O168 VERY LONG-TERM (5-19 YEARS) FOLLOW-UP OF PARAESOPHAGEAL HERNIA REPAIR: PERMANENT MESH vs STANDARD CRUROPLASTY

Abstract

Abstract Aim Aim of this comparative study was to analyze very long-term safety, symptomatic outcomes and rate of recurrence in a cohort of patients who underwent large hiatus hernia repair with or without synthetic mesh. Background & Methods The use of a permanent mesh to reinforce the hiatus could reduce the rate of radiological and symptomatic recurrences after laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair. However, strictures and even erosions into the esophageal lumen have been reported. Aim of this comparative study was to analyze very long-term safety, symptomatic outcomes and rate of recurrence in a cohort of patients who underwent large hiatus hernia repair with or without synthetic mesh. Observational cohort study using a prospectively maintained database. From November 2001 to September 2005, 39 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic repair and fundoplication for large hiatus hernia (> 5 cm). Thirteen patients (Group M) received crural reinforcement with non-absorbable mesh, while 26 patients (Group S) underwent standard cruroplasty. Mesh-related complications, postoperative symptoms and hernia recurrence at very long-term follow-up through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, GERD-HRQL and FOREGUT questionnaires. Results There were 23 women and 16 men, with a median age of 60 years (range 28-81). The hernia size was similar in both groups. Postoperative complications occurred in 2 patients (5.1%) and there was no mortality. The median long-term follow-up was 168 months (range 139-197 months, IQR: 23.5). At last follow-up visit, occasional (once a month) dysphagia occurred in 23% of Group M patients, but none required endoscopic dilatation. The hernia recurrence rate was 0. No short or long-term complications related to the use of the mesh were recorded. In group S, non of patients, complained of dysphagia, whereas 2 (7.7%) patients complained of occasional reflux symptoms and other 2 (7.7%) of dyspepsia. In 4 patients (15.4%), a small hiatus hernia recurrence or a partially slipped fundoplication was noted, but all patients were asymptomatic. GERD-HRQL scores significantly decrease in both groups (p<0.05). Conclusion Laparoscopic antireflux surgery with permanent prosthetic mesh is an effective and safe procedure in carefully selected patients with large hiatal hernia.