Laparoscopic large hiatus hernia repair with mesh reinforcement versus suture cruroplasty alone: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Long-term durability and temporal pattern of revisional surgery of laparoscopic large hiatal hernia repair

Laparoscopic repair is the preferred surgical treatment for symptomatic Large Hiatal Hernia (LHH). However, data on long-term outcomes are limited. This study aims to evaluate the 20-year follow-up results of laparoscopic LHH repair in a high-volume experienced tertiary center. Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent elective laparoscopic LHH repair between 1992 and 2008. Preoperative and perioperative data were collected. The primary endpoint was the long-term reoperation rate. Survival analyses were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to investigate predictive factors of the need for revisional surgery. A total of 176 patients were included. All the procedures were performed laparoscopically, and in 5 cases (3.0%) with a robot-assisted approach. Mesh-augmented cruroplasty was performed in 26 patients (15.8%). A fundoplication was added in all patients: Nissen in 158 (89.8%), Toupet in 5 (2.8%), and Collis-Nissen in 13 (7.4%). Postoperative mean follow-up was 224.6 ± 83.3 months. Clinically significant hiatal hernia recurrence occurred in 27 (16.2%), and 18 patients (10.2%) underwent surgical revision. The median time-to-redo was 12 months (IQR 6-42 months). Overall durability without revisional surgery at 20-year follow-up was 90%. The rate of revisional surgery after LHH repair is low and is generally required within 12 months from primary surgery. Our results highlight the long-lasting effects of LHH repair at 20-year follow-up.

Comparative anatomic and symptomatic recurrence outcomes of diaphragmatic suture cruroplasty versus biosynthetic mesh reinforcement in robotic hiatal and paraesophageal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Hiatal and paraesophageal hernia (HH/PEH) recurrence is the most common cause of failure after gastroesophageal anti-reflux surgery. Crural reinforcement with mesh has been suggested to address this issue, but its efficacy remains debated. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of biosynthetic mesh reinforcement compared to suture cruroplasty on anatomic and symptomatic hernia recurrence.

METHOD

Data of patients who underwent robotic HH/PEH repair with suture cruroplasty with or without biosynthetic mesh reinforcement between January 2012 and April 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and anatomic hernia recurrence were assessed at short-term (3 months to 1 year) and longer-term (≥ 1 year) follow-up. Symptomatic hernia recurrence was defined as having both anatomic recurrence and symptoms.

RESULTS

Out of the 503 patients in the study, 308 had undergone biosynthetic mesh repair, while 195 had suture-only repair. After the surgery, both groups demonstrated comparable improvements in symptoms. Short-term anatomic hernia recurrence rates were 11.8% and 15.6% for mesh and suture groups, respectively (p = 0.609), while longer-term rates were 24.7% and 44.9% (p = 0.015). The rates of symptomatic hernia recurrence in the same group were 8.8% and 14.6% in the short-term (p = 0.256), and 17.2% and 42.2% in longer-term follow-ups (p = 0.003). In the repair of medium and large-size hernias, mesh reinforcement resulted in a 50.0% relative risk reduction in anatomic hernia recurrences and a 59.2% reduction in symptomatic hernia recurrences at ≥ 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

After more than a year of follow-up, it has been found that using biosynthetic mesh for medium and large hiatal or paraesophageal hernia repair significantly reduces the likelihood of both anatomic and symptomatic recurrence compared to using only suture cruroplasty. These findings strongly support the use of biosynthetic mesh to manage larger hernias. However, further long-term multicenter randomized studies are needed to provide more conclusive evidence.

Risk factors associated with radiological and clinical recurrences after laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernia with TiO2Mesh™ reinforcement

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic repair of large para-esophageal hiatal hernias (LPHH) remains controversial. Several meta-analyses suggest hiatus reinforcement with mesh has better outcomes over cruroplasty in terms of less recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the medium-term results of treating LPHH with a biosynthetic monofilament polypropylene mesh coated with titanium dioxide to enhance biocompatibility (TiO2Mesh™).

METHODS

A retrospective observational study, using data extracted from a prospectively collected database was performed at XXX from December 2014 to June 2023. Included participants were all patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of large (> 5 cm) type III hiatal hernia in which a TiO2Mesh™ was used. The results of the study, including clinical and radiological recurrences as well as mesh-related morbidity, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients were finally analyzed. Laparoscopic approach was attempted in all but conversion was needed in one patient because of bleeding in the lesser curvature. With a median follow-up of 41 months (and 10 losses to follow-up), 22% of radiological recurrences and 19.3% of clinical recurrences were described. Regarding complications, one patient presented morbidity associated with the mesh (mesh erosion requiring endoscopic extraction). Recurrent hernia repair was an independent factor of clinical recurrence (OR 4.57 95% CI (1.28-16.31)).

CONCLUSION

LPHH with TiO2Mesh™ is safe and feasible with a satisfactory medium-term recurrence and a low complication rate. Prospective randomized studies are needed to establish the standard repair of LPHH.

Dynamics of hiatal hernia recurrence: how important is a composite crural repair?

INTRODUCTION

Hiatal hernia recurrence rates vary widely. The true causes of recurrences are not fully understood but likely multifactorial. Surgical approaches and techniques have evolved over time to try and reduce recurrence rates after hiatal hernia repair. Our objective is to provide a current review on the physiology of hiatal hernias and the importance of a composite crural repair on hiatal hernia recurrence rates; more specifically, for this review, a composite repair is defined as a repair requiring more than primary closure of the crura.

METHODS

A recent review of the literature was conducted to identify studies reporting on hiatal hernia pathophysiology, stress, and tension, as well as the role of composite repair.

RESULTS

There is a paucity of studies focusing on the pathophysiology of hiatal hernias and recurrence rates. Articles that report on the pathophysiology of the hiatus were found to have alterations of the extracellular matrix, collagen composition, changes in metalloproteinases (MMPs), and differences in genetic composition. The role of composite repair on reducing recurrence rates is not well studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Hiatal hernias remain a complex problem with no ideal surgical technique. It is likely that the pathophysiology of hiatal hernias is multifactorial, and more studies need to be done to better understand the potential underlying mechanisms for hiatal hernias so this may also further identify the ideal surgical repair.

Ligamentum Teres Augmentation for Hiatus Hernia Repair After Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Hiatal hernia (HH) and symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease are common complications after metabolic bariatric surgery. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of ligamentum teres augmentation (LTA) for HH repair after metabolic and bariatric surgeries (MBS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CENTRAL, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus were searched for articles from their inception to September 2023 by 2 independent reviewers using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis system.

RESULTS

Five studies met the eligibility criteria, with a total of 165 patients undergoing LTA for HH repair after MBS. The distribution of patients based on surgical procedures included 63% undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, 21% Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 16% having one anastomosis gastric bypass. The pooled proportion of reflux symptoms before LTA was 77% (95% CI: 0.580-0.960; I2 = 89%, n = 106). A pooled proportion of overall postoperative symptoms was 25.6% (95% CI: 0.190-0.321; I2 = 0%, n = 44), consisting of reflux at 14.5% (95% CI: 0.078-0.212; I2 = 0%, n = 15). The pooled proportion of unsuccessful LTA outcomes was 12.5% (95% CI: 0.075-0.175; I2 = 0%, n = 21).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that LTA appears to be a safe and efficacious procedure in the management of HH after MBS.

Management of symptomatic, asymptomatic, and recurrent hiatal hernia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The surgical management of hiatal hernia remains controversial. We aimed to compare outcomes of mesh versus no mesh and fundoplication versus no fundoplication in symptomatic patients; surgery versus observation in asymptomatic patients; and redo hernia repair versus conversion to Roux-en-Y reconstruction in recurrent hiatal hernia.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and the ClinicalTrials.gov databases between 2000 and 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, and case series (asymptomatic and recurrent hernias). Screening was performed by two trained independent reviewers. Pooled analyses were performed on comparative data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and Newcastle Ottawa Scale for randomized and non-randomized studies, respectively.

RESULTS

We included 45 studies from 5152 retrieved records. Only six RCTs had low risk of bias. Mesh was associated with a lower recurrence risk (RR = 0.50, 95%CI 0.28, 0.88; I2 = 57%) in observational studies but not RCTs (RR = 0.98, 95%CI 0.47, 2.02; I2 = 34%), and higher total early dysphagia based on five observational studies (RR = 1.44, 95%CI 1.10, 1.89; I2 = 40%) but was not statistically significant in RCTs (RR = 3.00, 95%CI 0.64, 14.16). There was no difference in complications, reintervention, heartburn, reflux, or quality of life. There were no appropriate studies comparing surgery to observation in asymptomatic patients. Fundoplication resulted in higher early dysphagia in both observational studies and RCTs ([RR = 2.08, 95%CI 1.16, 3.76] and [RR = 20.58, 95%CI 1.34, 316.69]) but lower reflux in RCTs (RR = 0.31, 95%CI 0.17, 0.56, I2 = 0%). Conversion to Roux-en-Y was associated with a lower reintervention risk after 30 days compared to redo surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for optimal management of symptomatic and recurrent hiatal hernia remains controversial, underpinned by studies with a high risk of bias. Shared decision making between surgeon and patient is essential for optimal outcomes.

Coated poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (Phasix ST™) mesh is safe and effective for hiatal hernia repair: our institutional experience and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) is a bioabsorbable mesh with a non-adhesive coating on one side that is being used to reinforce the hiatus during hiatal hernia repair; however, there is limited data regarding its use. The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes after hiatal hernia repair using this mesh at our institution and through a review of the literature.

METHODS

An institutional review board-approved prospective database was retrospectively reviewed for all patients undergoing hiatal hernia repair from April 2018 to December 2022. A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate outcomes using P4HB coated mesh.

RESULTS

In our institutional cohort, there were 230 patients (59 males; 171 females) with a mean follow-up of 20 ± 14.6 months. No mesh-related complications occurred. Hernia recurrence was diagnosed in 11 patients (4.8%) with a median time to recurrence of 16 months. In the systematic review, 4 studies with 221 patients (76 males; 145 females) were included. Median follow-up ranged from 12 to 27 months. Recurrence rate in these studies was reported from 0 to 8.8%, with a total of 12 recurrences identified. Like our institutional cohort, no mesh-related complications were reported. After our recurrences were combined with those from the systematic review, a total of 23 recurrences were included in the meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis revealed a low recurrence rate following hiatal hernia repair with P4HB coated mesh (incidence rate per 100 person-years, 2.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.60, 4.04).

CONCLUSION

P4HB coated mesh is safe and effective for hiatal hernia repairs.

Evidence mapping on how to perform an optimal surgical repair of large hiatal hernias

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic and large hiatal hernia (HH) is a common disorder requiring surgical management. However, there is a lack of systematic, evidence-based recommendations summarizing recent reviews on surgical treatment of symptomatic HH. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to create evidence mapping on the key technical issues of HH repair based on the highest available evidence.

METHODS

A systematic review identified studies on eight key issues of large symptomatic HH repair. The literature was screened for the highest level of evidence (LE from level 1 to 5) according to the Oxford Center for evidence-based medicine's scale. For each topic, only studies of the highest available level of evidence were considered.

RESULTS

Out of the 28.783 studies matching the keyword algorithm, 47 were considered. The following recommendations could be deduced: minimally invasive surgery is the recommended approach (LE 1a); a complete hernia sac dissection should be considered (LE 3b); extensive division of short gastric vessels cannot be recommended; however, limited dissection of the most upper vessels may be helpful for a floppy fundoplication (LE 1a); vagus nerve should be preserved (LE 3b); a dorso-ventral cruroplasty is recommended (LE 1b); routine fundoplication should be considered to prevent postoperative gastroesophageal reflux (LE 2b); posterior partial fundoplication should be favored over other forms of fundoplication (LE 1a); mesh augmentation is indicated in large HH with paraesophageal involvement (LE 1a).

CONCLUSION

The current evidence mapping is a reasonable instrument based on the best evidence available to guide surgeons in determining optimal symptomatic and large HH repair.