determined, along with symptomatic outcomes and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Patients in Group A were the youngest (average: 43.9 years), and those in Group B were the oldest (75.9 years) (P=0.002). The percentage of high-risk patients, as determined by performance status (P=0.047) and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (P=0.021), was highest in Group B, whereas the percentage of patients with mental disorders was highest in Group A (P=0.012). There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of intraoperative bleeding, surgery duration, or postoperative hospital stay. Thirty-three patients (89.2%), including all 19 in Group B, expressed excellent or good postoperative satisfaction levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The characteristics of the patients who underwent LARS at our hospital differed according to pathophysiology and from those in western countries. Satisfactory outcomes depended on the pathophysiology of individual patients.

Intrathoracic stomach mimicking bone metastasis from thyroid cancer in whole-body iodine-131 scan diagnosed by SPECT/CT

The whole-body iodine-131 scintigraphy is an imaging technique in monitoring patients with a history of thyroid cancer. Although the rate of false positives is negligible, it is not nonexistent. We report the case of an intervened and treated patient for thyroid cancer with good clinical and biochemical response. Scintigraphic findings were consistent with unsuspected bone metastasis. Fused SPECT/CT data allowed accurate diagnosis of giant diaphragmatic hernia associated with intrathoracic stomach, a very rare pathology that can lead to false positive results.

Laparoscopic surgical treatment of esophageal hiatal hernia

Types II, III and IV esophageal hiatal hernia (EHH) which presents obvious symptoms or leads to potentially fatal complications requires surgical treatment. Laparoscopy has been used to repair EHH in the last two decades globally and proved to be minimally invasive compared to conventional open surgery. This review summarizes current status and prospectives of laparoscopic application in EHH treatment. The published articles on minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical treatment of EHH in PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases were retrieved and analyzed. From 1992 to 2015, 86 English articles involving a total of 4771 patients receiving laparoscopic treatment for EHH were retrieved. Perioperative information including safety and feasibility of procedure, postoperative complications, and short/long-term outcome after laparoscopic repair was retrospectively analyzed. Laparoscopic surgical treatment of EHH is a safe, feasible and minimally invasive procedure with fast recovery after repair, low postoperative morbidity and recurrence.

Hiatus Hernia: A Rare Cause of Acute Pancreatitis

Hiatal hernia (HH) is the herniation of elements of the abdominal cavity through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm. A giant HH with pancreatic prolapse is very rare and its causing pancreatitis is an even more extraordinary condition. We describe a case of a 65-year-old man diagnosed with acute pancreatitis secondary to pancreatic herniation. In these cases, acute pancreatitis may be caused by the diaphragmatic crura impinging upon the pancreas and leading to repetitive trauma as it crosses the hernia; intermittent folding of the main pancreatic duct; ischemia associated with stretching at its vascular pedicle; or total pancreatic incarceration. Asymptomatic hernia may not require any treatment, while multiple studies have supported the recommendation of early elective repair as a safer route in symptomatic patients. In summary, though rare, pancreatic herniation should be considered as a cause of acute pancreatitis. A high index of suspicion for complications is warranted in cases like these.

Diaphragmatic hernia following oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer - Are we too radical?

BACKGROUND

Diaphragmatic herniation (DH) of abdominal contents into the thorax after oesophageal resection is a recognised and serious complication of surgery. While differences in pressure between the abdominal and thoracic cavities are important, the size of the hiatal defect is something that can be influenced surgically. As with all oncological surgery, safe resection margins are essential without adversely affecting necessary anatomical structure and function. However very little has been published looking at the extent of the hiatal resection. We aim to present a case series of patients who developed DH herniation post operatively in order to raise discussion about the ideal extent of surgical resection required.

METHODS

We present a series of cases of two male and one female who had oesophagectomies for moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas of the lower oesophagus who developed post-operative DH. We then conducted a detailed literature review using Medline, Pubmed and Google Scholar to identify existing guidance to avoid this complication with particular emphasis on the extent of hiatal resection.

DISCUSSION

Extended incision and partial resection of the diaphragm are associated with an increased risk of postoperative DH formation. However, these more extensive excisions can ensure clear surgical margins. Post-operative herniation can be an early or late complication of surgery and despite the clear importance of hiatal resection only one paper has been published on this subject which recommends a more limited resection than was carried out in our cases.

CONCLUSION

This case series investigated the recommended extent of hiatal dissection in oesophageal surgery. Currently there is no clear guidance available on this subject and further studies are needed to ascertain the optimum resection margin that results in the best balance of oncological parameters vs. post operative morbidity.

Durability of giant hiatus hernia repair in 455 patients over 20 years

INTRODUCTION

The surgical management of symptomatic giant hiatus hernia (GHH) aims to improve quality of life (QoL) and reduce the risk of life threatening complications. Previous reports are predominantly those with small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. The present study sought to assess a large cohort of patients for recurrence and QoL over a longer time period.

METHODS

This was a follow-up study of a prospectively collected database of 455 consecutive patients. Primary repair of GHH was evaluated by endoscopy/barium meal for recurrence and a standardised symptom questionnaire for QoL. Recurrence was assessed for size, elapsed time, oesophagitis and symptoms.

RESULTS

Objective and subjective review was achieved in 91.9% and 68.6% of patients. The median age was 69 years (range: 15-93 years) and 64% were female. Laparoscopic repair was completed in 95% (mesh in 6% and Collis gastroplasty in 7%). The 30-day mortality rate was 0.9%. The proportion of patients alive at five and ten years were 90% and 75% respectively. Postoperative QoL scores improved from a mean of 95 to 111 (p<0.01) and were stable over time (112 at 10 years). The overall recurrence rate was 35.6% (149/418) at 42 months; this was 11.5% (48/418) for hernias >2cm and 24.2% (101/418) for <2cm. The rate of new recurrence at 0-1 years was 13.7% (>2cm = 3.4%, <2cm = 10.3%), at 1-5 years it was 30.8% (>2cm = 9.5%, <2cm = 21.3%), at 5-10 years it was 40.1% (>2cm = 13.8%, <2cm = 26.3%) and at over 10 years it was 50.0% (>2cm = 25.0%, <2cm = 25.0%). Recurrence was associated with oesophagitis but not decreased QoL. Revision surgery was required in 4.8% of cases (14.8% with recurrence). There were no interval major GHH complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery has provided sustained QoL improvements irrespective of recurrence. Recurrence occurred progressively over ten years and may predispose to oesophagitis.

High-resolution Manometry Findings in Patients with an Intrathoracic Stomach

Intrathoracic stomach is a rare finding. The real value of the high-resolution manometry (HRM) in the preoperative evaluation of these patients has not yet being fully tested. This study aims to evaluate: 1) the HRM pattern of patients with an intrathoracic stomach; and 2) HRM findings as predictors for prosthetic reinforcement of the hiatus. We reviewed 33 patients (27 women, mean age 66 years) with an intrathoracic stomach who underwent HRM. Fifteen patients did the HRM as part of preoperative workup and were operated on in our institution. All patients were submitted to a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. HRM results show that the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was transposed in all patients. Hiatal hernia was diagnosed in 21 (63%) patients. The length of the hernia was 4 ± 2 cm (range, 1 to 9 cm). LES oscillation was observed in 23 (69%) patients with a mean of 1 ± 0.4 cm (range, 0.4 to 2 cm). Hiatal mesh reinforcement was necessary in five (33%) of the operated patients. HRM findings did not predict hiatal mesh reinforcement. Our results show that: 1) HRM has a poor sensibility for hiatal hernia diagnosis; 2) half of the patients with an intrathoracic stomach have a normal HRM; and 3) HRM does not predict mesh hiatal hernia repair.

New surgical approach for giant paraesophageal hernia repair: closure of the esophageal hiatus anteriorly using the left triangular ligament

BACKGROUND

Obtaining a tension-free repair for giant paraesophageal hernias (PEH) is often challenging. Many different techniques have been proposed, including laparoscopic posterior hiatoplasty with the use of prosthetic or biologic mesh as well as the use of autologous teres or falciform ligament flaps. In this report, we describe the use of the left triangular ligament as an onlay autologous vascularized flap to bridge the anterior residual defect after posterior cruroplasty.

METHODS

A novel technique of paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair is described. Posterior hiatoplasty is performed, including the approximation of the diaphragmatic crural fibers to the extent possible. The left triangular ligament is then mobilized and sutured to the right and left crural fibers lining the esophageal hiatus to seal the anterior residual diaphragmatic defect.

RESULTS

This technique has been performed in 4 patients with a mean age of 71 years and a 3:1 female to male ratio. The average hiatal defect size was 5.5 cm and the average length of operation was 122 min. There was no evidence of radiologic or clinical recurrence on follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The use of the left triangular ligament flap is feasible and may be a valuable tool for closure of an anterior diaphragmatic defect in giant PEHs. Additional studies to validate its long-term function are needed.

Distal antral gastropexy - a novel technique to prevent recurrence of giant hiatus hernia in selected cases - a cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The recurrence rate of giant hiatus hernias (GHH) following repair is high (30%) and increases with the hernia size and previous revision surgery. The mechanism of recurrence is poorly understood.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients who underwent repair of giant hiatus hernia in a tertiary upper GI referral centre from November 2000 to November 2014. Patients who underwent redo surgery were identified and data on intra-operative findings and procedure performed at primary and redo surgery from their operation notes were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients underwent primary repair of GHH over the 14 year study period. 10 (12.3%) had symptomatic/radiological recurrence of which 4 were found to have the distal stomach herniating into the chest despite having an intact intra-abdominal wrap/gastropexy. To prevent migration of the distal stomach into the chest, distal gastropexy - fixing the antrum to the anterior abdominal wall, was added to 'conventional' gastropexy in 5 subsequent cases, in whom the antrum was in the chest preoperatively. These cases have no evidence of recurrence at the end of 6 months follow up.

CONCLUSION

Securing the antrum of stomach to the anterior abdominal wall may prevent migration of the distal stomach and other infracolic organs into the chest and thus reduce recurrence of some GHH where antrum had been in chest previously.

Transthoracic repair of paraesophageal diaphragmatic hernia presenting with symptoms mimicking cardiac disease (chest pain and breathlessness)

We discuss a case of 60-year-old female patient, who presented with history of chest pain radiating to left shoulder, breathlessness and postprandial discomfort. Patient was initially suspected to be suffering from cardiac pathology and was evaluated accordingly. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy also missed the findings of paraesophageal hernia as the gastroesophageal junction was at its normal position. Chest roentgenogram raised the suspicion of diaphragmatic hernia, computed tomogram of chest and abdomen was done later on and showed characteristic features of paraesophageal hernia. Patient underwent transthoracic repair of the paraesophageal hernia along with partial fundoplication and had complete relief from the symptoms after surgery.

Hiatal hernia in pediatric patients: laparoscopic versus open approaches

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic approach for hiatal hernia (HH) in pediatric patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 33 patients younger than 18 years who underwent an operation for HH between January 1999 and December 2012.

RESULTS

The HH symptoms were various and included regurgitation, vomiting, weight loss, cough, hoarseness, and cyanosis. Among the 33 patients, there were 25 sliding types, 1 paraesophageal type, and 7 mixed types. Open surgery (OS) and laparoscopic surgery (LS) were used in 16 and 17 patients, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in sex, age, or body weight between the groups. The median operating time was longer in the LS group (150 minutes; range, 90-250 minutes vs. 125 minutes; range, 66-194 minutes; P = 0.028). Time to oral intake was shorter in the LS group than in the OS group (1 day; range, 1-3 days vs. 2 days; range, 1-7 days; P = 0.001) and time to full feeding was shorter in the LS group than in the OS group (6 days; range, 3-16 days vs. 10 days; range, 3-33 days; P = 0.048). There were no differences in length of hospital stay and complications between the two groups. There was no perioperative mortality or recurrence of HH.

CONCLUSION

A good surgical outcome for laparoscopic correction of HH was seen in pediatric patients.

Acute pancreatitis secondary to an incarcerated paraoesophageal hernia: a rare cause for a common problem

This is a rare case report of acute pancreatitis secondary to a massive incarcerated paraoesophageal hernia. The pathogenesis resulted from obstruction of the distal pancreatic duct after displacement of the pancreatic head and body into the thorax as part of a Type IV paraoesophageal hernia. Although this condition is rare, the patient made steady progress following laparotomy and open repair of hernia. She made a good recovery after prompt therapy, therefore, this report can be a guide to the diagnosis and treatment of similar conditions.

The laparoscopic hiatoplasty with antireflux surgery is a safe and effective procedure to repair giant hiatal hernia

BACKGROUND

Although minimally invasive repair of giant hiatal hernias is a very surgical challenge which requires advanced laparoscopic learning curve, several reports showed that is a safe and effective procedure, with lower morbidity than open approach. In the present study we show the outcomes of 13 patients who underwent a laparoscopic repair of giant hiatal hernia.

METHODS

A total of 13 patients underwent laparoscopic posterior hiatoplasty and Nissen fundoplication. Follow-up evaluation was done clinically at intervals of 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery using the Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Health-Related Quality of Life scale, a barium swallow study, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, an oesophageal manometry, a combined ambulatory 24-h multichannel impedance pH and bilirubin monitoring. Anatomic recurrence was defined as any evidence of gastric herniation above the diaphragmatic edge.

RESULTS

There were no intraoperative complications and no conversions to open technique. Symptomatic GORD-HQL outcomes demonstrated a statistical significant decrease of mean value equal to 3.2 compare to 37.4 of preoperative assessment (p < 0.0001). Combined 24-h multichannel impedance pH and bilirubin monitoring after 12 months did not show any evidence of pathological acid or non acid reflux.

CONCLUSION

All patients were satisfied of procedure and no hernia recurrence was recorded in the study group, treated respecting several crucial surgical principles, e.g., complete sac excision, appropriate crural closure, also with direct hiatal defect where possible, and routine use of antireflux procedure.

Experience with laparoscopic treatment for paraesophageal hiatal hernia

INTRODUCTION

Paraesophageal hiatal hernia is often associated with a number of complications such as intestinal obstruction, gastric volvulus and acute pancreatitis, each of which can result in critical conditions requiring surgery. Herein, we report our surgical procedure for paraesophageal hiatal hernia.

METHODS

Since 2003, we have surgically treated hiatal hernia in 18 patients, including 2 men and 16 women, with a mean age of 73 years. Thirteen patients (72.2%) had a type-I hiatal hernia, two (11.1%) had type III and three (16.7%) had type IV. The operative procedure consisted of a crural repair and anti-reflux maneuver.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic procedures were completed in all patients. The mean operation time was 160.2 min for type I and 230.8 min for types III and IV. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.8 days, and there was no mortality. Three patients relapsed during the mean follow-up period of 74.9 months. Two of them were asymptomatic and one required laparoscopic reoperation.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic surgery for paraesophageal hiatal hernia is safe and effective with minimal morbidity and early recovery. However, it is important to determine the appropriate timing of surgery based on the severity of the hernia and the patient's general status and comorbidities.

Initial Outcomes of Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia Repair with Mesh

The use of mesh in laparoscopic paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair (LHR) may reduce the risk of late hernia recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate initial outcomes and recurrence rate of 92 patients who underwent LHR reinforced with a synthetic bioabsorbable mesh. Surgical approaches included LHR and Nissen fundoplication (n = 64), LHR without fundoplication (n = 10), reoperative LHR (n = 9), LHR with a bariatric operation (n = 6), and emergent LHR (n = 3). The mean length of hospital stay was 2 ± 3 days (range, 1 to 30 days). There were no conversions to open laparotomy and no intraoperative complications. One of 92 patients (1.1%) required intensive care unit stay. The 90-day mortality was zero. Minor complications occurred in 3.3 per cent, major complications in 2.2 per cent, and late complications in 5.5 per cent of patients. There were no perforations or early hernia recurrence. The 30-day reoperation rate was 1.1 per cent. For patients with available 1-year follow-up, the overall recurrence rate was 18.5 per cent with a mean follow-up of 30 months (range, 12 to 51 months). LHR repair with mesh is associated with low perioperative morbidity and no mortality. The use of bioabsorbable mesh appears to be safe with no early hiatal hernia recurrence or late mesh erosion. Longer follow-up is needed to determine the long-term rate of hernia recurrence associated with LHR with mesh.

Asymptomatic isolated partial hiatal herniation of the pancreas: MDCT evaluation and anatomical explanation: case report and review of literature

Isolated herniation of the pancreas through a gastroesophageal hiatus is an extremely rare condition, and only one case has been reported in the world literature. We describe a MDCT diagnosis of isolated partial hiatal hernia containing the body of a normal pancreas in an asymptomatic patient, give an anatomical explanation and review the corresponding literature.

Predictability of hiatal hernia/defect size: is there a correlation between pre- and intraoperative findings?

PURPOSE

Closure of the esophageal hiatus is an important step during laparoscopic antireflux surgery and hiatal hernia surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the preoperatively determined hiatal hernia size and the intraoperative size of the esophageal hiatus.

METHODS

One hundred patients with documented chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease underwent laparoscopic fundoplication. All patients had been subjected to barium studies before surgery, specifically to measure the presence and size of hiatal hernia. The size of the esophageal hiatus was measured during surgery by calculating the hiatal surface area (HSA). HSA size >5 cm(2) was defined as large hiatal defect. Patients were grouped according to radiologic criteria: no visible hernia (n = 42), hernia size between 2 and 5 cm (n = 52), and >5 cm (n = 6). A retrospective correlation analysis between hiatal hernia size and intraoperative HSA size was undertaken.

RESULTS

The mean radiologically predicted size of hiatal hernias was 1.81 cm (range 0-6.20 cm), while the interoperative measurement was 3.86 cm(2) (range 1.51-12.38 cm(2)). No correlation (p < 0.05) was found between HSA and hiatal hernia size for all patients, and in the single radiologic groups, 11.9 % (5/42) of the patients who had no hernia on preoperative X-ray study had a large hiatal defect, and 66.6 % (4/6) patients with giant hiatal hernia had a HSA size <5 cm(2).

CONCLUSIONS

The study clearly demonstrates that a surgeon cannot rely on preoperative findings from the barium swallow examination, because the sensitivity of a preoperative swallow is very poor.

Use of the falciform ligament flap for closure of the esophageal hiatus in giant paraesophageal hernia

OBJECTIVES

Laparoscopic repair of a giant paraesophageal hiatal hernia remains a challenging procedure. Several techniques have been developed in efforts to achieve tension-free reconstruction of the esophageal hiatus. In this report, we describe a technique whereby the falciform ligament is used as an autologous onlay flap to achieve tension-free closure of the crural defect of a giant paraesophageal hernia (GPEH).

DISCUSSION

Use of the falciform ligament as a vascularized autologous onlay flap is a safe and effective procedure to obtain closure of the crural defect of a GPEH. The falciform ligament should be adequately mobilized from the anterior abdominal wall to prevent lateral tension on the flap, but care must be taken to avoid devascularization. Interrupted vertical mattress sutures are used to fix the falciform ligament to the left and right hiatal crurae.

Left atrial compression and the mechanism of exercise impairment in patients with a large hiatal hernia

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between cardiac compression and exercise impairment in patients with a large hiatal hernia (HH).

BACKGROUND

Dyspnea and exercise impairment are common symptoms of a large HH with unknown pathophysiology. Studies evaluating the contribution of cardiac compression to the pathogenesis of these symptoms have not been performed.

METHODS

We collected clinical data from a consecutive series of 30 patients prospectively evaluated with resting and stress echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and respiratory function testing before and after laparoscopic HH repair. Left atrial (LA), inferior pulmonary vein, and coronary sinus compression was analyzed in relation to exercise capacity (metabolic equivalents [METs] achieved on Bruce treadmill protocol).

RESULTS

Exertional dyspnea was present in 25 of 30 patients (83%) despite normal mean baseline respiratory function. Moderate to severe LA compression was qualitatively present in 23 of 30 patients (77%) on computed tomography. Right and left inferior pulmonary vein and coronary sinus compression was present in 11 of 30 (37%), 12 of 30 (40%), and 26 of 30 (87%) patients, respectively. Post-operatively, New York Heart Association functional class and exercise capacity improved significantly (number of patients in New York Heart Association functional classes I, II, III, and IV: 6, 11, 11, and 2 vs. 26, 4, 0, and 0, respectively, p < 0.001; METs [percentage predicted]: 75 ± 24% vs. 112 ± 23%, p < 0.001) and resolution of cardiac compression was observed. Absolute change in LA diameter on the echocardiogram was the only independent cardiorespiratory predictor of exercise capacity improvement post-operatively (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate, for the first time, marked exercise impairment and cardiac compression in patients with a large HH and normal respiratory function. After HH repair, exercise capacity improves significantly and correlates with resolution of LA compression.

Evolution and development of surgery for large paraesophageal hiatus hernia

Laparoscopic repair is the standard surgical approach to the problem of large paraesophageal hiatus hernia. It is associated with low risks of morbidity and mortality, although there is a small risk (less than 5%) of a clinically significant recurrent hernia. Various techniques have been proposed to minimise this risk, including esophageal lengthening procedures and mesh reinforcement of the hiatus. Both remain controversial. Radiological outcomes from randomised trials suggest that a reduction in hernia recurrence rates can be achieved with the use of mesh repair, although these trials have not demonstrated any clinically significant benefits for mesh repair. The risk of complications following mesh placement at the esophageal hiatus or an esophageal lengthening procedure needs to be balanced against potential benefits. More work is required to define the optimal approach to repair of large paraesophageal hiatus hernias.

Herniated pancreatic body within a paraesophageal hernia

A hiatal hernia can be classified as one of four types according to the position of the gastroesophageal (GE) junction and the extent of herniated stomach. Type I, or sliding hernias, account for up to 95% of all hiatal hernias and occur when the GE junction migrates into the posterior mediastinum through the hiatus. Type II occurs when the fundus herniates through the hiatus alongside a normally positioned GE junction. Type III is a combination of types I and II hernias with a displaced GE junction as well as stomach protruding through the hiatus. Type IV paraesophageal hernias are the rarest of the hiatal hernias. Usually, colon or small bowel is herniated within the mediastinum along with the stomach. We present a case of a paraesophageal hernia with the mid-body of the pancreas as part of the hernia contents.

Cameron lesions: an often overlooked cause of iron deficiency anaemia in patients with large hiatal hernias

Cameron lesions are linear gastric ulcers or erosions on the mucosal folds at the diaphragmatic impression in patients with a large hiatal hernia. The lesions are associated with occult bleeding and development of chronic iron deficiency anaemia, but are often overlooked during routine endoscopy. We present two patients with known hiatal hernias in who repeated endoscopic examinations had not been able to identify a source of bleeding. In both cases, typical Cameron lesions were found either by repeat gastroscopy or by capsule endoscopy. Treatment with high-dose proton pump inhibitor and iron supplement was initiated.