Laparoscopic repair is the preferred surgical treatment for symptomatic Large Hiatal Hernia (LHH). However, data on long-term outcomes are limited. This study aims to evaluate the 20-year follow-up results of laparoscopic LHH repair in a high-volume experienced tertiary center. Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent elective laparoscopic LHH repair between 1992 and 2008. Preoperative and perioperative data were collected. The primary endpoint was the long-term reoperation rate. Survival analyses were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to investigate predictive factors of the need for revisional surgery. A total of 176 patients were included. All the procedures were performed laparoscopically, and in 5 cases (3.0%) with a robot-assisted approach. Mesh-augmented cruroplasty was performed in 26 patients (15.8%). A fundoplication was added in all patients: Nissen in 158 (89.8%), Toupet in 5 (2.8%), and Collis-Nissen in 13 (7.4%). Postoperative mean follow-up was 224.6 ± 83.3months. Clinically significant hiatal hernia recurrence occurred in 27 (16.2%), and 18 patients (10.2%) underwent surgical revision. The median time-to-redo was 12months (IQR 6-42months). Overall durability without revisional surgery at 20-year follow-up was 90%. The rate of revisional surgery after LHH repair is low and is generally required within 12months from primary surgery. Our results highlight the long-lasting effects of LHH repair at 20-year follow-up.
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