Paraesophageal hernia repair with laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication: impact on pulmonary function, respiratory symptoms and quality of life

Background Paraesophageal hiatal hernia (PEH) is characterized by protrusion of intra-abdominal organs into the posterior mediastinum. Respiratory symptoms and reduced pulmonary function have been described as possibly related to lung compression. Objective To assess the effect of laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) for PEH repair on pulmonary function, measured with pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and respiratory symptoms. Methods Retrospective, single-center, cohort study (November 2015-2020). All patients that completed pre- and postoperative (12 months) PFTs assessment were included. The gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL), reflux symptom index (RSI) and short form-36 (SF-36) were used. Results Overall, 71 patients were included. The median age was 67.1 years and the majority were females (78.8%). Baseline PFTs were within normal limits in 91% of patients. At 12 month follow-up, total lung capacity (TLC) (4.77 vs. 5.07 L; p = 0.0251), vital capacity (VC) (2.97 vs. 3.31 L; p = 0.0065), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (2.07 vs. 2.44 L; p < 0.001) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (2.78 vs. 3.19 L; p < 0.001) were significantly improved. No significant differences were found for diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (17.09 vs. 17.24; p = 0.734), and FEV1/FVC (0.77 vs. 0.77; p = 0.967). Interestingly, improvements were more pronounced in patients with large PEH (type IIIb and IV). At 12 month follow-up, both gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms were significantly improved and 94% of patients were satisfied with the operation. The GERD-HRQL (18.1 +/- 7.9 vs. 4.01 +/- 2.4; p = 0.001), RSI (37.8 +/- 9.7 vs. 10.6 +/- 8.9; p < 0.001) and all SF-36 items were improved. Conclusions LTF for the treatment of PEH is safe and seems to be effective up to 12 month follow-up with improved lung volumes, spirometry values, quality of life, gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms.