Iron-deficiency anemia is a common presenting issue with giant paraesophageal hernia and resolves following repair

SAGES guidelines for the surgical treatment of hiatal hernias

BACKGROUND

Hiatal hernia (HH) is a common condition. A multidisciplinary expert panel was convened to develop evidence-based recommendations to support clinicians, patients, and others in decisions regarding the treatment of HH.

METHODS

Systematic reviews were conducted for four key questions regarding the treatment of HH in adults: surgical treatment of asymptomatic HH versus surveillance; use of mesh versus no mesh; performing a fundoplication versus no fundoplication; and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) versus redo fundoplication for recurrent HH. Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations methodology by subject experts. When the evidence was insufficient to base recommendations on, expert opinion was utilized instead. Recommendations for future research were also proposed.

RESULTS

The panel provided one conditional recommendation and two expert opinions for adults with HH. The panel suggested routinely performing a fundoplication in the repair of HH, though this was based on low certainty evidence. There was insufficient evidence to make evidence-based recommendations regarding surgical repair of asymptomatic HH or conversion to RYGB in recurrent HH, and therefore, only expert opinions were offered. The panel suggested that select asymptomatic patients may be offered surgical repair, with criteria outlined. Similarly, it suggested that conversion to RYGB for management of recurrent HH may be appropriate in certain patients and again described criteria. The evidence for the routine use of mesh in HH repair was equivocal and the panel deferred making a recommendation.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations should provide guidance regarding surgical decision-making in the treatment of HH and highlight the importance of shared decision-making and consideration of patient values to optimize outcomes. Pursuing the identified research needs will improve the evidence base and may allow for stronger recommendations in future evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of HH.

Updated Markov Model to Determine Optimal Management Strategy for Patients with Paraesophageal Hernia and Symptoms, Cameron Ulcer, or Comorbid Conditions

BACKGROUND

The current paradigm of watchful waiting (WW) in people 65 years or older with an asymptomatic paraesophageal hernia (PEH) is based on a now 20-year-old Markov analysis. Recently, we have shown that elective laparoscopic hernia repair (ELHR) provides an increase in life-years (L-Ys) compared with WW in most healthy patients aged 40 to 90 years. However, elderly patients often have comorbid conditions and may have complications from their PEH such as Cameron lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal strategy, ELHR or WW, in these patients.

STUDY DESIGN

A Markov model with updated variables was used to compare L-Ys gained with ELHR vs WW in hypothetical people with any type of PEH and symptoms, Cameron lesions, and/or comorbid conditions.

RESULTS

In men and women aged 40 to 90 years with PEH-related symptoms and/or Cameron lesions, ELHR led to an increase in L-Ys over WW. The presence of comorbid conditions impacted life expectancy overall, but ELHR remained the preferred approach in all but 90-year-old patients with symptoms but no Cameron lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a Markov model with updated values for key variables associated with management options for patients with a PEH, we showed that life expectancy was improved with ELHR in most men and women aged 40 to 90 years, particularly in the presence of symptoms and/or Cameron lesions. Comorbid conditions increase the risk for surgery, but ELHR remained the preferred strategy in the majority of symptomatic patients. This model can be used to provide individualized management guidance for patients with a PEH.

Elective Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair Leads to an Increase in Life Expectancy Over Watchful Waiting in Asymptomatic Patients: An Updated Markov Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to perform an updated Markov analysis to determine the optimal management strategy for patients with an asymptomatic paraesophageal hernia (PEH): elective laparoscopic hernia repair (ELHR) versus watchful waiting (WW).

BACKGROUND

Currently, it is recommended that patients with an asymptomatic PEH not undergo repair based on a 20-year-old Markov analysis. The current recommendation might lead to preventable hospitalizations for acute PEH-related complications and compromised survival.

METHODS

A Markov model with updated variables was used to compare life-years (L-Ys) gained with ELHR versus WW in patients with a PEH. One-way sensitivity analyses evaluated the robustness of the analysis to alternative data inputs, while probabilistic sensitivity analysis quantified the level of confidence in the results in relation to the uncertainty across all model inputs.

RESULTS

At age 40 to 90, ELHR led to greater life expectancy than WW, particularly in women. The gain in L-Ys (2.6) was greatest in a 40-year-old woman and diminished with increasing age. Sensitivity analysis showed that alternative values resulted in modest changes in the difference in L-Ys, but ELHR remained the preferred strategy. Probabilistic analysis showed that ELHR was the preferred strategy in 100% of 10,000 simulations for age 65, 98% for age 80, 90% for age 85, and 59% of simulations in 90-year-old women.

CONCLUSIONS

This updated analysis showed that ELHR leads to an increase in L-Ys over WW in healthy patients aged 40 to 90 years with an asymptomatic PEH. In this new paradigm, all patients with a PEH, regardless of symptoms, should be referred for the consideration of elective repair to maximize their life expectancy.

Resolution and recurrence of anemia following repair of paraesophageal hernias

BACKGROUND

Iron deficiency anemia is a common paraesophageal hernia (PEH) symptom and may improve after repair. When present, anemia has also been proposed to be associated with an increase in length of hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality after PEH repair. This study aimed to determine anemia-related factors in patients with PEH, the rate of anemia resolution after PEH repair, and the risk of anemia recurrence when repair failed.

METHODS

We included patients who received a PEH repair between June 2019 and June 2020 and had 24 months of postoperative follow-up. Demographics and comorbidities were recorded. Anemia was defined as pre-operative hemoglobin values < 12.0 for females and < 13.0 for males, or if patients were receiving iron supplementation. Anemia resolution was determined at 6 months post-op. Length of hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality was recorded. Logistic regression and ANCOVA were used for binary and continuous outcomes respectively.

RESULTS

Of 394 patients who underwent PEH repair during the study period, 101 (25.6%) had anemia before surgery. Patients with pre-operative anemia had larger hernia sizes (6.55 cm ± 2.77 vs. 4.34 cm ± 2.50; p < 0.001). Of 68 patients with available data by 6 months after surgery, anemia resolved in 36 (52.9%). Hernia recurred in 6 patients (16.7%), 4 of whom also had anemia recurrence (66.7%). Preoperative anemia was associated with a higher length of hospital stay (3.31 days ± 0.54 vs 2.33 days ± 0.19 p = 0.046) and an increased risk of post-operative all-cause mortality (OR 2.7 CI 1.08-6.57 p = 0.05). Fundoplication type (p = 0.166), gastropexy, or mesh was not associated with an increased likelihood of resolution (OR 0.855 CI 0.326-2.243; p = 0.05) (OR 0.440 CI 0.150-1.287; p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Anemia occurs in 1 out of 4 patients with PEH and is more frequent in patients with larger hernias. Anemia is associated with a longer hospital stay and all-cause mortality after surgery. Anemia recurrence coincided with hernia recurrence in roughly two-thirds of patients.

Research protocol for the Paraesophageal hernia symptom tool, a prospective multi-center cohort study to identify the need and threshold for surgery and assess the symptom response to surgery

Large hiatus hernias with a significant paraesophageal component (types II-IV) have a range of insidious symptoms. Management of symptomatic hernias includes conservative treatment or surgery. Currently, there is no paraesophageal hernia disease-specific symptom questionnaire. As a result, many clinicians rely on the health-related quality of life questionnaires designed for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GORD) to assess patients with hiatal hernias pre- and postoperatively. In view of this, a paraesophageal hernia symptom tool (POST) was designed. This POST questionnaire now requires validation and assessment of clinical utility. Twenty-one international sites will recruit patients with paraesophageal hernias to complete a series of questionnaires over a five-year period. There will be two cohorts of patients-patients with paraesophageal hernias undergoing surgery and patients managed conservatively. Patients are required to complete a validated GORD-HRQL, POST questionnaire, and satisfaction questionnaire preoperatively. Surgical cohorts will also complete questionnaires postoperatively at 4-6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and then annually for a total of 5 years. Conservatively managed patients will repeat questionnaires at 1 year. The first set of results will be released after 1 year with complete data published after a 5-year follow-up. The main results of the study will be patient's acceptance of the POST tool, clinical utility of the tool, assessment of the threshold for surgery, and patient symptom response to surgery. The study will validate the POST questionnaire and identify the relevance of the questionnaire in routine management of paraesophageal hernias.

Changes in Hemoglobin Levels in Patients with Hiatal Hernia and Anemia Demonstrates a Durable Resolution When Surgery Utilized

Objective:

To describe the patterns of care of patients presenting with anemia and a hiatal hernia and to document hemoglobin levels at each stage of care.

Background data:

Anemia may be associated with hiatal hernia. Current medical guidelines recommend iron supplements and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as initial steps, but not surgical repair is not routinely recommended despite evidence of cure.

Methods:

Retrospective review of patients with anemia and hiatal hernia who underwent surgical repair. Hemoglobin, PPI use, and symptoms were assessed at diagnosis, preoperatively, and postoperatively.

Results:

We identified 116 predominantly female patients with type 3 hernias with 52.6% (n = 61) having Cameron ulcers. At baseline, 24.1% (n = 28) were transfused, 52% (n = 60) started on iron supplements, 72% (n = 84) on PPIs, and 10% (n = 12) on H2-blockers. Referral to surgery occurred 454 days (IQR: 129-1332) after anemia diagnosis. The mean Hgb at diagnosis was 9.79 (range: 4.8-12.7) in females and 10.9 (range: 7.7-12.9) in males, increasing to 11.1 (range: 5.4-15) and 11.4 (range: 5.8-15.9) with medical management. After laparoscopic repair, it increased to 12.3 (range: 8.1-14.8) and 13.4 (range: 8.9-16.8) at short term follow up. This was sustained at 12.8 (range: 8.8-17.7) and 14.2 (8.1-17) long term. Medical management normalized Hgb in 36% (n = 40/111); whereas surgery normalized Hgb in 62% (n = 64/104) short term and 74% (n = 69/93) long term. Cameron’s ulcers were associated with normalization in 85% (38/45) but only 62% (n = 21/34) when not present.

Conclusion:

Anemia associated with a hiatal hernia improves with medication, but the addition of surgery normalizes Hgb, appears durable, allows cessation of medication, and improves quality of life.

Acquired Refractory Iron Deficiency Anemia

Anemia is a global health problem affecting one-third of the world population, and half of the cases are due to iron deficiency (ID). Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the leading cause of disability in several countries. Although multiple mechanisms may coexist, ID and IDA causes can be classified as i) insufficient iron intake for the body requirement, ii) reduced absorption, and iii) blood losses. Oral iron represents the mainstay of IDA treatment. IDA is defined as "refractory" when the hematologic response after 4 to 6 weeks of treatment with oral iron (an increase of >=1 g/dL of Hb) is absent. The cause of iron-refractory anemia is usually acquired and frequently related to gastrointestinal pathologies, although a rare genetic form called iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) exists. In some pathological circumstances, either genetic or acquired, hepcidin increases, limiting the absorption in the gut, remobilization, and recycling of iron, thereby reducing iron plasma levels. Indeed, conditions with high hepcidin levels are often under-recognized as iron refractory, leading to inappropriate and unsuccessful treatments. This review provides an overview of the iron refractory anemia underlying conditions, from gastrointestinal pathologies to hepcidin dysregulation and iatrogenic or provoked conditions, and the specific diagnostic and treatment approach.

Paraesophageal hernia and iron deficiency anemia: Mechanisms, diagnostics and therapy

There is ample clinical evidence suggesting that the presence of large axial or paraesophageal hernias may lead to iron deficiency anemia. So-called Cameron lesions, as well as other small mucosa erosions, in the sliding area of these diaphragmatic hernias lead to invisible chronic blood loss and consequently to iron depletion. While the spectrum of symptoms in these patients is large, anemia is often not the only indication and typically not the primary indication for surgical correction of diaphragmatic hernias. Drug treatment with proton pump inhibitors and iron substitution can alleviate anemia, but this is not always successful. To exclude other possible bleeding sources in the gastrointestinal tract, a comprehensive diagnostic program is necessary and reviewed in this manuscript. Additionally, we discuss controversies in the surgical management of paraesophageal hernias.

Surgical management of hiatal hernia vs medical therapy to treat bleeding Cameron lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Cameron lesions (CL) are an under-recognized cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnosis is often impaired by technical difficulty, and once diagnosed, management remains unclear. Typically, patients are medically managed with proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Small studies have demonstrated improved therapeutic success with surgical management, hypothesizing that reversing mechanical gastric trauma and ischemia allows CL healing. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to compare therapeutic success of surgical versus medical management of Cameron lesions (CL).

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

A comprehensive search and systematic review selected manuscripts using the following inclusion criteria: (1) Endoscopically diagnosed CL (2) Treated surgically (3) Follow-up for resolution of anemia or CL (4) n ≥ 5 (5) Excluding non-English, animal, and studies with patients < 18 years old Meta-analysis was performed to compare resolution of CLs with medical and surgical therapy.

RESULTS

Systematic search retrieved 1664 studies, of these, 14 were included (randomized controlled trial = 1; prospective = 2; retrospective = 11). Patients had a mean age of 61.2 years (range 24-91) and were more often female (59.3%). Follow-up was between 3 and 120 months, and 82.9% of patients had hernias > 5 cm. Surgical management was associated with therapeutic success (OR 5.20, 1.83-14.77, I² = 42%, p < 0.001) with 92% having resolution, compared to 67.2% for those treated with PPI. Surgical complications occurred in 42/109 (38.5%) of patients (48.1% for Open Hill Repair, 15.4% for laparoscopic fundoplication). 40.0% of patients underwent a laparoscopic Nissen or Collis fundoplication, 21.7% underwent open modified Hill repair, and 38.3% had unspecified operations. Hemoglobin improved from 8.85 g/dL pre-operatively to 13.60 g/dL post-operatively. In six studies, surgical patients previously failed medical management.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first systematic review comparing surgical and medical treatment of CL. Surgical management significantly improved therapeutic success. Our study supports therapeutic benefit of surgery in these patients.

The Development and Natural History of Hiatal Hernias: A Study Using Sequential Barium Upper Gastrointestinal Series

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to use barium upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) to evaluate the development and natural history of a hiatal hernia.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Hiatal hernias are common but the natural history of sliding and paraesophageal type hernias is poorly understood.

METHODS

We reviewed UGI reports from 1987 to 2017 using a word scanning software program to identify individuals that had a hiatal hernia. Only those with at least 2 UGI studies 5 or more years apart were selected. The studies were then reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 89 individuals that met inclusion criteria. Twenty-one people had no hiatal hernia on initial UGI and over a median of 99 months a sliding hiatal hernia (SHH) developed in 16 and a PEH developed in 5 people. A SHH was present on initial UGI in 55 people and at a median of 84 months subsequent UGI showed the SHH was stable in 11 (20%), increased in size in 30 (55%), and changed to a PEH in 14 people (25%). In 13 people a PEH was present on initial UGI and over a median of 97 months it was stable in 5 and increased in size in 8 people (62%).

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that both SHH and PEH can develop over time and that the majority of both increased in size on follow-up UGI study. Further, 25% of SHH became a PEH over time. Recognizing an increase in size or change in type of a hiatal hernia may be clinically relevant to help understand changing or worsening symptoms in an individual.

The other explanation for dyspnea: giant paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair routinely improves pulmonary function

Paraesophageal hiatal hernias (PEHs) are most commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms; less widely appreciated is their potentially important influence on respiratory function. We hypothesize that surgical repair of PEH will significantly improve not only gastrointestinal symptoms, but also preoperative dyspnea and spirometry scores. A prospective Institutional Review Board-approved database was used to review all patients undergoing PEH repair from 2000 to 2016. Patients with pre- and postoperative pulmonary function tests assessed by spirometry were included. Postoperative changes in spirometry measurements were compared to PEH size as reflected by the percentage of intrathoracic stomach observed on preoperative contrast studies. Patients were stratified according to improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Patients with >12% ('significant') improvement in FEV1 after surgery were compared to the remaining patient population. In total, 299 patients met the inclusion criteria. Symptomatic improvement in respiratory function was noted in all patients after PEH repair. Age, gender, BMI, presenting symptoms, Charlson comorbidity index as well as preoperative comorbidities did not significantly impact the functional outcome. Spirometry results improved in 80% of the patients, 21% of whom showed an improvement of >20% compared to the preoperative level. 'Significant' improvement in respiratory function was seen in 122 of 299 (41%) patients. Patients presenting with moderate and severe preoperative pulmonary obstruction demonstrated 'significant' improvement in FEV1 in 48% and 40% of cases, respectively. Large PEHs, characterized by a percentage of intrathoracic stomach >75%, was strongly associated with 'significant' improvement in FEV1 (P = 0.001). PEHs can impact subjective and objective respiratory status and surgical repair can result in a significant improvement in dyspnea and pulmonary function score that is independent of preoperative pulmonary disease. Gastric herniation of more than 75% was associated with higher possibility for improvement of pulmonary function tests. Patients with persistent and unexplained dyspnea and coexistent PEH should be assessed by an experienced surgeon for consideration of elective repair.

Laparoscopic Approach to Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

The introduction of minimally invasive techniques to the field of foregut surgery has revolutionized the surgical approach to giant paraesophageal hernia repair. Laparoscopy has become the standard approach in patients with giant paraesophageal hernia because it has been shown to be safe and is associated with lower morbidity and mortality when compared with various open approaches. Specifically, it has been associated with decreased intraoperative blood loss, decreased complications, and reduced hospital length of stay. This is despite a rise in comorbid conditions associated with this patient population. This article describes our operative approach to laparoscopic giant paraesophageal hernia repair.

Resolution of anemia and improved quality of life following laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Cameron lesions (CL) are common complications of large hiatal hernia (HH) disease and are known to result in chronic blood loss with resultant microcytic anemia. There is support in the literature that repair of HH may lead to resolution of CL and restore normal hemoglobin levels. This study aimed to determine the impact of elective HH repair on resolution of anemia and the quality of life (QOL) in patients with CL.

METHOD

A single-institution, retrospective review analyzed all patients with history of CL or anemia (hemoglobin < 12.0 gm/dl in women, < 13.5 gm/dl in men) who underwent HH repair from January 2012 to May 2019. Four validated surveys were used to assess QOL: Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related QOL (GERD-HRQL), laryngopharyngeal reflux health-related QOL (LPR-HRQL), and QOL and swallowing disorders (SWAL) survey. History of iron supplements and perioperative hemoglobin were also noted.

RESULT

Ninety-six patients were included in this study. The mean age was 67.4 ± 10.8 years and 79% of patients were female. CL were endoscopically identified in 61.5% of patients preoperatively, and the rest of the patients experienced anemia of undiagnosed origin but had a high suspicion for CL. Mean follow-up after HH repair was 17.3 months (range, 1 month-5 years). Mean preoperative hemoglobin was 11.01 ± 2.9 gm/dl and 13.23 ± 1.6 gm/dl postoperatively (p < 0.01). Forty-two (73.7%) patients had resolution of anemia during follow-up and 94.5% stopped supplemental oral iron. Finally, QOL scores significantly improved after surgical intervention: RSI (63%), GERD-HRQL (77%), LPR-HRQOL (72%), and SWAL (13%).

CONCLUSION

Elective HH repair in patients with chronic anemia secondary to CL may potentially resolve CL and anemia and contribute to significant QOL improvements. Future studies will prospectively assess the resolution of CL with biochemical and endoscopic follow-up to confirm the preliminary findings of our analysis.

Paraesophageal hernia repair: a curative consideration for chronic anemia?

INTRODUCTION

Chronic anemia is a common, coinciding or presenting diagnosis in patients with paraesophageal hernia (PEH). Presence of endoscopically identified ulcerations frequently prompts surgical consultation in the otherwise asymptomatic patient with anemia. Rates of anemia resolution following paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR) often exceed the prevalence of such lesions in the study population. A defined algorithm remains elusive. This study aims to characterize resolution of anemia after PEHR with respect to endoscopic diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients with PEH and anemia undergoing PEHR from 2007 to 2018 was performed. Anemia was determined by preoperative labs: Hgb < 12 mg/dl in females, Hgb < 13 mg/dl in males, or patients with ongoing iron supplementation. Improvement of post-operative anemia was assessed by post-operative hemoglobin values and continued necessity of iron supplementation.

RESULTS

Among 56 identified patients, 45 were female (80.4%). Forty patients (71.4%) were anemic by hemoglobin value, 16 patients (28.6%) required iron supplementation. Mean age was 65.1 years, with mean BMI of 27.7 kg/m². One case was a Type IV PEH and the rest Type III. 32 (64.0%) had potential source of anemia: 16 (32.0%) Cameron lesions, 6 (12.0%) gastric ulcers, 12 (24.0%) gastritis. 10 (20.0%) had esophagitis and 4 (8%) Barrett's esophagus. 18 (36%) PEH patients had normal preoperative EGD. Median follow-up was 160 days. Anemia resolution occurred in 46.4% of patients. Of the 16 patients with pre-procedure Cameron lesions, 10 (63%) had resolution of anemia. Patients with esophagitis did not achieve resolution. 72.2% (13/18) of patients with no lesions on EGD had anemia resolution (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Patients with PEH and identifiable ulcerations showed 50% resolution of anemia after hernia repair. Patients without identifiable lesions on endoscopy demonstrated statistically significant resolution of anemia in 72.2% of cases. Anemia associated with PEH adds an indication for surgical repair with curative intent.

Preoperative anemia: a common finding that predicts worse outcomes in patients undergoing primary hiatal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

The increased incidence of anemia in patients with hiatal hernias (HH) and resolution of anemia after HH repair (HHR) have been clearly demonstrated. However, the implications of preoperative anemia on postoperative outcomes have not been well described. In this study, we aimed to identify the incidence of preoperative anemia in patients undergoing primary HHR at our institution and sought to determine whether preoperative anemia had an impact on postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

Using our IRB-approved institutional HH database, we retrospectively identified patients undergoing primary HHR between January 2011 and April 2017 at our institution. We identified patients with anemia, defined as serum hemoglobin levels less than 13 mg/dL in men and 12 mg/dL in women, measured within two weeks prior to surgery, and compared this group to a cohort of patients with normal preoperative hemoglobin. Perioperative outcomes analyzed included estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time, perioperative blood transfusions, failed postoperative extubation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day readmission. Outcomes were compared by univariable and multivariable analyses, with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

We identified 263 patients undergoing HHR. The median age was 66 years and most patients were female (78%, n = 206). Seventy patients (27%) were anemic. In unadjusted analyses, anemia was significantly associated with failed postoperative extubation (7 vs. 2%, p = 0.03), ICU admission (13 vs. 5%, p = 0.03), postoperative blood transfusions (9 vs. 0%, p < 0.01), and postoperative complications (41 vs. 18%, p < 0.01). On adjusted multivariable analysis, anemia was associated with 2.6-fold greater odds of postoperative complications (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.36-4.86; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, anemia had a prevalence of 27% in patients undergoing primary HHR. Anemic patients had 2.6-fold greater odds of developing postoperative complications. Anemia is common in patients undergoing primary HHR and warrants consideration for treatment prior to elective repair.

The impact of preoperative anemia and malnutrition on outcomes in paraesophageal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Patients with a paraesophageal hernia may experience gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and/or obstructive symptoms such as dysphagia. Some patients with large and complex paraesophageal hernias unintentionally lose a significant amount of weight secondary to difficulty eating. A subset of patients will develop Cameron's erosions in the hernia, which contribute to anemia. Given the heterogeneous nature of patients who ultimately undergo paraesophageal hernia repair, we sought to determine if patients with anemia or malnutrition suffered from increased morbidity or mortality.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program datasets from 2011 to 2015 were queried to identify patients undergoing paraesophageal hernia repair. Malnutrition was defined as preoperative albumin < 3.5 g/dL. Preoperative anemia was defined as hematocrit less than 36% for females and 39% for males. Thirty-day postoperative outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 15,105 patients underwent paraesophageal hernia repair in the study interval. Of these patients, 7943 (52.6%) had a recorded preoperative albumin and 13.9% of these patients were malnourished. There were 13,139 (87%) patients with a documented preoperative hematocrit and 23.1% met criteria for anemia. Both anemia and malnutrition were associated with higher rates of complications, readmissions, reoperations, and mortality. This was confirmed on logistic regression. The average postoperative length of stay was longer in the malnourished (6.1 vs. 3.1 days when not malnourished, p < 0.0001) and anemic (4.1 vs. 2.8 days without anemia, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition and anemia are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing paraesophageal hernia repair, as well as a longer length of stay. This information can be used for risk assessment and perhaps preoperative optimization of these risk factors when clinically appropriate.

Open questions and misconceptions in the diagnosis and management of anemia in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding

Despite high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in patients with acute or chronic gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), IDA and iron deficiency (ID) are frequently untreated. Reasons may be misconceptions about the impact and diagnosis of IDA and the efficacy of new treatments. Addressing these misconceptions, this article summarizes current evidence for better understanding and management of GIB-associated IDA. Despite only few controlled studies evaluated the efficacy of iron treatment in patients with GIB, there is consistent evidence suggesting that: (a) IDA should be diligently investigated, (b) effective treatment of ID/IDA improves outcomes such as health-related quality of life and can avoid severe cardiovascular consequences, and (c) intravenous iron should be considered as well-tolerated treatment in this setting. Overall, the misconceptions and practices outlined in this article should be replaced with strategies that are more in line with current guidelines and best practice in GIB and other underlying conditions of ID/IDA.

Anemia and iron deficiency in gastrointestinal and liver conditions

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is associated with a number of pathological gastrointestinal conditions other than inflammatory bowel disease, and also with liver disorders. Different factors such as chronic bleeding, malabsorption and inflammation may contribute to IDA. Although patients with symptoms of anemia are frequently referred to gastroenterologists, the approach to diagnosis and selection of treatment as well as follow-up measures is not standardized and suboptimal. Iron deficiency, even without anemia, can substantially impact physical and cognitive function and reduce quality of life. Therefore, regular iron status assessment and awareness of the clinical consequences of impaired iron status are critical. While the range of options for treatment of IDA is increasing due to the availability of effective and well-tolerated parenteral iron preparations, a comprehensive overview of IDA and its therapy in patients with gastrointestinal conditions is currently lacking. Furthermore, definitions and assessment of iron status lack harmonization and there is a paucity of expert guidelines on this topic. This review summarizes current thinking concerning IDA as a common co-morbidity in specific gastrointestinal and liver disorders, and thus encourages a more unified treatment approach to anemia and iron deficiency, while offering gastroenterologists guidance on treatment options for IDA in everyday clinical practice.

Treatment and controversies in paraesophageal hernia repair

Background

Historically all paraesophageal hernias were repaired surgically, today intervention is reserved for symptomatic paraesophageal hernias. In this review, we describe the indications for repair and explore the controversies in paraesophageal hernia repair, which include a comparison of open to laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair, the necessity of complete sac excision, the routine performance of fundoplication, and the use of mesh for hernia repair.

Methods

We searched Pubmed for papers published between 1980 and 2015 using the following keywords: hiatal hernias, paraesophageal hernias, regurgitation, dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, aspiration, GERD, endoscopy, manometry, pH monitoring, proton pump inhibitors, anemia, iron-deficiency anemia, Nissen fundoplication, sac excision, mesh, and mesh repair.

Results

Indications for paraesophageal hernia repair have changed, and currently symptomatic paraesophageal hernias are recommended for repair. In addition, it is important not to overlook iron-deficiency anemia and pulmonary complaints, which tend to improve with repair. Current practice favors a laparoscopic approach, complete sac excision, primary crural repair with or without use of mesh, and a routine fundoplication.

Thirty-day outcomes of paraesophageal hernia repair using the NSQIP database: should laparoscopy be the standard of care?

BACKGROUND

Although surgical repair is universally recognized as the gold standard for treatment of paraesophageal hernia (PEH), the optimal surgical approach is still the subject of debate. To determine which surgical technique is safest, we compared the outcomes of laparoscopic (lap), open transabdominal (TA), and open transthoracic (TT) PEH repair using the NSQIP database.

STUDY DESIGN

From 2005 to 2011, we identified 8,186 patients who underwent a PEH repair (78.4% lap, 19.2% TA, 2.4% TT). Primary outcome measured was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, and NSQIP-measured postoperative complications. Multivariable analyses were performed to compare the odds of each outcome across procedure type (lap, TA, and TT) while adjusting for other factors.

RESULTS

Transabdominal patients had the highest 30-day mortality rate (2.6%), compared with 0.5% in the lap patients (p < 0.001) and 1.5% in TT patients. Mean length of stay was statistically significantly longer for TA and TT patients (7.8 days and 6.5 days, respectively) compared with lap patients (3.3 days). After adjusting for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, emergency cases, functional status, and steroid use, TA patients were nearly 3 times as likely as lap patients to experience 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.97; 95% CI, 1.69 to 5.20; p < 0.001). Moreover, TA and TT patients had significantly increased odds of overall (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.79 to 2.51; p < 0.001; OR 2.73; 95% CI 1.88 to 3.96; p < 0.001; respectively) and serious morbidity (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.53 to 2.37, p < 0.001; OR 2.49; 95% CI 1.54 to 4.00; p < 0.001; respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of published data indicating improved long-term outcomes after open TA or TT approach, our findings support the use of laparoscopy, whenever technically feasible, because it yields improved short-term outcomes.