677 ROBOTIC-ASSISTED HIATAL HERNIA AND GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE RE-DO SURGERY: A SINGLE INSTITUTION EXPERIENCE

Hiatal hernia recurrence (HHR) after surgical repair associated with dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease or other symptoms represents a non-negligible disease that frequently needs a reoperative solution. The repair of a relapsed hiatal hernia represents a surgical challenge due to anatomic changes and fibrosis, and the robotic approach seems to provide benefits because offers enhanced visualization and dexterity. Methods Between June 2019 and February 2021, 7 patients (1 male, 6 female) underwent redo robotic approach surgery for hiatal hernia recurrence after being pre operative diagnosed. All surgeries were elective and all patients had both clinical and radiologic recurrence. Biosynthetic tissue absorbable mesh was applied in one patient with double time recurrence hernia. Four patients underwent total fundoplication (Nissen), 2 patients had Toupet fundoplication, and one patient had hiatus repair without fundoplication. Results The mean age of the patients was 62.7 years and the main expressed symptom for the patient was dysphagia. Time to clinical recurrence was 13 months. Biosynthetic mesh was used in one patient. The mean operative time was 143 minutes (80–240) and no intraoperative complications were described. There were no conversions to open or laparoscopic procedures. The early and 30 day mortality rate was 0% and mean hospital stay was 2.7 days. Conclusion Robotic support, when available, can be beneficial in redo surgery for GERD and hiatal hernia recurrence. Despite our short experience, we believe the robotic approach for redo hiatal surgery is safe and effective with low complication rates even in high-risk patients.

791 RECURRENT HIATAL HERNIA A HIGH PREDICTOR OF PATHOLOGIC REFLUX AND NEED FOR REINTERVENTION

Anti-reflux surgery (ARS) has been postulated to have high failure rates, which may approach 50% depending upon hiatal hernia size. Most failures are thought to be related to wrap disruption or hiatal hernia recurrence. Recently, diaphragmatic mesh augmentation has been shown to reduce hiatal hernia recurrence. We aimed to determine factors that influence recurrence based on vigilant imaging and diagnostic pH studies, and the need for surgical reintervention. Methods A prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing index robotic ARS (including Hill, Nissen, Toupet, and Linx procedures) with Phasix ST ® mesh was queried. Between December 2016 and July 2020, 134 patients were identified of which 92 met inclusion criteria for post-operative barium esophagram performed at routine intervals (6, 12, or 24-months) or for recurrent symptoms. Median follow-up time was 11.4 months. Clinical characteristics, manometry, pH studies, as well as surgical approach was evaluated. Radiographic recurrences were then associated with endoscopic confirmation and rates of surgical re-intervention. Results Radiographic recurrence >2 cm was noted in 9 (9.8%) patients, of which 44% were symptomatic, compared to 36% of those without radiographic recurrence (p = 0.620). Endoscopy confirmed recurrence in 67% of patients with radiographic recurrence versus 0% without (p = 0.001). When all radiographic recurrences, including those <2 cm, were evaluated, 17 (18%) were identified, of which 53% of patients were symptomatic. Endoscopic and pH studies confirmed recurrences in 75% and 71% of these patients, respectively. Overall reintervention rates were 23% in the setting of any radiographic recurrence versus 1.3% without (p = 0.001). Conclusion Recurrence rates following robotic ARS and hiatal hernia repair with mesh augmentation appear low with nearly 1-year follow-up. Prior to surgical reintervention, endoscopic and pH studies are warranted to confirm symptomatic recurrence. Recurrent hiatal hernias, including those <2 cm, can lead to abnormal pH studies that merit reintervention at rates higher than those without evidence of recurrence. Longer term follow-up is required to optimally delineate true recurrence patterns.

Thinking About Hiatal Hernia Recurrence After Laparoscopic Repair: When Should It Be Considered a True Recurrence? A Different Point of View

Background: High rates of recurrence after laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair have been published. Most of these recurrences are asymptomatic and only diagnosed by endoscopic or radiologic studies. The definition of hiatal hernia recurrence is still under discussion. Objective: This study aimed to define a true hiatal hernia recurrence using a score and classification criteria considering the presence of symptoms and size of the recurrence. Patients and Methods: A total of 153 patients with giant hiatal hernia larger than 10 cm in diameter underwent an operation using a laparoscopic approach. Of these patients, 129 had a complete follow-up (3–5 years) after surgery, and they were the only ones included in this study. The IT system of our hospital was our database for data registration. A score and classification were designed for definition of a “true” hiatal hernia recurrence, based on postoperative symptoms and the presence or not of a hiatal hernia in both radiologic and endoscopic evaluations. Results: Hiatal hernia recurrence based on endoscopic and/or radiologic hiatal hernia was found in 55 patients (42.6%), and only 28 of them (50.9%) had recurrent symptoms. Applying the score and proposed classification, no recurrence was considered in 18 patients (13.9%). Symptomatic and true recurrence were considered in 22.9% of patients (29 patients). Reoperation was needed for 7 patients (5.4%) because of symptomatic and radiologic recurrence. Conclusions: Postoperative symptoms, endoscopic findings, or radiologic findings are important for the definition of the type of recurrence and for the indication of appropriate treatment. The proposed score and classification are useful in order to specify the hiatal hernia recurrence and treatment.