Laparoscopic management of large paraesophageal hiatal hernia

Background: Large paraesophageal hernias (POHs) predominantly occur in the elderly population. Early repair is recommended to avoid the risks associated with gastric volvulus. Methods: Data were collected prospectively during an 8-year period. Laparoscopic repair of POHs initially included circumcision of the sac and mesh hiatal repair. Sac excision and suture hiatal repair were later adopted. A fundoplication was also included, initially as a selective procedure. Results: Fifty-three patients with large POHs were treated by one surgeon. All had attempted laparoscopic repair, with four conversions to an open procedure. Symptomatic hernia recurrence occurred in five patients (9%). The 21 patients who had sac excision, hiatal repair, and fundoplication have remained free of symptomatic recurrence. The postoperative morbidity rate was 13%, with one death. Conclusions: Laparoscopic repair of large POHs remains feasible. We advocate complete sac excision, hiatal repair, fundoplication, and gastropexy to prevent early recurrence.