Falciform Ligament Flap as Crural Buttress in Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair

IDEAL Phase 2a Results: Posterior Rectus Sheath Flap for Hiatal Augmentation in Complex Paraesophageal Hernias

OBJECTIVE

To report the developmental phase results of posterior rectus sheath hiatal flap augmentation (PoRSHA), a promising surgical innovation for large and recurrent paraesophageal hernias.

BACKGROUND

Durable hernia repair for large paraesophageal hernias continues to be a surgical challenge. PoRSHA addresses the challenges of current and historical approaches to complex paraesophageal hernias and demonstrates significant promise as a successful alternative approach.

METHODS

Using the IDEAL framework, we outline the technical modifications made over the first 27 consecutive cases using PoRSHA. Outcomes measured included hernia recurrence on routine imaging at 6 months and 2 years, development of a postoperative abdominal wall eventration and incidence of solid food dysphagia.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients at our single institution with type III (n=12), type IV (n=7), or recurrent (n=8) paraesophageal hernias underwent PoRSHA. Surgery was safely and successfully carried out in all cases. Stability of the technique was reached after 16 cases, resulting in 4 main repair types. At an average follow-up of 11 months, we observed no radiologic recurrences, no abdominal eventrations or hernias at the donor site, and 1 patient with occasional solid food dysphagia that resolved with dilation.

CONCLUSIONS

PoRSHA can not only be safely added to conventional hiatal hernia repair with appropriate training but also demonstrates excellent short-term outcomes. While the long-term durability with 5-year follow-up is still needed, here we provide cautious optimism that PoRSHA may represent a novel solution to the long-standing high recurrence rates observed with current complex PEH repair.

Ligamentum teres augmentation (LTA) for hiatal hernia repair after minimally invasive esophageal resection: a new use for an old structure

PURPOSE

Hiatal hernias with intrathoracic migration of the intestines are serious complications after minimally invasive esophageal resection with gastric sleeve conduit. High recurrence rates have been reported for standard suture hiatoplasties. Additional mesh reinforcement is not generally recommended due to the serious risk of endangering the gastric sleeve. We propose a safe, simple, and effective method to close the hiatal defect with the ligamentum teres.

METHODS

After laparoscopic repositioning the migrated intestines, the ligamentum teres is dissected from the ligamentum falciforme and the anterior abdominal wall. It is then positioned behind the left lobe of the liver and swung toward the hiatal orifice. Across the anterior aspect of the hiatal defect it is semi-circularly fixated with non-absorbable sutures. Care should be taken not to endanger the blood supply of the gastric sleeve.

RESULTS

We have used this technique for a total of 6 patients with hiatal hernias after hybrid minimally invasive esophageal resection in the elective (n = 4) and emergency setting (n = 2). No intraoperative or postoperative complications have been observed. No recurrence has been reported for 3 patients after 3 months.

CONCLUSION

Primary suture hiatoplasties for hiatal hernias after minimally invasive esophageal resection can be technically challenging, and high postoperative recurrence rates are reported. An alternative, safe method is needed to close the hiatal defect. Our promising preliminary experience should stimulate further studies regarding the durability and efficacy of using the ligamentum teres hepatis to cover the hiatal defect.