370 LAPAROSCOPIC HIATAL HERNIA REPAIR: INSIGHTS FROM A HIGH-VOLUME CENTER

Abstract

Abstract When a hiatal hernia (HH) becomes symptomatic, surgical repair is indicated. The surgical procedure can be safely carried out laparoscopically with good results. However, it is unclear whether the size of the hernia affects perioperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess whether laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias (L-HH) has comparable results to laparoscopic repair of small hernias (S-HH). Methods After approval from the Institutional Review Board, a prospectively maintained database was reviewed for data on patients who underwent primary laparoscopic HH repair at our center between August 2016 and December 2019. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon (SKM). HHs were defined as “large” when at least 50% of the stomach was herniated through the hiatus. Data on perioperative results and mid-term follow-up were analyzed. The Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification was used to define complications. Results Of 170 identified patients, 55 had L-HH; 115 had S-HH. Mean ages were 72 ± 10 for L-HH and 61 ± 11.3 years for S-HH (p < 0.001). Median operative time was 95 (IQR, 80–110) and 75 minutes (IQR, 65–90) for L-HH and S-HH, respectively (p < 0.001). L-HH patients had longer hospital stays (median 2 vs 1 days, IQR 1–2 for both; p = 0.001) and more complications (12/55 [21.8%] vs 4/115 [3.5%]; p < 0.001) than S-HH patients. Two L-HH patients had CD grades IIIb and IVa. At follow-up (20.9 ± 8.7 months), gastroesophageal reflux disease quality of life scores were comparable between groups (6.4 ± 11.7 vs 5.2 ± 0; p = 0.9). Conclusion Laparoscopic HH repair is safe and feasible; however, is more technically challenging and is associated with longer operative time, longer hospital stay, and increased morbidity when performed as treatment for L-HH (ie, at least 50% of the stomach herniated through the hiatus). Nonetheless, good quality of life outcomes can be achieved at mid-term follow-up in both patients with S-HH and patients with L-HH who undergo treatment by an experienced surgeon.