P-BN11 Patient Reported Outcomes of Phasix™ ST Mesh for Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair

Background Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair continues to suffer from high recurrence rates, which has prompted the use of mesh reinforcement by some surgeons. Use of mesh however remains controversial due to its association with complications such as erosion, fibrosis and oesophageal stenosis. Biosynthetic Poly-4-Hydroxybutyrate Phasix™ ST mesh is an emerging technology which combines the durability of synthetic mesh with the remodelling characteristics of biologic mesh and includes an anti-adhesion hydrogel barrier. There is a paucity of patient reported outcome data for Phasix™ ST mesh. This study evaluates early patient reported outcomes following laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with Phasix™ ST mesh. Methods Adult patients undergoing laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with Phasix™ ST mesh between July 2020 to June 2021 at our institution were identified. Prospective data, including demographic data and complication rates, was collected from electronic and paper medical records. The 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) was administered to assess quality of life pre-operatively and post-operatively with a minimum 30-day follow-up. Results Fourteen patients (12 female, one male) were included with a median age of 66 years (range 52-79). There were no intraoperative complications, mesh-related complications, re-operation, re-admission, or recurrence at a median follow-up of 4 months (IQR 4.0). Median physical health component (PHC) score was 32.7 (IQR 6.2) at baseline and increased to 41.6 (IQR 13.7) post-operatively. Median difference in PHC score was +11.4 (IQR 10.7). Median mental health component (MHC) score was 39.8 (IQR 12.5) at baseline and increased to 57.4 (IQR 8.2) post-operatively. Mean difference in MHC score was +17.7 (IQR 15.9). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of outcomes on the use of Phasix™ ST mesh for laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair in the United Kingdom. Our study found that it is associated with improvements in both physical and mental quality of life in the short-term post-operative follow-up, although there is some variation in the degree of improvement reported.

The Outcomes of Performing Partial Fundoplication Based on Endoflip Versus Manometric Findings

Background The surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involves extensive diagnostic studies and sophisticated surgical techniques. The workup should be comprehensive and purposeful. High resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) provides valuable information regarding peristalsis and lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. The disadvantages of HRIM such as intolerance or inability to pass the catheter led to its selective use or even omission especially in laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with partial fundoplication. This pragmatic approach risks missing motility disorders in patients with secondary reflux symptoms related to achalasia or scleroderma. Endolumenal functional lumen imaging probe (endoFLIP) can fill this void as it evaluates the dynamics of the esophagogastric junction under sedation. This study aims to compare the outcomes of preoperative use of HRIM vs endoFLIP for laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia with partial fundoplication. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study for consecutive patients who underwent antireflux surgery with partial fundoplication between July 2018 and February 2021. Preoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared between two cohorts of patients: those with preoperative HRIM and those with preoperative endoFLIP. Results A total of 72 patients were evaluated, 41 had preoperative HRIM and 31 had endoFLIP. There was no statistically significant difference in their age, sex, BMI, duration of GERD symptoms, or proton pump inhibitors use. The endoscopic findings of esophagitis, hiatal hernia, and Hill’s grade were comparable. There was no difference in the American Society of Anesthesiology classification or the choice of antireflux surgery. The improvement of postoperative GERD scores and dysphagia subscore was similar between the two groups. Conclusion Performing partial fundoplication based on endoFLIP evaluation of the dynamics of the esophagogastric junction is safe and does not increase postoperative dysphagia compared to preoperative manometric use. Randomized prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study.

Ligamentum teres augmentation (LTA) for hiatal hernia repair after minimally invasive esophageal resection: a new use for an old structure

Purpose Hiatal hernias with intrathoracic migration of the intestines are serious complications after minimally invasive esophageal resection with gastric sleeve conduit. High recurrence rates have been reported for standard suture hiatoplasties. Additional mesh reinforcement is not generally recommended due to the serious risk of endangering the gastric sleeve. We propose a safe, simple, and effective method to close the hiatal defect with the ligamentum teres. Methods After laparoscopic repositioning the migrated intestines, the ligamentum teres is dissected from the ligamentum falciforme and the anterior abdominal wall. It is then positioned behind the left lobe of the liver and swung toward the hiatal orifice. Across the anterior aspect of the hiatal defect it is semi-circularly fixated with non-absorbable sutures. Care should be taken not to endanger the blood supply of the gastric sleeve. Results We have used this technique for a total of 6 patients with hiatal hernias after hybrid minimally invasive esophageal resection in the elective (n = 4) and emergency setting (n = 2). No intraoperative or postoperative complications have been observed. No recurrence has been reported for 3 patients after 3 months. Conclusion Primary suture hiatoplasties for hiatal hernias after minimally invasive esophageal resection can be technically challenging, and high postoperative recurrence rates are reported. An alternative, safe method is needed to close the hiatal defect. Our promising preliminary experience should stimulate further studies regarding the durability and efficacy of using the ligamentum teres hepatis to cover the hiatal defect.