Laparoscopic augmentation of the diaphragmatic hiatus with biologic mesh versus suture repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias is associated with high recurrence rates. Erosion and mesh migration are rare but devastating complications of synthetic mesh repair, whereas reoperation is accompanied by significant operative morbidity. The aim of this study was to estimate the comparative risk of hernia recurrence following primary suture or biologic mesh repair. A systematic literature search of the MEDLINE database was performed and comparative data of relevant studies were combined using the Mantel-Haenszel meta-analysis model. The odds ratio (OR) for hernia recurrence with 95 % confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Five relevant studies (two randomized controlled trials and three case-control studies) and one follow-up report of a randomized trial, encompassing 295 patients, were identified. Small intestine submucosa and human acellular cadaveric dermis were used as mesh grafts. Short-term recurrence rates were 16.6 and 3.5 % for suture repair and biologic mesh repair, respectively (OR 3.74, 95 % CI 1.55-8.98, p = 0.003). Long-term recurrence based on data provided by one trial only was 51.3 and 42.4 %, respectively (OR 1.43, 95 % CI 0.56-3.63, p = 0.45). Sensitivity analysis of the two randomized trials at short-term follow up demonstrated no significant difference (OR 2.54, 95 % CI 0.92-7.02, p = 0.07). Biologic mesh repair of large hiatal hernias may confer short-term benefits in terms of hernia recurrence; however, the limited available information does not allow us to make conclusions about the long-term efficacy of biologic mesh in this setting. Individual biologic mesh grafts require further clinical assessment.