Laparoscopic management of large hiatal hernia: mesh method with the use of ProGrip mesh versus standard crural repair

Primary repair of large hiatal hernia is associated with a high recurrence rate. The use of mesh can lead to a reduce of recurrence rate. Despite this reduction, the type of mesh used and the placement technique are controversial. In our study, we used a new type of non-absorbable, self-fixating mesh to reinforce the cruroplasty. The aim of the present study was to compare the long-term results of laparoscopic treatment of large hiatal hernia with mesh reinforcement versus simple crura repair. This study was performed on 98 gastroesophageal reflux disease patients who underwent Nissen fundoplication with mesh-augmented crura repair and fundoplication with standard crura repair. We used non-absorbable laparoscopic self-fixating mesh by ProGrip (TM). All patients were separated into the mesh group (n = 50) and non-mesh group (n = 48). The groups were evaluated according to the following criteria: dysphagia, patients' symptomatic outcome judgment according to The Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire and patients' satisfaction, hiatal hernia recurrence according to upper endoscopy and a barium contrast swallow study. Follow-up was completed in 95 (97%) patients with a mean follow-up duration of 54 months (range 12-62 months). Mean operative time was not significantly different (p = 0.30302). During the 48 months of follow-up, one recurrence occurred in the mesh group and eight recurrences appeared in the non-mesh group (p = 0.027). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the mesh group (p = 0.004). The mesh group had a more significant improvement in GERD-HRQL score (p < 0.0001) compared to the non-mesh group. In conclusion, this study confirms that laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias is effective and durable over a long period of time. Reinforcement of crura repair with ProGrip (TM) mesh is safe and can prevent anatomical recurrences.