Endoscopic Removal of an Eroded LINX® Device Using a Mechanical Biliary Lithotriptor

Background: Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) via the surgical placement of a LINX® device (LINX® Reflux Management System, Torax Medical, Shoreview, MN, USA) is an increasingly performed minimally invasive outpatient anti-reflux procedure with a low erosion rate. The most common initial approach to eroded LINX® devices is endoscopic removal. Often endoscopy centers do not have specialized devices to cut through the newer, more durable LINX® systems. In this paper we describe a unique approach for removal of a LINX® with intraluminal erosion using a commonly stocked mechanical biliary lithotripsy device. Case description: A 63-year-old male with a history of GERD and symptomatic type III paraesophageal hernia (PEH) underwent a robotic PEH repair with magnetic sphincter augmentation (1.5T, 17 bead) at an outside hospital. He developed an acute recurrence of his PEH, and subsequent upper endoscopy and contrast esophagram four weeks postoperatively revealed a gastric erosion of the LINX device, which had migrated 6 cm onto the stomach. Attempted endoscopic LINX® removal using the OVESCO remove DC Cutter device was unsuccessful. Using principles of prior endoscopic bariatric lap band foreign body removal, the entire LINX® device was successfully removed with the described biliary lithotriptor technique. Conclusion: Using a common biliary mechanical lithotriptor device and a guidewire to transect the newer 1.5T LINX® Reflux Management System is a safe, effective and familiar technique for endoscopic removal of an eroded MSA device.

Giant Paraesophageal Hernia With Obstructing Splenic Flexure Mass in the Left Hemithorax

Giant paraesophageal hernias contain greater than fifty percent of the stomach above the diaphragm. Over fifty percent of large bowel obstructions are due to colorectal adenocarcinoma. Here, we present a rare case of a 69-year-old female patient who developed a closed loop colonic obstruction caused by a colonic mass in the distal transverse colon within a giant paraesophageal hernia. We successfully performed emergent paraesophageal hernia reduction and mesh repair with extended right hemicolectomy and ileocolonic anastomosis. Emergent hernia repair via an abdominal approach can be used in this setting.

OV07 LAPAROSCOPIC HIATAL HERNIA MESH-SUTURE REPAIR

Aim “A new original laparoscopic operative technique was used to suture paraesophageal hernia (PEH) with the strips of mesh. Material and Methods The Mercilen (MercilenTM) mesh suture was used to close large hiatal hernia. The strips of mesh, instead of normal thread, were applied to close the gap between diaphragm’s crura in 12 patients with hernia defect more than 5 cm. Mesh suture were tighten as a simple laparoscopic intracorporeal knot. The surgical technique and surgical outcomes are presented. Results 12 patients underwent a laparoscopic PEH suturing with Mercilen strips of mesh. We recorded no recurrence or dysphagia at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Conclusions Mesh-sutured repairs of diaphragm’s hernia support the concepts of force distribution and resistance to suture pull through. The new original technique avoids using the sheet of mesh and enables to reduce the amount of dangerous complications connected with mesh and its fixation. Mesh-sutured closures of hiatal hernias seem to be safe and effective in tension closure of large hiatal defects. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the results. Using the mesh suture technique for the closure of large PEH, we protect the cruras from being cutting through. Besides, the mesh stripes and its knots produce tissue scarring around the esophagus making the suture line stronger.

P141 USE OF POLYPROPYLENE STRIPS FOR REINFORCEMENT OF THE CRUROPLASTY IN LAPAROSCOPIC PARAESOPHAGEAL HERNIA REPAIR: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Aim Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair is an effective treatment for symptomatic paraesophageal hernias. To reduce recurrence rates, the use of prosthetics for the crural repair has been suggested. Mesh-related complications are rare, but known to be disastrous. To address another form of crural repair, polypropylene strips are suggested. This study aimed to assess peri- and postoperative complications of reinforcement of the cruroplasty with polypropylene strips. Material and Methods From 2013 to 2020, patients with a type II, III or IV primary or recurrent paraesophageal hernia that underwent cruroplasty with polypropylene strips were retrospectively reviewed. Intra- and postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The incidence of symptomatic recurrent hiatal hernia (CT or endoscopy proven) and hospital stay were assessed. Results One-hundred-and-fifty-eight patients were included. Mean age was 65 years (standard deviation 10.4), 119 patients were female (75.3%). Almost 50% of surgeries took place between 2018 and 2020. Median follow-up was 7 months (interquartile range 17.5). Mean operation time in the primary hernia group was 159 minutes (standard deviation 39.0), and length of stay was 4.4 days. In 3/158 patients (2.0%) intra-operative complications occurred. Two patients developed a grade IV and seven patients a grade III postoperative complication. No mortality was recorded. Twelve recurrences (8.2%) were detected in the primary hernia group, and one (9.1%) in the recurrent hernia group. Conclusions There were no mesh-related complications seen and symptomatic recurrence rate was low, but longer follow up is needed.