Combination of Surgical Technique and Bioresorbable Mesh Reinforcement of the Crural Repair Leads to Low Early Hernia Recurrence Rates with Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

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.

The classification of hiatal shapes and their use as a marker for complexity, operative interventions, and recurrence

BACKGROUND

Diaphragmatic reconstruction is a vital, but challenging component of hiatal hernia and antireflux surgery. Results are optimized by minimizing axial tension along the esophagus, assessed with intra-abdominal length, and radial tension across the hiatus, which has not been standardized. We categorized hiatal openings into 4 shapes, as a surrogate for radial tension, to correlate their association with operative interventions and recurrence.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all primary hiatal hernias (≥3 cm) repaired at a single center between 2010 and 2020. Patients with intraoperative hiatal photos with at least 1 year of follow-up were included. The hiatal openings were classified into 4 shapes: slit, inverted teardrop, "D," and oval, and ordered in this manner of hypothesized increased complexity and tension.

RESULTS

A total of 239 patients were studied, with 113 (47%) having a recurrence. Age (P < .001), proportion of paraesophageal hernias (P < .001), hernia axial length (P < .001), and hiatal width (P < .001) all increased as shape progressed from slit to inverted teardrop to "D" to oval. Mesh (P = .003) and relaxing incisions (P < .001) were more commonly employed in more advanced shapes, "D" and ovals. However, recurrence (P = .88) did not correlate with hiatal shape.

CONCLUSION

Four different hiatal shapes are commonly seen during hernia repair. These shapes represent a spectrum of hernia chronicity and complexity necessitating increased use of operative measures but not correlating with recurrence. Despite failing to be a direct marker for recurrence risk, hiatal shape may serve as an intraoperative tool to inform surgeons of the potential need for additional hiatal interventions.

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.

Medium term (> 12 months) outcomes after laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair without conventional fundoplication using PH4B-mesh implant (Phasix™) in 176 reflux patients: experience and technique

BACKGROUND

Hiatal mesh repair remains a controversial topic among anti-reflux surgeons. Biosynthetic mesh cruroplasty may prevent early recurrence while avoiding late esophageal erosion and strictures associated with non-resorbable materials. So far, medium-term results on hiatal PH4B (Poly-4-Hydroxybutyrate) mesh repair from high-volume centers are lacking.

METHODS

We analyzed the medium-term efficacy and safety of PH4B mesh cruroplasty in 176 consecutive patients (≥ 18 years) with symptomatic hiatal hernias. Treatment failure was defined as the clinical recurrence of reflux symptoms. Patients could choose between mesh augmented hiatal repair (combined with a modified anterior hemifundoplication and fundophrenicopexy), Nissen fundoplication, and magnetic sphincter augmentation at their discretion. We also describe the surgical approach to mesh augmented hiatal repair used at our center.

RESULTS

On average, patients were 55 (± 14) years old and followed up for 22 (± 7; sum: 3931) months. Treatment failed in 6/176 (3%, 95% CI: 2-7%) patients. The 24-month Kaplan-Meier failure estimate was 2.8% (95% CI: 0.4-5%). Each centimeter in hernia size increased the risk of failure by 52% (p = 0.02). Heavier patients (BMI > 27) had an 11% higher probability of clinical symptom recurrence (p = 0.03). The dysphagia and bloating/gas rate were 13/176 (7%), each. 8 (5%) patients required endoscopy due to dysphagia but without intervention. No serious complications, including mesh infection and erosion, or fatalities, occurred.

CONCLUSION

Augmented PH4B mesh cruroplasty without conventional fundoplication shows excellent intermediate-term results in patients with reflux disease due to hiatal hernia. Around one in thirty patients experience treatment failure within 2 years of surgery. Hernia size and overweight are key determinants of treatment failure.

Cruroplasty with or without mesh? A systematic literature review with a novel time-organized proportion meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Improved outcomes with the use of non-absorbable mesh (NAM) for inguinal hernia repairs led to its rapid adoption for hiatal hernia (HH) repairs; however, feared complications occurred, and the trend shifted toward using absorbable mesh (AM). We aimed to analyze the literature assessing objective HH recurrence rates after primary laparoscopic cruroplasty with or without the use of different mesh types.

METHODS

A systematic literature review with both pairwise and time-organized proportion meta-analyses of articles published between January 1993 and September 2022 was performed using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Taylor & Francis databases to identify relevant studies comparing groups undergoing cruroplasty with suture repair (SR) alone, AM, NAM, or partially absorbable mesh (PAM). Studies documenting an objective follow-up ≥ 6 months were included. The primary outcome was the HH recurrence rate confirmed by barium esophagram or upper GI endoscopy.

RESULTS

A total of 34 studies met the inclusion criteria, including 6 randomized clinical trials, 25 retrospectives studies, and 3 prospective cohort studies. A total of 2170 subjects underwent laparoscopic HH repair and completed an objective follow-up ≥ 6 months after surgery; the objective recurrence rate was 20.8% (99/477) at a mean follow-up of 25.8 ± 16.4 months for the SR group, 20.6% (244/1187) at 28.1 ± 13.8 months for the AM group, 13.7% (65/475) at 30.8 ± 15.3 months for the NAM group, and 0% (0/31) at 32.5 ± 13.5 months for the PAM group. However, the pairwise meta-analysis revealed that overall mesh use was not superior to SR in preventing long-term HH recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The use of AM does not appear to reduce HH recurrence compared to SR alone. Although the data favors NAM to decrease objective HH recurrence in the mid-term, the long-term (≥ 48 months) recurrence rate was similar with or without any type of mesh.

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.

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

OBJECTIVE

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Adjuvant Botulinum Toxin Type A on the Management of Giant Hiatal Hernia: A Case Report

The management of giant hiatal hernias (HHs) remains challenging and is associated with a high risk of recurrence. Currently, several strategies are used to reduce recurrence, and a newly proposed trend is the administration of adjuvant botulinum toxin type A (BTX), a procedure already performed in complex ventral hernias. Here, we present a case of a 63-year-old man with a giant paraesophageal HH type IV containing the entire stomach and transverse colon with loss of domain, who underwent adjuvant BTX and subsequently laparoscopic hiatoplasty with a biological mesh with partial fundoplication. At six months' follow-up, the patient reported a significant improvement in the quality of life without dysphagia or gastroesophageal reflux and with a good respiratory function. A control computed tomography was performed, which documented a partial recurrence of HH, completely asymptomatic. This clinical case showed the successful treatment of a giant HH using adjuvant BTX injection to increase abdominal wall compliance as had already been described in the treatment of complex ventral hernia. Thus, the use of BTX is a promising strategy for selected cases of giant HHs mainly if there is a loss of domain; however, more case series and controlled trials are needed to show the reproducibility of the benefit of this strategy.

Diaphragmatic relaxing incisions for complex hiatal reconstruction: longer-term follow-up confirms safety, efficacy and rare complications

BACKGROUND

Tension is an important factor in hernia repairs. Relaxing incisions to reduce tension are common with ventral hernia repairs, and techniques for relaxing incisions also exist for the hiatus. The aim of this study was to update our original experience with a diaphragm relaxing incision (DRI) in a larger group of patients with longer follow-up.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed to identify all patients who had a DRI between August 2016 and September 2021 during hiatal hernia repair. All DRI defects were repaired with permanent mesh remote from the esophagus. Objective follow-up was with chest x-ray, upper GI series (UGI) or both.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients had a total of 79 DRI (right in 63, left in 4, and bilateral in 6 patients), during a primary (n = 52) or redo (n = 21) hiatal hernia repair. Concomitant Collis gastroplasty was used in 38 patients (52%). A single intra-operative complication occurred where the right crus tore during a right DRI. At a median of 15 months, 78% of patients had objective follow-up. There was one hernia through a repaired right DRI (1.2%). No patient had evidence of diaphragm paralysis and there were no mesh infections. The 1-year hernia recurrence rate in these patients was 3.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

A DRI can be done safely with minimal risk of intra- or post-operative complications. There was a low rate of herniation through the defect when repaired with permanent mesh. No patient developed a mesh infection despite concomitant Collis gastroplasty in 52% of patients, and there was no evidence of diaphragm paralysis on imaging studies. Further, the low rate of hiatal hernia recurrence suggests efficacy of a DRI to reduce crural closure tension. These excellent outcomes should encourage use of a DRI in patients with a difficult hiatus during hernia repair.

Hiatal hernia repair with biosynthetic mesh reinforcement: a qualitative systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Reinforcement of crural closure with synthetic resorbable mesh has been proposed to decrease recurrence rates after hiatal hernia repair, but continues to be controversial. This systematic review aims to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and intermediate-term results of using biosynthetic mesh to augment the hiatus.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed throughout this systematic review. The Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions and Risk of Bias in Randomized Trials tools were used to perform qualitative assessment of all studies included in this review. Recommendations were then summarized for the following pre-defined key items: protocol, research question, search strategy, study eligibility, data extraction, study design, risk of bias, publication bias, and statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The systematic literature search found 520 articles, 101 of which were duplicates and 355 articles were determined to be unrelated to our study and excluded. The full text of the remaining 64 articles was thoroughly assessed. A total of 18 articles (1846 patients) were ultimately included for this review, describing hiatal hernia repair using three different biosynthetic meshes-BIO-A, Phasix ST, and polyglactin mesh. Mean operative time varied from 127 to 223 min. Mean follow up varied from 12 to 54 months. There were no mesh erosions or explants. One mesh-related complication of stenosis requiring reoperation was reported with BIO-A. Studies showed significant improvement in symptom and quality-of-life scores, as well as satisfaction with surgery. Recurrence was reported as radiologic or clinical recurrence. Overall, recurrence rate varied from 0.9 to 25%.

CONCLUSION

The use of biosynthetic mesh is safe and effective for hiatal hernia repair with low complications rates and high symptom resolution. The reported recurrence rates are highly variable due to significant heterogeneity in defining and evaluating recurrences. Further randomized controlled trials with larger samples and long-term follow-up should be performed to better analyze outcomes and recurrence rates.

Fully resorbable poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) mesh for soft tissue repair and reconstruction: A scoping review

Background

Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) is a fully resorbable, biologically-produced polymer with a strength and flexibility comparable to permanent synthetic polymers. The objective was to identify/summarize all peer-reviewed publications involving P4HB mesh.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted within PubMed and included articles published through October 2022.

Results

A total of n = 79 studies were identified (n = 12 in vitro/bench; n = 14 preclinical; n = 6 commentaries; n = 50 clinical). Of the clinical studies, n = 40 reported results applicable to hernia and n = 10 to plastic/reconstructive surgery and involved patients of all Centers for Disease Control (CDC) wound classes and Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) grades.

Conclusion

P4HB mesh provides long-term hernia repair strength and exhibits promising clinical outcomes beyond its resorption period. Future studies should include randomized controlled trials comparing P4HB to other biomaterials, as well as optimal patient selection, operative technique, long-term outcomes, minimization of potential mesh-related complications, and potential contraindications/complications for P4HB in hernia/abdominal wall reconstruction.

Does bioabsorbable mesh reduce hiatal hernia recurrence rates? A meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The use of bioabsorbable mesh at the hiatus is controversial. Long-term data are scant. We evaluated the world literature and performed a meta-analysis to determine if these meshes were effective in reducing recurrence.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, and ClinicalKey. We evaluated articles reporting on both Bio-A™ (polyglycolic acid:trimethylene carbonate-PGA:TMC) and Phasix™ (poly-4-hydroxybutyrate-P4HB) used at the hiatus. The DerSimonian-Laird random effects model was used to estimate the overall pooled treatment effect along with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Similar analysis was conducted to compare the clinical outcomes, i.e., recurrence rate, mean surgical time, mean hospital stays and mean follow-up duration between non-Mesh and Mesh group. The I² statistic was computed to assess the heterogeneity in effect sizes across the studies.

RESULTS

A total of 21 studies (12 mesh studies with 963 subjects and 9 non-mesh studies with 617 subjects) were included to conduct the meta-analysis. There was one article reporting outcomes on P4HB mesh (73 subjects) and 11 on PGA:TMC mesh (890 subjects). The bioabsorbable mesh group had a significantly lower recurrence rate compared to the non-mesh group (8% vs. 18%; 95%CI 0.08-0.17), pooled p-value < 0.0001. Surgery time was shorter in the mesh group compared to the non-mesh group (136.4 min vs. 150 min) but not statistically significant (p = 0.54). There tended to be a more extended follow-up period after surgery in the non-mesh group compared to the mesh group (27 vs. 25.8 months, range 10.8-54 months); but not statistically significant (ES: 27.4; 95%CI 21.6-33.3; p = 0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Hiatal hernia repair with bioabsorbable mesh is more effective at reducing hernia recurrence rate in the mid-term than simple suture cruroplasty. Further studies investigating the long-term outcomes and P4HB mesh are needed.

Patient-reported outcomes in 645 patients after laparoscopic fundoplication up to 10 years

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic fundoplication is the gold-standard surgical management for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Optimal patient outcomes include resolution of symptoms with minimal postoperative side effects of dysphagia or gas-bloat. This study aims to review outcomes at a single institution up to 10 years after surgery.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained quality database. Patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication from 2009 to 2021 were included. Transition in surgical practice mid-2017 with incorporation of fundoplication algorithm and impedance planimetry. Patient-reported outcome scores include Reflux Symptom Index, gastroesophageal reflux disease-health-related quality of life, and dysphagia score. Comparisons were made using two-tailed Wilcoxon rank sum tests.

RESULTS

Six hundred forty-five patients underwent laparoscopic fundoplication (2009-July 2017 n = 355, July 2017-November 2021 n = 290) from January 2009 to November 2021. Patients had an improvement in patient-reported outcomes and did not worsen from 2 to 10 years after surgery. Comparison of each time period showed that the second time period had fewer gas-bloat symptoms at 2 years (P = .04). Paraesophageal hernia was present in 66% of patients. Preoperative patient-reported outcomes in non-paraesophageal hernia include worse Reflux Symptoms Index (P < .01) and gastroesophageal reflux disease-health-related quality of life (P < .01) than the paraesophageal hernia group. Patient-reported outcomes were similar between the 2 except for worse gas-bloat in non-paraesophageal hernia patients at 2 years (P = .02). Endoscopy was performed in 10.9% (n = 58) of the study population at a median of 16 months, with 1.5% of patients (n = 8) from the entire cohort with abnormal DeMeester Scores. Median (interquartile range) preoperative DeMeester Score of 31 (17-51) decreased to 5 (2-14) at postoperative evaluation.

CONCLUSION

This single-institution study reports excellent long-term patient-reported outcomes after laparoscopic fundoplication that persist up to 10 years.

Management of paraesophageal hiatus hernia: recommendations following a European expert Delphi consensus

AIMS

There is considerable controversy regarding optimal management of patients with paraesophageal hiatus hernia (pHH). This survey aims at identifying recommended strategies for work-up, surgical therapy, and postoperative follow-up using Delphi methodology.

METHODS

We conducted a 2-round, 33-question, web-based Delphi survey on perioperative management (preoperative work-up, surgical procedure and follow-up) of non-revisional, elective pHH among European surgeons with expertise in upper-GI. Responses were graded on a 5-point Likert scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Items from the questionnaire were defined as "recommended" or "discouraged" if positive or negative concordance among participants was > 75%. Items with lower concordance levels were labelled "acceptable" (neither recommended nor discouraged).

RESULTS

Seventy-two surgeons with a median (IQR) experience of 23 (14-30) years from 17 European countries participated (response rate 60%). The annual median (IQR) individual and institutional caseload was 25 (15-36) and 40 (28-60) pHH-surgeries, respectively. After Delphi round 2, "recommended" strategies were defined for preoperative work-up (endoscopy), indication for surgery (typical symptoms and/or chronic anemia), surgical dissection (hernia sac dissection and resection, preservation of the vagal nerves, crural fascia and pleura, resection of retrocardial lipoma) and reconstruction (posterior crurorrhaphy with single stitches, lower esophageal sphincter augmentation (Nissen or Toupet), and postoperative follow-up (contrast radiography). In addition, we identified "discouraged" strategies for preoperative work-up (endosonography), and surgical reconstruction (crurorrhaphy with running sutures, tension-free hiatus repair with mesh only). In contrast, many items from the questionnaire including most details of mesh augmentation (indication, material, shape, placement, and fixation technique) were "acceptable".

CONCLUSIONS

This multinational European Delphi survey represents the first expert-led process to identify recommended strategies for the management of pHH. Our work may be useful in clinical practice to guide the diagnostic process, increase procedural consistency and standardization, and to foster collaborative research.

Establishing Peer Consensus About the Use of Long-Term Biosynthetic Absorbable Mesh for Hernia (Grades 2-3) as the Standard of Care

BACKGROUND

Standard synthetic and biologic meshes, often used in hernia repair, have commonly been used and each have their strengths but associated drawbacks. Long-term biosynthetic absorbable (LTBA) mesh has been developed to combine the strengths of synthetic and biologic meshes without the associated weaknesses. As a newer type of mesh, the supporting evidence base is still growing, and their optimum use has yet to be defined. This consensus was initiated to provide insight into those situations where a LTBA might be considered the Standard of Care in ventral hernia repair grades 2-3 (original classification, 2010) of the Ventral Hernia Working Group.

METHODS

A steering group of expert surgeons identified 35 statements, based around the evidence supporting LTBA, surgical technique, patients type most suitable for LTBA, risk-benefit of LTBA, patient and surgeon considerations, LTBA value. Surgeons involved in hernia repair received an online survey to assess consensus with these statements. Consensus was defined as high if ≥ 70% and very high if ≥ 90% of respondents agreed. Statements that had not achieved consensus agreement were revised and these were then issued for a subsequent round. Finally, 34 statements were included.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-five surgeons were involved. Fourteen statements (41%) achieved very high consensus, 24 achieved consensuses (≥ 70-< 90%), whilst one (3%) just failed to achieve consensus with an agreement score of 69%.

CONCLUSIONS

Expert consensus opinion about the use of LTBA for hernia (Grades 2-3) as the Standard of Care was achieved. Based on the consensus scores, the steering group derived eleven keys.

Abnormal response after multiple rapid swallow provocation is not predictive of post-operative dysphagia following a tailored fundoplication approach

INTRODUCTION

The aim was to evaluate the clinical significance of multiple rapid swallows (MRS) during high-resolution manometry (HRM) prior to fundoplication. Despite pre-operative HRM, up to 38% of patients report post-fundoplication dysphagia. Suggestion that MRS improves prediction of dysphagia after fundoplication has not been investigated when using a tailored approach. We hypothesize response to MRS is predictive of dysphagia after tailored fundoplication.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients undergoing HRM with MRS provocation 5/2019-7/2021 at a single institution. Patients who underwent subsequent index laparoscopic fundoplication, without peptic stricture or achalasia, were included. After performing standard 10-swallow HRM, MRS provocation was performed. Patient-reported dysphagia frequency scores were collected at initial consultation and post-operative follow-up. At least weekly symptoms were considered clinically significant. Normal MRS response was defined as adequate deglutitive inhibition and MRS contractile response. Fundoplications were tailored based on standard HRM values.

RESULTS

HRM was performed in 1201 patients, 220 met inclusion criteria. Clinically significant pre-operative dysphagia was reported by 85 (38.6%). Patients undergoing partial fundoplication (n = 123, 55.9%) had lower mean distal contractile integer, distal esophageal contraction amplitude, and percent peristalsis (p < 0.005). Post-operatively, 120 (54.5%) were without dysphagia, 59 (26.8%) had improved dysphagia, 26 (11.8%) had unchanged dysphagia, and 15 (6.8%) reported new dysphagia. There was no statistical difference in early or late dysphagia outcome between tailored fundoplication groups (p = 0.69). On univariate and multivariate analysis, neither MRS response, nor standard HRM metrics were significantly associated with post-operative dysphagia. Younger age (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.986, p = 0.042) and the presence of pre-operative dysphagia (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.17-5.65, p = 0.015) were significant predictors of post-operative dysphagia.

CONCLUSION

The risk of clinically significant dysphagia post-fundoplication is low when using a tailored approach based on standard HRM metrics. Additional data provided by MRS does not add to surgical decision-making using the investigated approach.

Medium-term safety and efficacy profile of paraesophageal hernia repair with Phasix-ST® mesh: a single-institution experience

BACKGROUND

Hernia recurrence after laparoscopic repair is a perplexing problem. In an effort to reduce anatomical and clinical recurrences, different type of meshes have been used to bolster the esophageal hiatus.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess safety, medium-term efficacy, and quality of life improvement after laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia reinforced with a biosynthetic absorbable mesh (Phasix-ST^®).

METHODS

Observational single-center retrospective single-arm cohort study (November 2015-February 2021). We included all adult patients (> 18 years old) who underwent laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair with Phasix-ST^® mesh and Toupet fundoplication.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients were included. The median postoperative stay was 3.2 days (range 2-9) and the postoperative complication rate was 11.7%. The median follow-up time was 27 months (range 1-53). No mesh-related complications were detected. Hernia recurrence was diagnosed in six patients (8.8%). The recurrence-free probability at 34 months was 0.89 (95% CI 0.807-0.988) while at 60 months was 0.86 (95% CI 0.76-0.97). Hernia recurrences were mostly observed between 21 and 36 months after the operation. None of the patients required surgical revision and all were managed with PPI. Postoperative dysphagia requiring endoscopic balloon dilatation occurred in 2.9% of patients. Compared to baseline, both the GERD-HRQL (15.2 ± 6.2 vs. 3.2 ± 3.1; p = 0.026) and all SF-36 items were significantly improved (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic crura augmentation with Phasix-ST^® mesh combined with a Toupet fundoplication is safe and seems effective in the medium-term follow-up. Phasix-ST^® crural reinforcement resulted in low hernia recurrence rate with a sustained symptoms and quality of life improvement.

A Systematic Review Examining the Experimental Methodology Behind In Vivo Testing of Hiatus Hernia and Diaphragmatic Hernia Mesh

INTRODUCTION

Mesh implants are regularly used to help repair both hiatus hernias (HH) and diaphragmatic hernias (DH). In vivo studies are used to test not only mesh safety, but increasingly comparative efficacy. Our work examines the field of in vivo mesh testing for HH and DH models to establish current practices and standards.

METHOD

This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO. Medline and Embase databases were searched for relevant in vivo studies. Forty-four articles were identified and underwent abstract review, where 22 were excluded. Four further studies were excluded after full-text review-leaving 18 to undergo data extraction.

RESULTS

Of 18 studies identified, 9 used an in vivo HH model and 9 a DH model. Five studies undertook mechanical testing on tissue samples-all uniaxial in nature. Testing strip widths ranged from 1-20 mm (median 3 mm). Testing speeds varied from 1.5-60 mm/minute. Upon histology, the most commonly assessed structural and cellular factors were neovascularisation and macrophages respectively (n = 9 each). Structural analysis was mostly qualitative, where cellular analysis was equally likely to be quantitative. Eleven studies assessed adhesion formation, of which 8 used one of four scoring systems. Eight studies measured mesh shrinkage.

DISCUSSION

In vivo studies assessing mesh for HH and DH repair are uncommon. Within this relatively young field, we encourage surgical and materials testing institutions to discuss its standardisation.

A prospective, multicenter trial of a long-term bioabsorbable mesh with Sepra technology in cohort of challenging laparoscopic ventral or incisional hernia repairs (ATLAS trial)

BACKGROUND

This prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label study evaluated P4HB-ST mesh in laparoscopic ventral or incisional hernia repair (LVIHR) in patients with Class I (clean) wounds at high risk for Surgical Site Occurrence (SSO).

METHODS

Primary endpoint was SSO requiring intervention <45 days. Secondary endpoints included: surgical procedure time, length of stay, SSO >45 days, hernia recurrence, device-related adverse events, reoperation, and Quality of Life at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24-months.

RESULTS

120 patients (52.5% male), mean age of 55.0 ± 14.9 years, and BMI of 33.2 ± 4.5 kg/m2 received P4HB-ST mesh. Patient-reported comorbid conditions included: obesity (86.7%), active smoker (45.0%), COPD (5.0%), diabetes (16.7%), immunosuppression (2.5%), coronary artery disease (7.5%), chronic corticosteroid use (2.5%), hypoalbuminemia (0.8%), advanced age (10.0%), and renal insufficiency (0.8%). Hernia types were primary ventral (44.2%), primary incisional (37.5%), recurrent ventral (5.8%), and recurrent incisional (12.5%). Patients underwent LVIHR in laparoscopic (55.8%) or robotic-assisted cases (44.2%), mean defect size 15.7 ± 28.3 cm2, mean procedure time 85.9 ± 43.0 min, and mean length of stay 1.0 ± 1.4 days. There were no SSOs requiring intervention beyond 45 days, n = 38 (31.7%) recurrences, n = 22 (18.3%) reoperations, and n = 2 (1.7%) device-related adverse events (excluding recurrence).

CONCLUSION

P4HB-ST mesh demonstrated low rates of SSO and device-related complications, with improved quality of life scores, and reoperation rate comparable to other published studies. Recurrence rate was higher than expected at 31.7%. However, when analyzed by hernia defect size, recurrence was disproportionately high in defects ≥7.1 cm2 (43.3%) compared to defects <7.1 cm2 (18.6%). Thus, in LVIHR, P4HB-ST may be better suited for small defects. Caution is warranted when utilizing P4HB-ST in laparoscopic IPOM repair of larger defects until additional studies can further investigate outcomes.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing paraesophageal hernia repair with selective use of biologic mesh

BACKGROUND

The use of biologic mesh in paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR) has been associated with decreased short-term recurrence but no statistically significant difference in long-term recurrence. Because of this, we transitioned from routine to selective use of mesh for PEHR. The aim of this study was to examine our indications for selective mesh use and to evaluate patient outcomes in this population.

METHODS

We queried a prospectively maintained database for patients who underwent laparoscopic PEHR with biologic mesh from October 2015 to October 2018, then performed a retrospective chart review. The decision to use mesh was made intraoperatively by the surgeon. Recurrence was defined as the presence of > 2 cm intrathoracic stomach on postoperative upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series.

RESULTS

Mesh was used in 61/169 (36%) of first-time PEHRs, and in 47/82 (57%) of redo PEHRs. Among first-time PEHRs, the indications for mesh included hiatal tension (85%), poor crural tissue quality (11%), or both (5%). Radiographic recurrence occurred in 15% of first-time patients (symptomatic N = 2, asymptomatic N = 3). There were no reoperations for recurrence. Among redo PEHRs, the indication for mesh was most commonly the redo nature of the repair itself (55%), but also hiatal tension (51%), poor crural tissue quality (13%), or both (4%). Radiographic recurrence occurred in 21% of patients (symptomatic N = 4, asymptomatic N = 1). There was 1 reoperation for recurrence in the redo-repair group.

CONCLUSIONS

We selectively use biologic mesh in a third of our first-time repair patients and in over half of our redo-repair patients when there is a perceived high risk of recurrence based on hiatal tension, poor tissue quality, or prior recurrence. Despite the high risk for radiologic recurrence, there was only 1 reoperation for recurrence in the entire cohort.

Mesh Repair of a Giant Para-Esophageal Hernia + Sleeve Gastrectomy. Combined Treatment of Intra-Thoracic Stomach and Morbid Obesity: a Video Case Presentation

Concurrent surgical treatment of an intra-gastric stomach + morbid obesity is demonstrated. Video footage on diagnosis (gastroscopy and upper GI series) and surgical steps, as well as 2-year outcome (upper GI series), is presented. Although controversy exists regarding the best bariatric option when concomitantly repairing a giant para-esophageal hernia, in the light of recent reports and our own experience, sleeve gastrectomy may be the procedure of choice if reflux is no issue.

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.

Biosynthetic Resorbable Prosthesis is Useful in Single-Stage Management of Chronic Mesh Infection After Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair

BACKGROUND

The goal of this article was to report the results about the efficacy of treatment of chronic mesh infection (CMI) after abdominal wall hernia repair (AWHR) in one-stage management, with complete mesh explantation of infected prosthesis and simultaneous reinforcement with a biosynthetic poly-4-hydroxybutyrate absorbable (P4HB) mesh.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of all patients that needed mesh removal for CMI between September 2016 and January 2019 at a tertiary center. Epidemiological data, hernia characteristics, surgical, and postoperative variables (Clavien-Dindo classification) of these patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 32 patients who required mesh explantation, 30 received one-stage management of CMI. In 60% of the patients, abdominal wall reconstruction was necessary after the infected mesh removal: 8 cases (26.6%) were treated with Rives-Stoppa repair, 4 (13.3%) with a fascial plication, 1 (3.3%) with anterior component separation, and 1 (3.3%) with transversus abdominis release to repair hernia defects. Three Lichtenstein (10%) and 1 Nyhus repairs (3.3%) were performed in patients with groin hernias. The most frequent postoperative complications were surgical site occurrences: seroma in 5 (20%) patients, hematoma in 2 (6.6%) patients, and wound infection in 1 (3.3%) patient. During the mean follow-up of 34.5 months (range 23-46 months), the overall recurrence rate was 3.3%. Persistent, recurrent, or new CMIs were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, single-stage management of CMI with complete removal of infected prosthesis and replacement with a P4HB mesh is feasible with acceptable results in terms of mesh reinfection and hernia recurrence.

A Collective Review of Gore Bio-A Absorbable Synthetic Mesh in Cruroplasty Reinforcement

Background: Laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia (HH) is associated with a considerable failure rate. Compared to suture repair alone, mesh-reinforced cruroplasty may be associated with fewer short-term recurrences, yet its use remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the current literature assessing the use of Bio-A absorbable synthetic mesh in the reinforcement of primary crural closure after laparoscopic HH repair. Methods: A systematic review of primary literature in the MEDLINE and PubMed databases was conducted. We searched for investigations reporting patient outcomes in laparoscopic HH repair with onlay Gore Bio-A tissue reinforcement (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.) published between January 2008 and December 2019. The primary outcome was anatomical recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes were complication rate, symptomatic outcomes, and mortality. Results: Eight studies met inclusion criteria. There were two prospective and six retrospective cohort studies. In the included studies, laparoscopic HH repair was performed with Bio-A absorbable synthetic mesh in 734 patients. The anatomical recurrence data were extracted across all studies, and an objective recurrence was identified in 21/280 (7.5%) patients. There was only 1 (0.17%) mesh-related complication in the included studies. Conclusions: The use of Bio-A absorbable synthetic mesh in the repair of HHs may be promising, as it offers low rates of anatomical recurrence and mesh-related complications, but more data are still necessary to validate these findings. This collective review of literature is a basis for future randomized controlled trials to identify the most effective and safe mesh in the long term.

Robotic Fundoplication for Large Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernias

Purpose:

Laparoscopic fundoplication is now a cornerstone in the treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) with sliding hernia. The best outcomes are achieved in those patients who have some response to medical treatment compared to those who do not. Robotic fundoplication is considered a novel approach in treating GERD with large paraesophageal hiatal hernias. Our goal was to examine the feasibility of this technique.

Methods:

Seventy patients (23 males and 47 females) with mean age 64 y old (22–92), preoperatively diagnosed with a large paraesophageal hiatal hernia, were treated with a robotic approach. Biosynthetic tissue absorbable mesh was applied for hiatal closure reinforcement. Fifty-eight patients underwent total fundoplication, 11 patients had partial fundoplication, and one patient had a Collis-Nissen fundoplication for acquired short esophagus.

Results:

All procedures were completed robotically, without laparoscopic or open conversion. Mean operative time was 223 min (180–360). Mean length of stay was 38 h (24–96). Median follow-up was 29 mo (7–51). Moderate postoperative dysphagia was noted in eight patients, all of which resolved after 3 mo without esophageal dilation. No mesh-related complications were detected. There were six hernia recurrences. Four patients were treated with redo-robotic fundoplication, and two were treated medically.

Conclusions:

The success of robotic fundoplication depends on adhering to a few important technical principles. In our experience, the robotic surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease with large paraesophageal hernias may afford the surgeon increased dexterity and is feasible with comparable outcomes compared with traditional laparoscopic approaches.

Safety and Efficacy of Crura Augmentation with Phasix ST Mesh for Large Hiatal Hernia: 3-Year Single-Center Experience

Background: Safety and effectiveness of absorbable meshes for laparoscopic hiatus hernia repair are still debated. This may be due to patient selection, technique of repair, type and shape of mesh, definition of recurrent hernia, and length of follow-up. The aim of this study was to assess safety, short-term efficacy, and quality of life after laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia reinforced with a biosynthetic absorbable mesh. Materials and Methods: A single-center observational cohort study was conducted in patients with large type III-IV hiatal hernia who underwent laparoscopic crural repair reinforced with Phasix ST^®, a monofilament resorbable mesh (poly-4-hydroxybuterate) with a hydrogel barrier on one side. Patient data were extracted from hospital charts and a prospectively updated research database. Both generic Short Form-36 (SF-36) and disease-specific (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease Health-Related Quality of Life [GERD-HRQL]) questionnaires were used to assess preoperative and postoperative quality of life. Results: From January 2017 to July 2019, 73 consecutive patients were implanted with Phasix ST mesh. The median follow-up was 17 (interquartile range 9-24) months. Recurrent hernia was found in 2 of 62 (3.2%) patients followed for more than 6 months after surgery, but none required reoperation. The overall postoperative morbidity rate was 8.2%. No mesh-related complications occurred. Compared to baseline, there was a statistically significant improvement of all items of the SF-36 questionnaire (P < .001) and of the median GERD-HRQL score (P < .001). Conclusion: The use of Phasix ST mesh to reinforce crural repair for large hiatus hernias is safe, is effective in the short-term follow-up, and is associated to improved quality of life.