The Impact of Scoliosis Among Patients with Giant Paraesophageal Hernia

Abstract

BackgroundKyphoscoliosis is seen in approximately 1.4–15% of the octogenarian population of the US. We hypothesized that patients with kyphoscoliosis are affected with a reduced intra-abdominal volume and progressive laxity of the diaphragmatic hiatal sling musculature leading to an increased risk of hiatal hernia formation and progression over time. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical history and roentgenographic data of 320 paraesophageal hernia patients from 2003 to 2007. The prevalence of kyphoscoliosis among this patient cohort and the outcomes of surgical management were compared to paraesophageal hernia patients without kyphoscoliosis. ResultsNinety-three of the 320 patients (29.1%) were found to have significant K/S (mean age 74; 83% female). Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernia with fundoplication was performed in 91% of these patients. There was one death (1.1%; aspiration pneumonia) and 17.2% major postoperative morbidity. Mean length of hospital stay was 8 days (median = 4; range 2–71). Prolonged stays were related mainly to marginal pulmonary status. Kyphoscoliosis was associated with increased peri-operative pulmonary morbidity (16.1%) compared to patients without kyphoscoliosis (7.0%, p = 0.02). ConclusionKyphoscoliosis may contribute to the development and progression of paraesophageal hernias. Surgeons approaching paraesophageal hernia repair should be aware of the increased pulmonary morbidity and the postoperative care required in managing these patients.