Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery With Polyglactin (Vicryl) Mesh

Background: There is no debate that laparoscopic fundoplication has become the standard procedure for surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, there is still no consensus on whether to use prosthetic material routinely and on the preferred kind of prosthetic material. The aim of this study was to evaluate polyglactin mesh and polypropylene mesh use in laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) with particular regard to symptomatic relief, patient satisfaction, and complications. Methods: This prospective randomized study included 75 patients who underwent LARS with polypropylene mesh prosthesis and 75 patients who underwent LARS with polyglactin (vicryl) mesh prosthesis between January 2005 and January 2010. Preoperative and postoperative assessments of symptomatic and functional outcomes of patients were recorded. Outcome data analyzed included length of hospitalization, operative time, complications, and recurrence. Results: Laparoscopic repair of hiatal crura with a polyglactin mesh resulted in good symptomatic and clinical outcomes similar to that of polypropylene mesh. The recurrence rate with the use of polyglactin mesh is comparable to that of synthetic or biological materials reported in the literature. Conclusions: Closure of hiatal crura with a prosthetic polyglactin (vicryl) mesh at LARS is an effective and safe procedure.