Management of acute paraesophageal hernia

Acute Gastric Volvulus: A Rare Complication of Hiatal Hernia

Gastric volvulus, characterized by stomach rotation, is a rare condition arising from congenital or acquired factors. Predominantly affecting pediatric and elderly populations, it necessitates a high index of suspicion for timely diagnosis. Delayed recognition may precipitate severe complications such as ischemia, strangulation, and septic shock, often culminating in fatal outcomes. We present a case of a 71-year-old male initially admitted for suspected gastroenteritis, subsequently developing acute gastric volvulus during hospitalization, necessitating immediate surgical intervention. This case contributes to the scant literature on gastric volvulus in the elderly demographic.

Robotic-assisted treatment of paraesophageal hernias in the emergency setting: a retrospective study

Emergency treatment of paraesophageal hernias can be carried out through laparotomy or minimally invasive approaches, however, evidence in this regard is weak. The aim of our study was to assess safety and feasibility of the robotic-assisted treatment of paraesophageal hernias in the emergency setting. At the Bellinzona e Valli Regional Hospital, Switzerland, we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients operated on from January 2020 to January 2024 with robotic surgery for emergency presentation of paraesophageal hernias. Demographic and clinical details, operative techniques, and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Out of 82 patients who underwent robotic-assisted paraesophageal hernia repair, 17 were treated in the emergency setting. Median age was 79 years (IQR 77-85), 3 (17.6%) patients were male, and median BMI was 23.9 kg/m2 (IQR 21.0-26.0). Most frequent presentation symptoms were pain (100%), regurgitation (88.2%), and dyspnea (17.6%). No intraoperative complication, conversion to open surgery or stomach resections were recorded. Two complications of grade 3 according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and one of grade 2 occurred; all were successfully treated until resolution. The median length of hospital stay was 8 days (IQR 5-16). After a mean follow-up of 15.9 months (IQR 6.5-25.6) only two small axial asymptomatic recurrences that required no treatment. Despite limitations, our study demonstrated a very low rate of intra- and postoperative complications, likely supporting the safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted treatment for paraesophageal hernias in emergency settings. Larger studies with a control arm are needed to validate our initial findings.

Gastric Volvulus: Diagnosis and Successful Endoscopic De-rotation Towards Conservative Management in a Patient With Multiple Comorbidities

Gastric volvulus is a condition that is not frequently seen in clinical practice and can present with a myriad of symptoms, meaning it can be challenging to diagnose. We present an 82-year-old female attending the emergency department with epigastric pain and coffee ground vomiting on a background of rectosigmoid cancer and a large, complex hiatus hernia. On investigation there was no drop in haemoglobin. However, the chest X-ray showed air-fluid levels and raised the suspicion of gastric volvulus, particularly given her past medical history. The timely organisation of a computed tomogram (CT) scan allowed for prompt decision-making with involvement of surgical colleagues. The patient proceeded to successful conservative management with upper gastroduodenal endoscopy and a de-rotation technique. This case highlights the importance of considering gastric volvulus as a differential diagnosis in those presenting with epigastric pain and vomiting particularly in patients over 50 with a history of large hiatus hernia. This allows for prompt diagnosis and management and avoidance of major complications like gastric mucosal ischaemia.

Cumulative summation analysis of learning curve for robotic-assisted hiatal hernia repairs

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) is evolving as an important surgical approach in the field of general surgery. We aimed to evaluate the learning curve for RALS procedures involving repair of hiatal hernias.

METHODS

A series of robotic-assisted hiatal hernia (HH) repairs were performed between 2013 and 2017 by a surgeon at a single institution. Data were entered into a retrospective database. Patient demographics and intraoperative parameters including console time (CT), surgery time (ST), and total operative time (OT) were examined and abstracted for learning curve analysis using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method. Assessment of perioperative and post-operative outcomes were calculated using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 57.4 years, average BMI was 29.9 kg/m², median American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification was 2, and average Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score was 2.8. The series had a mean CT of 132.6 min, mean ST of 145.1 min, and mean OT of 197.4 min. The CUSUM learning curve for CT was best approximated as a third-order polynomial consisting of three unique phases: the initial training phase (case 1-40), the improvement phase (case 41-85), and the mastery phase (case 86 onwards). There was no significant difference in perioperative complications between the phases. Short-term clinical outcomes were comparable with national standards and did not correlate significantly with operative experience.

CONCLUSIONS

The three phases identified with CUSUM analysis represented characteristic stages of the learning curve for robotic hiatal hernia procedures. Our data suggest the training phase is achieved after 40 cases and a high level of mastery is achieved after approximately 85 cases. Thus, the CUSUM method serves as a useful tool for objectively evaluating practical skills for surgeons and can ultimately help establish milestones that assess surgical competency during robotic surgery training.

Minimally Invasive Paraesophageal Hernia Repair in the Elderly: Is Age Really Just a Number?

Introduction: Paraesophageal hernias readily affect the elderly with a median age of presentation between 65 and 75 years. Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR) is a technically challenging operation with potential for dire complications. Advanced age and medical comorbidities may heighten perioperative risk and limit surgical candidacy, potentially refusing patients an opportunity toward symptom resolution. Given the increased prevalence in the elderly and associated surgical risks, we aim to assess age as an independent risk factor for perioperative morbidity and mortality after PEHR. Methods: A retrospective analysis using a prospectively maintained database assessed patients undergoing PEHR from 2007 to 2018. Patients were stratified by age: Group A (age <65 years), Group B (65≤ age <80 years), and Group C (age ≥80 years). Patient demographics, preoperative symptoms, postoperative outcomes, and mortality rate were analyzed. Barium esophagram was performed on symptomatic postsurgical patients. Recurrence was confirmed radiologically. Results: In total, 143 patients underwent laparoscopic (94.4%) or robotic-assisted (5.6%) PEHR. Average age per group was Group A (n = 49) 55.4 years (standard deviation [SD] ±8.91), Group B (n = 76) 71.4 years (SD ±4.40), and Group C (n = 17) 84.1 (years) (SD ±3.37). Group C had significantly higher rates of nonelective surgery (P = .018), preoperative weight loss (P = .014), hypertension (P = .031), ischemic heart disease (P = .001), and cancer (P = .039); preoperative body mass index was significantly lower (P = .048). Charlson comorbidity index differences between groups were significant (2.00 versus 3.61 versus 5.28, P < .001). Median follow-up was 426 days (6-3199). Symptom improvement was seen in 78.3% of patients. Recurrence and reoperation rates were not significantly different between groups. No differences were seen in mortality, length of stay, or postoperative complications between groups. Conclusions: PEHR in elderly patients proved to be safe and effective. Avoidance of emergent intervention may be achieved through a judicious elective approach to this anatomic problem. Symptom resolution and quality-of-life improvement can be safely achieved with surgical repair in this patient population, demonstrating that age is truly just a number for PEHR.

The natural course of giant paraesophageal hernia and long-term outcomes following conservative management

Background

Accurate information on the natural course of giant paraesophageal hernia is scarce, challenging therapeutic decisions whether or not to operate.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes, including hernia-related deaths and complications (e.g. volvulus, gastrointestinal bleeding, strangulation) of patients with giant paraesophageal hernia that were conservatively managed, and to determine factors associated with clinical outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed charts of patients diagnosed with giant paraesophageal hernia between January 1990 and August 2019, collected from a university hospital in The Netherlands. Included patients were subdivided into three groups based on primary therapeutic decision at diagnosis. Radiological, clinical and surgical characteristics, along with long-term outcomes at most recent follow-up, were collected.

Results

We included 293 patients (91 men, mean age 70.3 ± 12.4 years) with a mean duration of follow-up of 64.0 ± 58.8 months. Of the 186 patients that were conservatively treated, a total hernia-related mortality of 1.6% was observed. Hernia-related complications, varying from uncomplicated volvulus to strangulation, occurred in 8.1% of patients. Only 1.1% of patients included in this study required emergency surgery. Logistic regression analysis revealed the presence of symptoms (odds ratio (OR) 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8–20.6), in particular obstructive symptoms (vomiting, OR 15.7, 95% CI 4.6–53.6; epigastric pain, OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.2–15.8 and chest pain, OR 6.1, 95% CI 1.8–20.6) to be associated with the occurrence of hernia-related complications.

Conclusions

Hernia-related death and morbidity is low in conservatively managed patients. The presence of obstructive symptoms was found to be associated with the occurrence of complications during follow-up. Conservative therapy is an appropriate therapeutic strategy for asymptomatic patients.

Management of paraesophageal hernia review of clinical studies: timing to surgery, mesh use, fundoplication, gastropexy and other controversies

Despite paraesophageal hernias (PEH) being a common disorder, several aspects of their management remain elusive. Elective surgery in asymptomatic patients, management of acute presentation, and other technical aspects such as utilization of mesh, fundoplication or gastropexy are some of the debated issues. The aim of this study was to review the available evidence in an attempt to clarify current controversial topics. PEH repair in an asymptomatic patient may be reasonable in selected patients to avoid potential morbidity of an emergent operation. In acute presentation, gastric decompression and resuscitation could allow to improve the patient's condition and refer the repair to a more experienced surgical team. When surgical repair is decided, laparoscopy is the optimal approach in most of the cases. Mesh should be used in selected patients such as those with large PEH or redo operations. While a fundoplication is recommended in the majority of patients to prevent postoperative reflux, a gastropexy can be used in selected cases to facilitate postoperative care.

Minimally invasive laparoscopic and robot-assisted emergency treatment of strangulated giant hiatal hernias: report of five cases and literature review

Background

Giant hiatal hernia (GHH) is a condition where one-third of the stomach migrates into the thorax. Nowadays, laparoscopic treatment gives excellent postoperative outcomes. Strangulated GHH is rare, and its emergent repair is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. We report a series of five cases of strangulated GHH treated by a minimally invasive laparoscopic and robot-assisted approach, together with a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

During 10 years (December 2009–December 2019), 31 patients affected by GHH were treated by robot-assisted or conventional laparoscopic surgical approach. Among them, five cases were treated in an emergency setting. We performed a PubMed MEDLINE search about the minimally invasive emergent treatment of GHH, selecting 18 articles for review.

Results

The five cases were male patients with a mean age of 70 ± 18 years. All patients referred to the emergency service complaining of severe abdominal and thoracic pain, nausea and vomiting. CT scan and endoscopy were the main diagnostic tools. All patients showed stable hemodynamic conditions so that they could undergo a minimally invasive attempt. The surgical approach was robotic-assisted in three patients (60%) and laparoscopic in two (40%). Patients reported no complications or recurrences.

Conclusion

Reviewing current literature, no general recommendations are available about the emergent treatment of strangulated hiatal hernia. Acute mechanical outlet obstruction, ischemia of gastric wall or perforation and severe bleeding are the reasons for an emergent surgical indication. In stable conditions, a minimally invasive approach is often feasible. Moreover, the robot-assisted approach, allowing a stable 3D view and using articulated instruments, represents a reasonable option in challenging situations.

Age-related outcomes in laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair: Is there a "too old" for antireflux surgery?

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive antireflux surgery has been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) in elderly patients. However, there is a paucity of data on the influence of advanced age on long-term quality of life (QoL) and perioperative outcomes after laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS).

METHOD

A retrospective study of patients undergoing LARS between February 2012 and June 2018 at a single institution was conducted. Patients were divided into four age categories. Perioperative data and quality of life (QOL) outcomes were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 492 patients, with mean follow-up of 21 months post surgery, were included in the final analysis. Patients were divided into four age-determined subgroups (< 50:75, 50-65:179, 65-75:144, ≥ 75:94). Advancing age was associated with increasing likelihood of comorbid disease. Older patients were significantly more likely to require Collis gastroplasty (OR 2.09), or concurrent gastropexy (OR 3.20). Older surgical patients also demonstrated increased operative time (ß 6.29, p < .001), length of hospital stay (ß 0.56, p < .001) in addition to increased likelihood of intraoperative complications (OR 2.94, p = .003) and reoperations (OR 2.36, p < .05). However, postoperative QoL outcomes and complication rates were parallel among all age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among older patients, there is a greater risk of intraoperative complications, reoperation rates as well as longer operative time and LOS after LARS. However, a long-term QoL benefit is demonstrated among elderly patients who have undergone this procedure. Rather than serving as an exclusion criterion for surgical intervention, advanced age among chronic reflux patients should instead represent a comorbidity addressed in the planning stages of LARS.

Post esophagectomy diaphragmatic hernia: a case report of a rare cause of acute respiratory distress

Background

Diaphragmatic hernia is frequent among the elderly and is usually associated with mild chronic digestive and respiratory symptoms.

Case presentation

An elderly post-esophagectomy male patient, in the early postoperative period of cardiac surgery, presented with acute respiratory distress. An emergent surgery was performed to reduce a giant diaphragmatic herniation.

Conclusions

An acute transhiatal herniation can cause serious respiratory impairment; surgical repair should be considered in select patients of cardiac surgery.

A Rare Case of Bochdalek Hernia with Concomitant Para-Esophageal Hernia, Repaired Laparoscopically in an Octogenarian

Patient: Male, 81

Final Diagnosis: Bochdalex hernia

Symptoms: Chest pain • vomiting

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Laparoscopic repair of both diaphragmatic hernias

Specialty: Surgery

Laparoscopic Repair of a Large Paraesophageal Hernia with Migration of the Stomach into the Mediastinum Creating an Upside-Down Stomach

Upside-down stomach is a relatively rare type of a large paraesophageal hernia characterized by the migration of the stomach into the posterior mediastinum. Upside-down stomach is prone to severe complications and therefore surgery is recommended even in asymptomatic patients. A 62-year-old male presented with frequent abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting that persisted for one year. The patient was obese with fatty liver and was treated medically for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for 4 years. On upper gastrointestinal CT study a level-IV paraesophageal hernia was detected with upside-down stomach, and he was referred for elective surgery. Laparoscopic surgery included reduction of the stomach into the abdominal cavity followed by dissection of the paraesophageal membrane and hernia sac. The hiatal defect was closed using a wound closure device and nonabsorbable sutures. The defect closure was reinforced using Physiomesh tucked anteriorly and sutured posteriorly to the diaphragm. Follow-up was uneventful and the patient is free of complaints. The results of this surgical intervention support previous reports that laparoscopic repair with the use of biological mesh in the setting of large paraesophageal hernia should be favorably considered.

Surgical Treatment of Paraesophageal Hernias: A Review

The management of paraesophageal hernia (PEH) can be challenging due to the lack of consensus regarding indications and principles of operative treatment. In addition, data about the pathophysiology of the hernias are scant. Therefore, the goal of this review is to shed light and describe the classification, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and indications for treatment of PEHs, and provide an overview of the surgical management and a description of the technical principles of the repair.

Emergency repair of Morgagni hernia with partial gastric volvulus: our approach

Morgagni hernias are a rare form of congenital diaphragmatic hernias, thus there is paucity in literature about the diagnosis and management of the condition. We report an 83-year-old woman who presented with vomiting and a metabolic acidosis with a previous computed tomography diagnosis of Bochdalek's hernia. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a Morgagni hernia containing transverse colon, greater curvature of the stomach and a partial gastric volvulus. The hernia was reduced with the sac untouched, and the defect was closed with a composite mesh using tac fixation. The operation was done successfully in 45 minutes with no complications.

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.

Terminal ileum gangrene secondary to a type IV paraesophageal hernia

Type IV paraesophageal hernia (PEH) is very rare, and is characterized by the intrathoracic herniation of the abdominal viscera other than the stomach into the chest. We describe a 78-year-old woman who presented at our emergency department because of epigastric pain that she had experienced over the past 24 h. On the day after admission, her pain became severe and was accompanied by right chest pain and dyspnea. Chest radiography revealed an intrathoracic intestinal gas bubble occupying the right lower lung field. Emergency explorative laparotomy identified a type IV PEH with herniation of only the terminal ileum through a hiatal defect into the right thoracic cavity. In this report, we also present a review of similar cases in the literature published between 1980 and 2015 in PubMed. There were four published cases of small bowel herniation into the thoracic cavity during this period. Our patient represents a rare case of an individual diagnosed with type IV PEH with incarceration of only the terminal ileum.

Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for multiple adenocarcinomas in intrathoracic upside-down stomach

Herein we report on a case of two adenocarcinomas arising from an upside-down stomach in an elderly patient. An 83-year-old man was referred to our hospital with gastric cancer. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed two superficial depressed lesions in the stomach that were confirmed on biopsy as constituting a moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. CT and an upper gastrointestinal barium study revealed that the entire stomach and parts of the duodenum were located in the mediastinum. The patient underwent laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy and regional lymph node dissection with Billroth I reconstruction, followed by reduction of the migrated stomach. The hiatal defect was closed by primary suturing of the right and left crura at the anterior space of the esophagus. The patient's postoperative course was good, and follow-up after discharge was uneventful. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of multiple adenocarcinomas in an upside-down stomach treated by laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy.

The threatened stomach: management of the acute gastric volvulus

INTRODUCTION

Acute presentation of gastric volvulus is a rare condition with a high mortality for acute ischaemia. This study was undertaken to investigate the acute management, diagnosis, and long-term outcomes of patients presenting with acute gastric volvulus.

METHODS

Cases were reviewed retrospectively from 2004 to 2014. Patients presenting as an emergency admission with acute gastric volvulus were included.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients were included, five of whom had previous surgery. The mean age was 71 years old. All patients presented with vomiting and chest/epigastric pain. CT was diagnostic in all 26 patients. Barium swallow was diagnostic in two/four patients. OGD was diagnostic in 9 of 20 patients. All patients had an NG tube placed, and eight patients were treated conservatively and made a full recovery. Twenty-nine patients proceeded to surgery. Nine had a laparoscopic repair with two open conversions. Four patients had gastric necrosis, and all had open surgery with resection. Three patients had a mediastinal perforation, and one patient required an additional thoracotomy. All patients with viable stomach had a hiatal repair (where appropriate), 11 had a gastropexy, and 11 had a fundoplication. Mortality for gastric necrosis/perforation was 30 %. Mean postoperative stay was 4 days for laparoscopic repair and 8 days for uncomplicated open surgery. Nine of twenty-nine had transient dysphagia postoperatively. Three of eight patients treated conservatively had an elective procedure subsequently.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute paraoesophageal hiatus hernia requires early resuscitation and diagnosis. CT should be favoured in assessment, and an NG tube placed promptly. A conservative management may be considered safely in stable patients. Surgical management should be prompt for unstable patients. Gastric ischaemia or perforation has a mortality of 30 %. Laparoscopic repair has a shorter postoperative stay, but has a higher recurrence rate. Surgery for patients without gastric ischaemia has good long-term outcomes with minimal morbidity.

Gastric Gangrene Due to a Strangulated Paraesophageal Hernia-a Case report

Paraesophageal hernias are considered to be benign entities which are usually managed conservatively. We present a case of a middle-aged male with no previous history of esophageal hernia who presented with acute chest and abdominal pain. The patient was diagnosed to have a type 2 paraesophageal hernia with gastro-thorax. Laparotomy was performed during which it was found that herniated segment of the stomach had strangulated and gangrenous. Thoracotomy was performed and gangrenous stomach segment resected. A roux-en-Y esophago-jejunostomy was performed. Diaphragmatic defect was plicated. Patient recovered with adequate post operative support. A review of the literature revealed that paraesophageal hernias presenting as acute abdominal pain is a rare clinical entity and those with gastric gangrene is even rarer, with high mortality rates. We suggest that paraesophageal hernias require to be managed actively considering the seriousness of potential complications and the relative safety of newer elective surgical modalities. A high index of suspicion is needed in order to avoid missing this diagnosis in patients presenting with chest pain.

Evaluation and management of patients with symptoms after anti-reflux surgery

Over the past two decades, there has been an increase in the number of anti-reflux operations being performed. This is mostly due to the use of laparoscopic techniques, the increasing prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the population, and the increasing unwillingness of patients to take acid suppressive medications for life. Laparoscopic fundoplication is now widely available in both academic and community hospitals, has a limited length of stay and postoperative recovery time, and is associated with excellent outcomes in carefully selected patients. Although the operation has low mortality and postoperative morbidity, it is associated with late postoperative complications, such as gas bloat syndrome, dysphagia, diarrhea, and recurrent GERD symptoms. This review summarizes the diagnostic evaluation and appropriate management of such postoperative complications. If a reoperation is needed, it should be performed by experienced foregut surgeons.

Novel combined VATS/laparoscopic approach for giant and complicated paraesophageal hernia repair: description of technique and early results

BACKGROUND

The laparoscopic approach for repair of giant and/or recurrent paraesophageal hernias (PEH) is challenging, due to limited access to the dissection of the hernia sac into the proximal mediastinum and esophageal mobilization through the diaphragmatic hiatus. An esophageal lengthening procedure is often necessary, due to the difficulty in obtaining adequate intra-abdominal esophageal length. We, therefore, developed a VATS and laparoscopic technique, which allows for safe and extensive thoracic dissection and intra-abdominal gastric fixation and cruroplasty, yet preserving the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

METHODS

We use a standard VATS approach. The hernia sac, optimally visualized, is dissected posteriorly from the thoracic aorta, inferiorly from its diaphragmatic attachments, anteriorly from the pericardium, and laterally from the mediastinal pleura. The esophagus is completely mobilized up to the aortic arch, and the anterior vagus nerve is released from its bronchial branches. The hernia sac is then opened, dissected, and completely removed. The hernia content is then reduced into the abdomen laparoscopically, the short gastric vessels are divided and the gastric fundus is completely mobilized. The hiatus is closed with interrupted sutures, and the cruroplasty is buttressed with a biological mesh. A floppy Nissen or a partial fundoplication and a gastropexy are done for reflux control and gastric fixation.

RESULTS

From January 2012 to January 2014, we treated 18 patients (7 with type III PEH and 11 with type IV) with the above-described procedure. Six patients had previous history of antireflux surgery. We performed a planned laparotomy instead of laparoscopy in two patients, who needed concurrent repair of complex incisional hernias. We did not need esophageal lengthening procedures, nor experienced damages to thoracic structures in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Our newly developed surgical approach has proven to be safe and feasible. This technique represents a good option for treatment of giant and complicated PEH.

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.

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.

Acute obstruction

Acute obstruction of the gastrointestinal or biliary tract represents a common problem for acute care surgeons. It is with appropriate clinical evaluation, planning, and physical examination follow-up that acute care surgeons are able to appropriately diagnose, manage, and resolve this difficult group of surgical problems and minimize the morbidity associated with each.

Management of acute upside-down stomach

Background

Upside-down stomach (UDS) is characterized by herniation of the entire stomach or most gastric portions into the posterior mediastinum. Symptoms may vary heavily as they are related to reflux and mechanically impaired gastric emptying. UDS is associated with a risk of incarceration and volvulus development which both might be complicated by acute gastric outlet obstruction, advanced ischemia, gastric bleeding and perforation.

Case presentation

A 32-year-old male presented with acute intolerant epigastralgia and anterior chest pain associated with acute onset of nausea and vomiting. He reported on a previous surgical intervention due to a hiatal hernia. Chest radiography and computer tomography showed an incarcerated UDS. After immediate esophago-gastroscopy, urgent laparoscopic reduction, repair with a 360° floppy Nissen fundoplication and insertion of a gradually absorbable GORE® BIO-A®-mesh was performed.

Conclusion

Given the high risk of life-threatening complications of an incarcerated UDS as ischemia, gastric perforation or severe bleeding, emergent surgery is indicated. In stable patients with acute presentation of large paraesophageal hernia or UDS exhibiting acute mechanical gastric outlet obstruction, after esophago-gastroscopy laparoscopic reduction and hernia repair followed by an anti-reflux procedure is suggested. However, in cases of unstable patients open repair is the surgical method of choice. Here, we present an exceptionally challenging case of a young patient with a giant recurrent hiatal hernia becoming clinically manifest in an incarcerated UDS.

Open versus laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair

Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hiatal hernia where only a portion of the stomach is in the chest, is associated with a lower mortality rate than open repair.

Background:

The literature reports the efficacy of the laparoscopic approach to paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair. However, its adoption as the preferred surgical approach and the risks associated with paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair have not been reviewed in a large database.

Method:

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample dataset was queried from 1998 to 2005 for patients who underwent repair of a complicated (the entire stomach moves into the chest cavity) versus uncomplicated (only the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the chest) paraesophageal hiatal hernia via the laparoscopic, open abdominal, or open thoracic approach. A multivariate analysis was performed controlling for demographics and comorbidities while looking for independent risk factors for mortality.

Results:

In total, 23,514 patients met the inclusion criteria. By surgical approach, 55% of patients underwent open abdominal, 35% laparoscopic, and 10% open thoracic repairs. Length of stay was significantly reduced for all patients after laparoscopic repair (P < .001). Age ≥60 years and nonwhite ethnicity were associated with significantly higher odds of death. Laparoscopic repair and obesity were associated with lower odds of death in the uncomplicated group.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hiatal hernia is associated with a lower mortality in the uncomplicated group. However, older age and Hispanic ethnicity increased the odds of death.

[Laparoscopic treatment of acute gastric volvulus]

INTRODUCTION

Gastric volvulus is an uncommon clinical condition and is associated with type ii-iii hiatal hernias. Its acute presentation constitutes a surgical emergency. Despite its low frequency, results of laparoscopic treatment have already been published.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on all cases diagnosed with gastric volvulus undergoing laparoscopic surgery between 1998 and 2010. The surgical technique, the post-operative outcome, and the clinical follow-up are described.

RESULTS

A total of 10 cases were identified, one was a primary gastric volvulus, and the remainder were secondary. A laparoscopic anterior gastropexy as the sole procedure was performed on 7 patients. A Nissen fundoplication with mesh reinforcement of the crural closure was performed on the 3 remaining cases. Postoperative outcome was uneventful in 9 patients, with an early start of the diet, and hospital discharge between 48-72 h. After a mean follow-up period of 18 months, radiological hernia recurrence occurred in one case but recurrence of the volvulus was not observed.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic anterior gastropexy is, in our experience, an effective and safe procedure with a low morbidity, for the treatment of acute gastric volvulus in patients with high surgical risk.

Paraesophageal hernia: clinical presentation, evaluation, and management controversies

Practically, hiatal hernias are divided into sliding hiatal hernias (type I) and PEH (types II, III, or IV). Patients with PEH are usually symptomatic with GERD or obstructive symptoms, such as dysphagia. Rarely, patients present with acute symptoms of hernia incarceration, such as severe epigastric pain and retching. A thorough evaluation includes a complete history and physical examination, chest radiograph, UGI series, esophagogastroscopy, and manometry. These investigations define the patient's anatomy, rule out other disease processes, and confirm the diagnosis. Operable symptomatic patients with PEH should be repaired. The underlying surgical principles for successful repair include reduction of hernia contents, removal of the hernia sac, closure of the hiatal defect, and an antireflux procedure. Debate remains whether a transthoracic, transabdominal, or laparoscopic approach is best with good surgical outcomes being reported with all three techniques. Placement of mesh to buttress the hiatal closure is reported to reduce hernia recurrence. Long-term follow-up is required to determine whether the laparoscopic approach with mesh hiatoplasty becomes the procedure of choice.

Should elective repair of intrathoracic stomach be encouraged?

BACKGROUND

Given our aging population, patients with an intrathoracic stomach are an increasing clinical problem. The timing of repair remains controversial, and most reports do not delineate morbidity of emergent presentation. The aim of the study was to compare the morbidity and mortality of elective and emergent repair.

METHODS

Study population consisted of 127 patients retrospectively reviewed undergoing repair of intrathoracic stomach from 2000 to 2006. Repair was elective in 104 and emergent in 23 patients. Outcome measures included postoperative morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Patients presenting acutely were older (79 vs. 65 years, p < 0.0001) and had higher prevalence of at least one cardiopulmonary comorbidity (57% vs. 21%, p = 0.0014). They suffered greater mortality (22% vs. 1%, p = 0.0007), major (30% vs. 3%, p = 0.0003), and minor (43% vs. 19%, p = 0.0269) complications compared to elective repair. On multivariate analysis, emergent repair was a predictor of in-hospital mortality, major complications, readmission to intensive care unit, return to operating room, and length of stay.

CONCLUSION

Emergent surgical repair of intrathoracic stomach was associated with markedly higher mortality and morbidity than elective repair. Although patients undergoing urgent surgery were older and had more comorbidities than those having an elective procedure, these data suggest that elective repair should be considered in patients with suitable surgical risk.

Posterior thoracic esophagostomy as an esophageal sparing procedure

A diverting (posterior) thoracic esophagostomy is a rare, but acceptable, surgical option in some cases. The goal is to save as much esophageal length as possible with a view to future reconstructive surgery. We herein report a 41-year-old woman, in whom a posterior thoracic esophagostomy was successfully created and used for reestablishing further physiological alimentary continuity in a second stage.