Concurrent Laparoscopic Morgagni Hernia Repair and Sleeve Gastrectomy

The Morgagni-type anterior diaphragmatic hernia is a congenital defect that is a very uncommon hernia presenting in an adult. Surgical repair is usually recommended upon diagnosis and often requires synthetic mesh for a durable, tension-free repair. The use of synthetic mesh concurrently with several of bariatric operations is controversial owing to the potential for mesh infection. In this report we describe a laparoscopic repair of a symptomatic Morgagni hernia with synthetic mesh, concurrently with sleeve gastrectomy, in a morbidly obese man. The patient was a 58-year-old man with a body mass index of 48 kg/m(2) and associated co-morbid conditions that included obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, impaired fasting glucose, and osteoarthritis. He was diagnosed with Morgagni hernia with exertional dyspnia. He underwent concurrent laparoscopic Morgagni hernia repair with mesh and sleeve gastrectomy. At 2 months after surgery the patient was doing well and tolerating solid foods, and his percentage excess weight loss was 35%. He was exercising regularly and had no exertional dyspnea. Laparoscopy is an attractive approach to performing multiple intra-abdominal procedures concurrently. The Morgagni hernia repair with mesh can be performed safely and effectively using a laparoscopic approach. This can be performed concurrently with bariatric surgery in the morbidly obese.