Laparoscopic mesh cruroplasty for large paraesophageal hernias

Background: Previous studies have shown that surgical repair of paraesophageal hernias is associated with a high recurrence rate, especially when a laparoscopic approach is used. Anatomic recurrence due to crura breakdown is a primary etiology, which has led us to employ prosthetic mesh reinforcement of large hiatal defects (> 5 cm) since 1996. We discuss the evolution of this approach and describe our current technique with limited outcomes in 52 consecutive patients during a 5-year period. Methods: There were 31 males and 21 females, with a mean age of 57 years (range, 32–77 years) with symptomatic reflux and endoscopic or radiologic evidence of a large paraesophageal hernia. Utilizing a laparoscopic approach, the contents of the sac were reduced and the crura approximated with permanent interrupted sutures and a prosthetic mesh was secured over the repair as an on-lay reinforcement buttress. A Nissen (42) or Tilley (9) fundoplication was performed in all but 1 patient, and 18 patients (34%) required a wedge collis gastroplasty. Fifteen patients (28%) had a previous unsuccessful antireflux operation. Results: There was no perioperative morbidity or mortality. Follow-up averaged 25 months (range, 7–60 months). Postoperative gastroscopy or barium swallow have been performed in 27 patients to date, with 11 experiencing foregut symptoms. There has been 1 recurrence (1.9%) and no prosthetic erosion. Conclusion: Early results suggest that prosthetic mesh cruroplasty may be effective in reducing recurrence after laparoscopic repair of large paraesophageal hernias, but long-term follow-up is required in all patients to determine the true incidence of anatomic recurrence and prosthetic erosion.