Modern era surgical outcomes of elective and emergency giant paraesophageal hernia repair at a high-volume referral center

Patients' Experiences of Health After Surgical Treatment for Paraesophageal Hernia Grades III and IV: An Interview Based Study

Surgery is the only available treatment for the longstanding chronic symptoms associated with large paraesophageal hernias except for reflux disease. The aim of this study was to illuminate how patients who previously suffered from grade III-IV hiatal hernia experience their life and health 2-6 months after surgery. The study is based on semi-structured interviews with 17 patients who received elective laparoscopic hernia repair for a large paraesophageal hernia. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, resulting in three main themes: "Experiences of health," "Being unable to leave the disease behind," and "Still feeling unwell" and seven subthemes: "Escaping suffering"; "Learning to interpret bodily signals"; "Looking to the future with confidence"; "Finding oneself in a vicious circle of worry"; "The fear of relapse as a constant companion"; "Lingering disabling symptoms," and "New and frightening symptoms." Our study demonstrates large individual variations in the way patients experience their life and health after laparoscopic hernia repair. Central to the patients' descriptions is that simply feeling physically healthy is insufficient for achieving overall health. Health care personnel can benefit from learning about patients' experiences of health and suffering after surgery.

Outcomes after revisional surgery for paraesophageal hernias at a high-volume tertiary care center

BACKGROUND

Although recurrences after repair of giant paraesophageal hernias (PEH) are common, revisional procedures are challenging and associated with higher complication rates than primary repair. Therefore, repair of recurrent PEH is often avoided except in symptomatic patients. Data describing operative outcomes in these infrequent cases is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to report and compare peri-operative outcomes of revisional PEH repair to similar patients undergoing primary surgery.

METHODS

A single-institution, retrospective cohort study was conducted on all adult patients undergoing primary repair of Type II-IV PEH and any revisional surgery for recurrent hiatal hernia after previous primary PEH repair (2012-2019). Patient and operative characteristics and post-operative outcomes were extracted from medical records. Patients were grouped into revisional (rPEH) and primary repair (pPEH). Coarsened exact matching was performed to create balanced cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 347 cases were identified. The matched cohort included 234 patients (rPEH: 46, pPEH: 188). Patient sex and comorbidities were well balanced, while those who underwent revisions were younger (64 ± 13 vs. 69 ± 11 years; p = 0.01). Median time between primary and rPEH was 40[17-121] months. Incidence of emergency repair were similar among groups (rPEH: 9(15%), pPEH: 14(8%); p = 0.10). All revisional cases commenced laparoscopically with 7(15%) requiring conversion to open. The conversion rate was higher for rPEH than primary surgery (7(15%) vs. 3(2%); p < 0.01), with the most common reasons being adhesions and gastric fundus injury. Intra-operative complications occurred in 12(26%) revisional cases, of which 58% were gastric fundus injuries. Median length of stay was longer for rPEH than pPEH (2[1-5] vs. 1[1-2] day; p = 0.02). Incidence of severe complications (rPEH: 5(11%), pPEH: 11(6%); p = 0.23) and reoperations (rPEH: 2(4%), pPEH: 7(4%); p = 0.84) were similar between groups. There were no peri-operative deaths.

CONCLUSION

In a high-volume tertiary care center, repair of recurrent giant paraesophageal hernias can be performed successfully laparoscopically in the majority of cases with acceptable morbidity and peri-operative outcomes in comparison to primary surgery.

Hiatal Hernias Revisited-A Systematic Review of Definitions, Classifications, and Applications

INTRODUCTION

A hiatal hernia (HH) can be defined as a condition in which elements from the abdominal cavity herniate through the oesophageal hiatus in the mediastinum and, in the majority of cases, parts of the proximal stomach. Today, the role of HHs within the complex entity of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is very important with regard to its pathophysiology, severity, and therapeutic and prognostic options. Despite this, the application and stringent use of the worldwide accepted classification (Skinner and Belsey: Types I-IV) are lacking. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the clinical applications of HH classifications and scientific documentation over time, considering their value in diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA concept, all abstracts published on pubmed.gov until 12/2023 (hiatal hernia) were reviewed, and those with a focus and clear description of the application of the current HH classification in the full-text version were analysed to determine the level of classification and its use within the therapeutic context.

RESULTS

In total, 9342 abstracts were screened. In 9199 of the abstracts, the reports had a different focus than HH, or the HH classification was not used or was incompletely applied. After further investigation, 60 papers were used for a detailed analysis, which included more than 12,000 patient datapoints. Among the 8904 patients, 83% had a Type I HH; 4% had Type II; 11% had Type III; and 1% had Type IV. Further subgroup analyses were performed. Overall, the precise application of the HH classification has been insufficient, considering that only 1% of all papers and only 54% of those with a special focus on HH have documented its use.

CONCLUSIONS

The application and documentation of a precise HH classification in clinical practice and scientific reports are decreasing, which should be rectified for the purpose of scientific comparability.

Comparison of Medical Research Abstracts Written by Surgical Trainees and Senior Surgeons or Generated by Large Language Models

Importance

Artificial intelligence (AI) has permeated academia, especially OpenAI Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer (ChatGPT), a large language model. However, little has been reported on its use in medical research.

Objective

To assess a chatbot's capability to generate and grade medical research abstracts.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cross-sectional study, ChatGPT versions 3.5 and 4.0 (referred to as chatbot 1 and chatbot 2) were coached to generate 10 abstracts by providing background literature, prompts, analyzed data for each topic, and 10 previously presented, unassociated abstracts to serve as models. The study was conducted between August 2023 and February 2024 (including data analysis).

Exposure

Abstract versions utilizing the same topic and data were written by a surgical trainee or a senior physician or generated by chatbot 1 and chatbot 2 for comparison. The 10 training abstracts were written by 8 surgical residents or fellows, edited by the same senior surgeon, at a high-volume hospital in the Southeastern US with an emphasis on outcomes-based research. Abstract comparison was then based on 10 abstracts written by 5 surgical trainees within the first 6 months of their research year, edited by the same senior author.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome measurements were the abstract grades using 10- and 20-point scales and ranks (first to fourth). Abstract versions by chatbot 1, chatbot 2, junior residents, and the senior author were compared and judged by blinded surgeon-reviewers as well as both chatbot models. Five academic attending surgeons from Denmark, the UK, and the US, with extensive experience in surgical organizations, research, and abstract evaluation served as reviewers.

Results

Surgeon-reviewers were unable to differentiate between abstract versions. Each reviewer ranked an AI-generated version first at least once. Abstracts demonstrated no difference in their median (IQR) 10-point scores (resident, 7.0 [6.0-8.0]; senior author, 7.0 [6.0-8.0]; chatbot 1, 7.0 [6.0-8.0]; chatbot 2, 7.0 [6.0-8.0]; P = .61), 20-point scores (resident, 14.0 [12.0-7.0]; senior author, 15.0 [13.0-17.0]; chatbot 1, 14.0 [12.0-16.0]; chatbot 2, 14.0 [13.0-16.0]; P = .50), or rank (resident, 3.0 [1.0-4.0]; senior author, 2.0 [1.0-4.0]; chatbot 1, 3.0 [2.0-4.0]; chatbot 2, 2.0 [1.0-3.0]; P = .14). The abstract grades given by chatbot 1 were comparable to the surgeon-reviewers' grades. However, chatbot 2 graded more favorably than the surgeon-reviewers and chatbot 1. Median (IQR) chatbot 2-reviewer grades were higher than surgeon-reviewer grades of all 4 abstract versions (resident, 14.0 [12.0-17.0] vs 16.9 [16.0-17.5]; P = .02; senior author, 15.0 [13.0-17.0] vs 17.0 [16.5-18.0]; P = .03; chatbot 1, 14.0 [12.0-16.0] vs 17.8 [17.5-18.5]; P = .002; chatbot 2, 14.0 [13.0-16.0] vs 16.8 [14.5-18.0]; P = .04). When comparing the grades of the 2 chatbots, chatbot 2 gave higher median (IQR) grades for abstracts than chatbot 1 (resident, 14.0 [13.0-15.0] vs 16.9 [16.0-17.5]; P = .003; senior author, 13.5 [13.0-15.5] vs 17.0 [16.5-18.0]; P = .004; chatbot 1, 14.5 [13.0-15.0] vs 17.8 [17.5-18.5]; P = .003; chatbot 2, 14.0 [13.0-15.0] vs 16.8 [14.5-18.0]; P = .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, trained chatbots generated convincing medical abstracts, undifferentiable from resident or senior author drafts. Chatbot 1 graded abstracts similarly to surgeon-reviewers, while chatbot 2 was less stringent. These findings may assist surgeon-scientists in successfully implementing AI in medical research.

Malpractice claims after antireflux surgery and paraesophageal hernia repair: a population-based analysis

BACKGROUND

The complication rate of modern antireflux surgery or paraesophageal hernia repair is unknown, and previous estimates have been extrapolated from institutional cohorts.

METHODS

A population-based retrospective cohort study of patient injury cases involving antireflux surgery and paraesophageal hernia repair from the Finnish National Patient Injury Centre (PIC) register between Jan 2010 and Dec 2020. Additionally, the baseline data of all the patients who underwent antireflux and paraesophageal hernia operations between Jan 2010 and Dec 2018 were collected from the Finnish national care register.

RESULTS

During the study period, 5734 operations were performed, and the mean age of the patients was 54.9 ± 14.7 years, with 59.3% (n = 3402) being women. Out of all operations, 341 (5.9%) were revision antireflux or paraesophageal hernia repair procedures. Antireflux surgery was the primary operation for 79.9% (n = 4384) of patients, and paraesophageal hernia repair was the primary operation for 20.1% (n = 1101) of patients. A total of 92.5% (5302) of all the operations were laparoscopic. From 2010 to 2020, 60 patient injury claims were identified, with half (50.0%) of the claims being related to paraesophageal hernia repair. One of the claims was made due to an injury that resulted in a patient's death (1.7%). The mean Comprehensive Complication Index scores were 35.9 (± 20.7) and 47.6 (± 20.8) (p = 0.033) for antireflux surgery and paraesophageal hernia repair, respectively. Eleven (18.3%) of the claims pertained to redo surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of antireflux surgery has diminished and the rate of paraesophageal hernia repair has risen in Finland during the era of minimally invasive surgery. Claims to the PIC remain rare, but claims regarding paraesophageal hernia repairs and redo surgery are overrepresented. Additionally, paraesophageal hernia repair is associated with more serious complications.

Being Caught in a Vicious Circle: An Interview Study of Individuals Suffering From Grade II-IV Hiatal Hernia

Large paraesophageal hernias are related to life-threatening complications that warrant immediate surgery. Whether the long-standing chronic symptoms related to the disease in individuals without hernia incarceration motivate surgical treatment is still a subject for discussion. The aim of this study was to explore how individuals suffering from Grade II-IV hiatal hernia describe their symptoms and health, as well as how the disease affects their life. Semistructured interviews were performed with 22 individuals planning to undergo surgery for a large paraesophageal hernia. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and resulted in one main theme "Being caught in a vicious circle" and six subthemes "Distressing and uncertain times," "The symptoms have seized control over my health," "Loss of energy and strength," "Strategies for managing daily life," "Loss of social life," and "Moments of hope despite failing health." Central to the participants' descriptions is their commitment to strategies for managing the ever-present and unpredictable symptoms that have seized control over their health. They were trapped in a hopeless and isolated existence, that is, a vicious circle, from which they were unable to escape. Despite the low incidence of volvulus and incarceration, the symptom burden and effect on general health motivate treatment in these individuals.

Defining surgical risk in octogenarians undergoing paraesophageal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

With an aging population, the utility of surgery in elderly patients, particularly octogenarians, is of increasing interest. The goal of this study was to analyze outcomes of octogenarians versus non-octogenarians undergoing paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR).

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmission Database was queried for patients > 18 years old who underwent PEHR from 2016 to 2018. Exclusion criteria included a diagnosis of gastrointestinal malignancy or a concurrent bariatric procedure. Patients ≥ 80 were compared to those 18-79 years old using standard statistical methods, and subgroup analyses of elective and non-elective PEHRs were performed.

RESULTS

From 2016 to 2018, 46,450 patients were identified with 5425 (11.7%) octogenarians and 41,025 (88.3%) non-octogenarians. Octogenarians were more likely to have a non-elective operation (46.3% vs 18.2%, p < 0.001), and those undergoing non-elective PEHR had a higher mortality (5.5% vs 1.2%, p < 0.001). Outcomes were improved with elective PEHR, but octogenarians still had higher mortality (1.3% vs 0.2%, p < 0.001), longer LOS (3[2, 5] vs 2[1, 3] days, p < 0.001), and higher readmission rates within 30 days (11.1% vs 6.5%, p < 0.001) compared to non-octogenarian elective patients. Multivariable logistic regression showed that being an octogenarian was not independently predictive of mortality (odds ratio (OR) 1.373[95% confidence interval 0.962-1.959], p = 0.081), but a non-elective operation was (OR 3.180[2.492-4.057], p < 0.001). Being an octogenarian was a risk factor for readmission within 30 days (OR 1.512[1.348-1.697], p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Octogenarians represented a substantial proportion of patients undergoing PEHR and were more likely to undergo a non-elective operation. Being an octogenarian was not an independent predictor of perioperative mortality, but a non-elective operation was. Octogenarians' morbidity and mortality was reduced in elective procedures but was still higher than non-octogenarians. Elective PEHR in octogenarians is reasonable but should involve a thorough risk-benefit analysis.

Feasibility of Anti-reflux Gastric Bypass for Massive Paraesophageal Hernia in Obese Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Background The objective of this study is to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of anti-reflux gastric bypass (ARGB) as a treatment for symptomatic massive paraesophageal hernias (PEH) in the obese population. Both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and PEH are particularly prevalent in the obese patient population, and obesity adversely affects the long-term outcomes of all anti-reflux procedures. Methods This is a single-center, retrospective review of 17 obese adults who underwent ARGB for the treatment of massive PEH between September 2019 and December 2021. Massive PEH was defined as >5 cm in a singular direction, and obesity as BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Patients without preoperative diagnostic testing were excluded. We reviewed and analyzed patient demographic data, postoperative symptom resolution, weight loss, and complications using descriptive statistics, change from baseline, and comparison of proportions. Results Sixteen of the 17 subjects were female. The median age was 48, and the median BMI was 39.10 kg/m2 (30.0-49.3 kg/m2). The average PEH size on imaging was 6.48 (H) x 6.25 (W) cm. The resolution of heartburn was 93.8% (p<0.001), and the resolution of nausea and vomiting was 80.0%. The mean postoperative length of follow-up was 9.12 months. Median excess body weight loss percentages at one, three, six, and 12 months were 16.43% (p<0.001), 35.92% (p<0.001), 40.64% (p=0.001), and 58.58% (p<0.01), respectively. Five patients experienced adverse events requiring additional intervention or hospitalization. There were no symptomatic hernia recurrences or mortality. Conclusion This study demonstrates that ARGB is feasible and potentially effective in treating symptomatic massive paraesophageal hernias in the obese patient population. Further investigation is needed to determine efficacy and long-term outcomes compared to standard surgical repair.

Dyspnoea improves following composite repair of giant paraoesophageal hernia

INTRODUCTION

Paraoesophageal hernias (PEH) are often symptomatic and can lead to life-threatening complications such as volvulus and ischaemia. Dyspnoea is one of the most prevalent symptoms of giant hiatus herniae. The primary outcome of this study is resolution of dyspnoea following composite repair of giant paraoesophageal hernia. Secondary outcomes include complications of surgery, hernia recurrence rates and effect of recurrence on dyspnoea.

METHODS

Data were extracted from a prospectively maintained single-surgeon database containing records of all patients undergoing composite repair of paraoesophageal hernia. Patients presenting with dyspnoea who underwent composite laparoscopic repair of giant (>30% of stomach above diaphragm) paraoesophageal hernia between March 2009 and December 2015 were included.

RESULTS

Inclusion criteria were met by 154 patients. The mean age at time of surgery was 71.2 years (range 49-93, SD 9.66) with an average BMI of 28 (range 19-38kg/m2, SD 4.1). On average hernia contained 64% of stomach (range 30-100%, SD 20.2). One procedure was converted to laparotomy. Surgery resulted in near complete resolution of dyspnoea (2.6% postoperatively, p<0.001). Recurrence rate was 24% and was not associated with persistent dyspnoea. There was one death and two significant complications.

CONCLUSION

Dyspnoea resolves following laparoscopic repair of giant paraoesophageal hernia. The presence of dyspnoea in patients with known large paraoesophageal hernia should be regarded as an indication for referral to a surgical service with expertise in hiatal hernia management.

The Impact of Age and Need for Emergent Surgery in Paraesophageal Hernia Repair Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Observation of paraesophageal hernias (PEHs) may lead to emergent surgery for hernia-related complications. This study evaluated urgent or emergent repair outcomes to quantify the possible sequelae of failed conservative PEH management.

METHODS

The impact of operative status (elective vs urgent or emergent) on perioperative mortality or major morbidity for patients who underwent hiatal hernia repair for a PEH diagnosis from 2012 to 2021 in the Society of Thoracic Surgery General Thoracic Surgery Database was evaluated with multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, 2082 (10.9%) of 19,122 patients with PEHs underwent urgent or emergent repair. Patients undergoing nonelective surgery were significantly older than patients undergoing elective surgery (median age, 73 years [interquartile range, 63-82 years] vs 66 years [interquartile range, 58-74 years]) and had a lower preoperative performance score (P < .001). Nonelective surgical procedures were more likely to be performed through the chest or by laparotomy rather than by laparoscopy (20% vs 11.4%; P < .001), and they were associated with longer hospitalizations (4 days vs 2 days; P < .001), higher operative mortality (4.5% vs 0.6%; P < .001), and higher major morbidity (27% vs 5.5%; P < .001). Nonelective surgery was a significant independent predictor of major morbidity in multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 2.06; P < .001). Patients more than the age of 80 years had higher operative mortality (4.3% vs 0.6%; P < 0.001) and major morbidity (19% vs 6.1%; P < .001) than younger patients overall, and these older patients more often had nonelective surgery (26% vs 8.6%; P < .001) CONCLUSIONS: The operative morbidity of PEH repair is significantly increased when surgery is nonelective, particularly for older patients. These results can inform the potential consequences of choosing watchful waiting vs elective PEH repair.

The impact of frailty on outcomes following laparoscopic repair of 'giant' paraesophageal hernias

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a measure of physiologic reserve and correlates with surgical outcomes in the elderly. Patients who present with giant paraesophageal hernias (PEH) are typically older than 65. We defined 'giant' as a PEH with 50% or more of the stomach in the chest. We hypothesized that frailty correlates with 30-day complications, length of stay, and discharge destination following laparoscopic giant PEH repair.

METHODS

Patients older than 65 to undergo primary laparoscopic repair of a giant PEH at a single academic medical center between 2015 and 2022 were included. Hernia size was determined by preoperative imaging. Frailty was assessed clinically prior to surgery using the modified Frailty Index (mFI), an 11-item instrument that counts clinical deficits associated with frailty. A score ≥ 3 was considered frail. A major complication was a Clavien grade IIIB or higher.

RESULTS

Of the 162 patients included in the study, mean age was 74.4 ± 7.2, and 66% of patients were female (n = 128). The mFI was ≥ 3 in 37 patients (22.8%). Frail patients were older (78 ± 7.9 vs. 73 ± 6.6 years, p = 0.02). There was no difference in overall complication rate (40.5% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.22) or major complication rate (8.1% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.20) between frail and non-frail patients. Functionally impaired patients (METS < 4) were more likely to develop a major complication (17.9% vs. 3.0%, p < 0.01). Average length of stay was 2.4 days, and frail patients experienced a longer mean hospital stay (2.5 ± 0.2 vs. 2.3 ± 1.8, p = 0.03). Frail patients were more likely to be discharged to a destination other than home.

CONCLUSION

Increased frailty as assessed by the mFI is correlated with length of stay and discharge destination following laparoscopic repair of giant PEH in patients > 65. Complication rates were comparable for both frail and non-frail cohorts.

Percentage of intrathoracic stomach predicts operative and post-operative morbidity, persistent reflux and PPI requirement following laparoscopic hiatus hernia repair and fundoplication

PURPOSE

Large hiatus hernias are relatively common and can be associated with adverse symptoms and serious complications. Operative repair is indicated in this patient group for symptom management and the prevention of morbidity. This study aimed to identify predictors of poor outcomes following laparoscopic hiatus hernia repair and fundoplication (LHHRaF) to aid in counselling potential surgical candidates.

METHODOLOGY

A retrospective analysis was performed from a prospectively maintained, multicentre database of patients who underwent LHHRaF between 2014 and 2020. Revision procedures were excluded. Hernia size was defined as the intraoperative percentage of intrathoracic stomach, estimated by the surgeon to the nearest 10%. Predictors of outcomes were determined using a prespecified multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

625 patients underwent LHHRaF between 2014 and 2020 with 443 patients included. Median age was 65 years, 62.9% were female and 42.7% of patients had ≥ 50% intrathoracic stomach. In a multivariate regression model, intrathoracic stomach percentage was predictive of operative complications (P = 0.014, OR 1.05), post-operative complications (P = 0.026, OR 1.01) and higher comprehensive complication index score (P = 0.023, OR 1.04). At 12 months it was predictive of failure to improve symptomatic reflux (P = 0.008, OR 1.02) and persistent PPI requirement (P = 0.047, OR 1.02). Operative duration and blood loss were predicted by BMI (P = 0.004 and < 0.001), Type III/IV hernias (P = 0.045 and P = 0.005) and intrathoracic stomach percentage (P = 0.009 and P < 0.001). Post-operative length of stay was predicted by age (P < 0.001) and emergency presentation (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

In a multivariate regression model, intrathoracic stomach percentage was predictive of operative and post-operative morbidity, PPI use, and failure to improve reflux symptoms at 12 months.

Training curriculum in minimally invasive emergency digestive surgery: 2022 WSES position paper

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), including laparoscopic and robotic approaches, is widely adopted in elective digestive surgery, but selectively used for surgical emergencies. The present position paper summarizes the available evidence concerning the learning curve to achieve proficiency in emergency MIS and provides five expert opinion statements, which may form the basis for developing standardized curricula and training programs in emergency MIS.

METHODS

This position paper was conducted according to the World Society of Emergency Surgery methodology. A steering committee and an international expert panel were involved in the critical appraisal of the literature and the development of the consensus statements.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies regarding the learning curve in emergency MIS were selected. All but one study considered laparoscopic appendectomy. Only one study reported on emergency robotic surgery. In most of the studies, proficiency was achieved after an average of 30 procedures (range: 20-107) depending on the initial surgeon's experience. High heterogeneity was noted in the way the learning curve was assessed. The experts claim that further studies investigating learning curve processes in emergency MIS are needed. The emergency surgeon curriculum should include a progressive and adequate training based on simulation, supervised clinical practice (proctoring), and surgical fellowships. The results should be evaluated by adopting a credentialing system to ensure quality standards. Surgical proficiency should be maintained with a minimum caseload and constantly evaluated. Moreover, the training process should involve the entire surgical team to facilitate the surgeon's proficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited evidence exists concerning the learning process in laparoscopic and robotic emergency surgery. The proposed statements should be seen as a preliminary guide for the surgical community while stressing the need for further research.

Defining risk factors for mortality after emergent hiatal hernia repair in the era of minimally invasive surgery

BACKGROUND

Risk factors for mortality following emergent hiatal hernia (HH) repair in the era of minimally invasive surgery remain poorly defined.

METHODS

Data was obtained from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), National Readmissions Database, and National Emergency Department Sample for patients undergoing HH repair between 2010 and 2018. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses reported with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed to identify factors associated mortality.

RESULTS

Via the NIS, mortality rate was 2.2% (147 patients). Via the NEDS, the mortality rate was 3.6% (303 patients). On multivariate analysis, predictors of mortality included age (OR 1.05, CI: 1.04,1.07), male sex (OR 1.49, CI: 1.06,2.11), frailty (OR 2.49, CI: 1.65,3.75), open repair (OR 3.59, CI: 2.50,5.17), and congestive heart failure (OR 2.71, CI: 1.81,4.06).

CONCLUSIONS

There are multiple risk factors for mortality after hiatal hernia repair. There is merit to a laparoscopic approach even in emergent settings.

Massive Paraesophageal Hernia Repair in the Obese Patient Population: Antireflux Gastric Bypass Versus Fundoplication

Introduction: Obesity is a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia (HH). Fundoplication is the standard operation for GERD with HH. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the procedure of choice for obese patients with either GERD or a large HH, but neither are indications for RYGB. To delineate bypass surgery as a treatment option for obese patients with HH and GERD, we propose new terminology, antireflux gastric bypass (ARGB). ARGB differs from RYGB by utilizing varying efferent limb lengths for GERD treatment. We hypothesized that ARGB would have higher GERD resolution, lower HH recurrence, and improves weight loss when compared with fundoplication. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed, evaluating patients undergoing repair of large HH (>5 cm) with obesity from January 2013 to February 2021. The primary outcome was GERD resolution, secondary outcomes include HH recurrence and weight loss. Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), and hernia size by nonlinear mixed modeling. Results: Forty patients underwent fundoplication, and 16 patients underwent ARGB. Fundoplication patients had a larger mean hernia size (8.7 × 6.3 cm versus 6.6 × 6.4 cm), whereas ARGB patients had a higher BMI (39.2 versus 34.2 kg/m²). Recurrence showed nonstatistically significant lower incidence with ARGB and no significant difference in GERD resolution. Weight (P < .0001) and excess body weight (P < .0001) loss were superior with ARGB. Conclusions: Obese patients with large HHs and GERD treated with ARGB had similar GERD resolution, lower HH recurrence, and improved weight loss when compared with fundoplication. ARGB is an acceptable treatment option for obese patients with a massive paraesophageal hernia in the setting of GERD.

Quality of life and symptom assessment in paraesophageal hernias: a systematic literature review of reporting standards

BACKGROUND

Paraesophageal hernias (PEH) present with a range of symptoms affecting physical and mental health. This systematic review aims to assess the quality of reporting standards for patients with PEH, identify the most frequently used quality of life (QOL) and symptom severity assessment tools in PEH and to ascertain additional symptoms reported by these patients not captured by these tools.

METHODS

A systematic literature review according to PRISMA protocols was carried out following a literature search of MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases for studies published between January 1960 and May 2020. Published abstracts from conference proceedings were included. Data on QOL tools used and reported symptoms were extracted.

RESULTS

This review included 220 studies reporting on 28 353 patients. A total of 46 different QOL and symptom severity tools were used across all studies, and 89 different symptoms were reported. The most frequently utilized QOL tool was the Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease-Health related quality of life questionnaire symptom severity instrument (47.7%), 57.2% of studies utilized more than 2 QOL tools and 'dysphagia' was the most frequently reported symptom, in 55.0% of studies. Notably, respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms, although less common than GI symptoms, were reported and included 'dyspnea' reported in 35 studies (15.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

There lacks a QOL assessment tool that captures the range of symptoms associated with PEH. Reporting standards for this cohort must be improved to compare patient outcomes before and after surgery. Further investigations must seek to develop a PEH specific tool, that encompasses the relative importance of symptoms when considering surgical intervention and assessing symptomatic improvement following surgery.

Elective paraesophageal hernia repair in elderly patients: an analysis of ACS-NSQIP database for contemporary morbidity and mortality

BACKGROUND

Elective paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients ≥ 65 years of age remains controversial. The widely cited Markov Monte Carlo decision analytic model recommends watchful waiting in this group, unless the mortality rate for elective repair was to reach ≤ 0.5%; at which point, surgery would become the optimal treatment. We hypothesized that with advances in minimally invasive surgery, perioperative care, and practice specialization, that mortality threshold has been reached in the contemporary era. However, the safety net would decrease as age increases, particularly in octogenarians.

METHODS

We identified 12,422 patients from the 2015-2017 ACS-NSQIP database, who underwent elective minimally invasive PEH repair, of whom 5476 (44.1%) were with age ≥ 65. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were length of stay (LOS), operative time, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, unplanned intubation, sepsis, bleeding requiring transfusion, readmission, and return to OR.

RESULTS

Patients age ≥ 65 had a higher 30-day mortality (0.5% vs 0.2%; p < 0.001). Subset analysis of patients age 65-80 and > 80 showed a 30-day mortality of 0.4% vs. 1.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). Independent predictors of mortality in patients ≥ 65 years were age > 80 (OR 5.23, p < 0.001) and COPD (OR 2.59, p = 0.04). Patients ≥ 65 had a slightly higher incidence of pneumonia (2% vs 1.2%; p < 0.001), unplanned intubation (0.8% vs 0.5%; p < 0.05), pulmonary embolism (0.7% vs 0.3%; p = 0.001), bleeding requiring transfusion (1% vs 0.5%; p < 0.05), and LOS (2.38 vs 1.86 days, p < 0.001) with no difference in sepsis, return to OR or readmission.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest series evaluating elective PEH repair in the recent era. While morbidity and mortality do increase with age, the mortality remains below 0.5% until age 80. Our results support consideration for a paradigm shift in the management of patients < 80 years toward elective repair of PEH.

Do Poor Functional Outcomes and Higher Morbidity Following Emergency Repair of Giant Hiatus Hernia Warrant Elective Surgery in Asymptomatic Patients?

Background: Patients with a giant hiatus hernia may present with acute symptoms caused by obstruction, strangulation, perforation and uncontrolled bleeding. Emergency surgical repair has been associated with significant mortality and even greater morbidity. The aim of this study is to investigate the short-term outcomes following emergency repair of giant hiatus hernias.

Methods: Data were retrospectively collected for all patients who underwent emergency surgical repair of giant hiatus hernia in a university teaching hospital between 2009 and 2019. Outcomes were short-term morbidity and mortality. We also assessed the association of clinical predictor covariates, including age, ASA class and time to surgery, with risk for major morbidity.

Results: Thirty-seven patients with a median age of 68 years were identified. Following surgery, 9 patients (24.3%) developed organ dysfunction that required admission to the intensive care unit. Two patients (5.4%) underwent revision surgery and 3 (8.1%) developed pneumothorax that necessitated chest drain insertion. The commonest complication was pneumonia, which occurred in 13 patients (35.1%). Two deaths (5.4%) occurred within 30 days from surgery.

Conclusions: Emergency repair of giant hiatus hernia is associated with high rates of major morbidity, which includes poor functional status, further interventions, repeat surgery, and admission to the intensive care unit. Larger studies are warranted for long-term follow-up to assess post-operative quality of life is needed for asymptomatic patients and for those undergoing emergency surgery.

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.