Full incorporation of Strattice™ Reconstructive Tissue Matrix in a reinforced hiatal hernia repair: a case report

Background Hiatal hernias are a common finding in patients who undergo bariatric surgery with an incidence of about 20% of all bariatric patients. Controversy exists on the utility of a biosynthetic tissue matrix (BTM) usage in combination with crural repair. This study was designed to explore the safety and benefits of the use of a BTM during concomitant hiatal hernia repair with bariatric surgical procedures. Methods This was a retrospective chart review of bariatric surgical patients who underwent a concomitant hiatal hernia repair at a single practice at a tertiary academic medical center from January 2014 to February 2019. Results A total of 420 patients were reviewed. Hiatal BTM reinforcement, recurrence, and postoperative proton pump inhibitor use were reported by type of operation. Recurrence was higher in gastric bypass patients who underwent hiatal hernia repair with suture cruroplasty alone vs. those who also underwent hiatal BTM reinforcement (7.1% vs. 3.7%, P = .52) and significantly higher in gastric sleeve patients who underwent hiatal hernia repair with suture cruroplasty alone vs. those who also underwent hiatal BTM reinforcement (7.1% vs. .5%, P = .01). No patient required reoperation for hiatal hernia recurrence. Discussion Performing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy with concomitant hiatal hernia repair is safe and durable. Employing crural reinforcement with BTM may be of benefit in reducing recurrence rates of hiatal hernia, particularly in sleeve gastrectomy patients.

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Trans-hiatal herniation following esophagectomy or gastrectomy: retrospective single-center experiences with a potential surgical emergency

Hernia ◽

10.1007/s10029-021-02380-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

P. U. Oppelt ◽

I. Askevold ◽

R. Hörbelt ◽

F. C. Roller ◽

W. Padberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hernia Repair ◽

Hiatal Hernia ◽

Surgical Repair ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Case Series ◽

Gastric Surgery ◽

Hiatal Hernia Repair ◽

Single Center ◽

Asymptomatic Patients

Abstract Purpose Trans-hiatal herniation after esophago-gastric surgery is a potentially severe complication due to the risk of bowel incarceration and cardiac or respiratory complaints. However, measures for prevention and treatment options are based on a single surgeon´s experiences and small case series in the literature. Methods Retrospective single-center analysis on patients who underwent surgical repair of trans-hiatal hernia following gastrectomy or esophagectomy from 01/2003 to 07/2020 regarding clinical symptoms, hernia characteristics, pre-operative imaging, hernia repair technique and perioperative outcome. Results Trans-hiatal hernia repair was performed in 9 patients following abdomino-thoracic esophagectomy (40.9%), in 8 patients following trans-hiatal esophagectomy (36.4%) and in 5 patients following conventional gastrectomy (22.7%). Gastrointestinal symptoms with bowel obstruction and pain were mostly prevalent (63.6 and 59.1%, respectively), two patients were asymptomatic. Transverse colon (54.5%) and small intestine (77.3%) most frequently prolapsed into the left chest after esophagectomy (88.2%) and into the dorsal mediastinum after gastrectomy (60.0%). Half of the patients had signs of incarceration in pre-operative imaging, 10 patients underwent emergency surgery. However, bowel resection was only necessary in one patient. Hernia repair was performed by suture cruroplasty without (n = 12) or with mesh reinforcement (n = 5) or tension-free mesh interposition (n = 5). Postoperative pleural complications were most frequently observed, especially in patients who underwent any kind of mesh repair. Three patients developed recurrency, of whom two underwent again surgical repair. Conclusion Trans-hiatal herniation after esophago-gastric surgery is rare but relevant. The role of surgical repair in asymptomatic patients is disputed. However, early hernia repair prevents patients from severe complications. Measures for prevention and adequate closure techniques are not yet defined.

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