Large Hiatal Hernia Research Articles

A Large Hiatal Hernia Mimicking Presentation of Acute Coronary Syndrome

A Large Hiatal Hernia Mimicking Presentation of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Comment on "Sutured Versus Mesh-augmented Hiatus Hernia Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials".

Comment on "Sutured Versus Mesh-augmented Hiatus Hernia Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials".

TU1.9 Oesophageal manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring prior to laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery – is it a necessity? An evaluation of a newly established anti-reflux surgery service at a district general hospital

Abstract Background Laparoscopic fundoplication is an effective surgical option for patients with symptoms of reflux refractory to proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use. Oesophageal manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring are typically advocated as part of the evaluation of gastro-oesophgeal reflux disease, when anti-reflux surgery is considered. However, the requirement for these as a mandatory procedure remains controversial, particularly in the context of large hiatus hernia or presence of endoscopic reflux oesophagitis. Methods A retrospective review of all cases performed since the inception of the anti-reflux service at a single-centre district general hospital was undertaken. All patients who underwent an elective laparoscopic anti-reflux operation were included. Data pertaining to preoperative symptoms, preoperative investigations and postoperative outcomes (resolution of symptoms and PPI cessation) was collected. Results Over the three-year period, 22 anti-reflux operations were performed, of which 17 were followed up. The mean length of follow-up was 9.5 months. Most patients (91%) had typical reflux symptoms with a large hiatus hernia or endoscopic reflux oesophagitis. Only 4 (18.2%) patients underwent oesophageal manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring—each of these had either a normal preoperative OGD or barium swallow, or atypical symptoms. Alleviation of symptoms was achieved in 14 (82.3%) patients; 9 (52.9%) of which achieved complete resolution. PPI cessation was achieved in 12 (70.1%) patients, comparable with current literature. Conclusion Anti-reflux surgery can safely be performed without routine oesophageal manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring in the context of typical symptoms, a large hiatal defect or evidence of endoscopic reflux oesophagitis, as exemplified in our newly established anti-reflux service.

Novel "starburst" mesh configuration for paraesophageal and recurrent hiatal hernia repair: comparison with keyhole mesh configuration.

Controversy exists over the use of mesh, its type and configuration in repair of hiatal hernia. We have used biological mesh for large or recurrent hiatal hernias. We have developed a mesh configuration to better enhance the tensile strength of the hiatus by folding the mesh over the edge of the hiatus-entitled the "starburst" configuration. We report our experience with the starburst configuration, comparing it to our results with the keyhole configuration. Medical records of all patients undergoing either the keyhole or starburst mesh configuration hiatal hernia repair were reviewed between 2017 and 2021. Data gathered included age, sex, type of hernia (sliding, paraesophageal, or recurrent), fundoplication type (none, Nissen, Toupet, Dor, Collis-Nissen, Collis-Toupet, or magnetic sphincter augmentation [MSA]), 30-day complications, and long-term outcomes (hiatal hernia recurrence, reflux-symptom recurrence, dysphagia, dilations, reoperations). From 7/2017 to 8/2019, 51 cases using the keyhole mesh were completed. Sliding hiatal hernia comprised 4%, paraesophageal hernia (PEH) 64% and recurrent hiatal hernia (RHH) 34% of cases. Distribution of fundoplication type: 2% none, 41% Nissen, 41% Toupet, 8% Dor, 2% Collis-Nissen, and 6% Collis-Toupet. 30-day complication rate 31%. Long-term outcomes: recurrent hiatal hernia 16%, dysphagia 12%, dysphagia requiring dilation(s) 10%, recurrent GERD symptoms 4%, and reoperation 14%. From 10/2020 to 8/2021, 58 cases using the starburst configuration were completed. PEH comprised 60% and RHH 40%. Distribution of fundoplication type: 10% none, 40% Nissen, 43% Toupet, 5% MSA, 2% Collis-Toupet. 30-day complication rate 16%. Long-term outcomes: recurrent hiatal hernia 19%, dysphagia 14%, dilations 5%, recurrent GERD symptoms 9%, and reoperations 3%. The starburst mesh configuration compares favorably with the keyhole configuration with respect to postoperative dysphagia, need for esophageal dilation, and GERD symptom recurrence, with similar recurrence rates. We are continuing to further refine this technique and study the long-term outcomes.

Large hiatus hernia: time for a paradigm shift?

BackgroundLaparoscopic large hiatal hernia (LHH) repair remains a challenge despite three decades of ongoing attempts at improving surgical outcome. Its rarity and complexity, coupled with suboptimal initial approach that is usually best suited for small symptomatic herniae have contributed to unacceptable higher failure rates.ResultsWe have therefore undertaken a systematic appraisal of LHH with a view to clear out our misunderstandings of this entity and to address dogmatic practices that may have contributed to poor outcomes.ConclusionsFirst, we propose strict criteria to define nomenclature in LHH and discuss ways of subcategorising them. Next, we discuss preoperative workup strategies, paying particular attention to any relevant often atypical symptoms, indications for surgery, timing of surgery, role of surgery in the elderly and emphasizing the key role of a preoperative CT imaging in evaluating the mediastinum. Some key dissection methods are then discussed with respect to approach to the mediastinal sac, techniques to avoid/deal with pleural breach and rationale to avoid Collis gastroplasty. The issues pertaining to the repair phase are also discussed by evaluating the merits of the cruroplasty, fundoplication types and gastropexy. We end up debating the role of mesh reinforcement and assess the evidence with regards to recurrence, reoperation rate, complications, esophageal dilatation, delayed gastric emptying and mortality. Lastly, we propose a rationale for routine postoperative investigations.

Recent Advances in the Endoscopic Management of Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disorder: A Review of Literature.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is the most common gastrointestinal tract disorder with high morbidity and heavy economic burden. Despite being treated with high-dose proton-pump inhibitors or H2 receptor blockers, a considerable percentage of patients have GERD that is only partially controlled or refractory. The majority of these patients forego surgical treatment for fear of adverse outcomes, putting them at a financial disadvantage and causing loss of productivity. Untreated GERD is the sole known risk factor for developing Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma if left untreated. With the advancement in therapeutic modalities in recent years, and given the issues such as medication compliance, the risk of adverse events with long-term antisecretory treatment, and fear of undergoing surgical treatment, endoscopic treatments such as Stretta and transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) have become a safe, cost-effective, and resilient option for the treatment of refractory GERD. Patients with refractory GERD ineligible for endoscopic therapies due to a large hiatal hernia can have their hiatal hernia corrected simultaneously with TIF (C-TIF). For the treatment of refractory GERD, endoscopic therapy is a viable and compelling option. Endoscopic therapies for refractory GERD patients are highly recommended due to their reproducible and standardized results as well as the potential to address the fundamental mechanical issue.

The uncommon diagnosis of hiatal hernia associated pancreatitis: A case report.

Introduction and importanceHiatal hernia (HH) contents commonly include stomach, transverse colon, small intestine, and spleen but herniation of the pancreas is an extremely rare phenomenon, even rarer when HH is associated with acute pancreatitis.Case presentationA 56-year-old female with hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and chest discomfort evolving for 24 h. Physical examination revealed left-upper quadrant tenderness without guarding. Blood tests showed elevated serum amylase and lipase levels.An abdominal CT scan demonstrated a large type-IV hiatal hernia involving the entire stomach, transverse and right colon, small intestine, duodenum as well as the head, body and the tail of pancreas. The pancreas was enlarged consistent with pancreatitis. Patient clinical status improved with conservative treatment.Clinical discussionThe stomach is the most common organ to herniate through the diaphragm and pancreatic herniation is extremely rare with only few cases in the literature. Even rarer when associated with acute pancreatitis. This diagnosis is a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge that has to be evoked in elderly presenting with chest pain and a negative cardiopulmonary evaluation. The ideal treatment is still unclear, however, conservative treatment is the initial management and surgery may be considered in case of recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis.ConclusionHH associated with acute pancreatitis is a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Clinicians should consider this rare diagnosis in every case of chest pain with negative cardiopulmonary evaluation.

Patient Selection in One Anastomosis/Mini Gastric Bypass-an Expert Modified Delphi Consensus.

One anastomosis/mini gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) is up to date the third most performed obesity and metabolic procedure worldwide, which recently has been endorsed by ASMBS. The main criticisms are the risk of bile reflux, esophageal cancer, and malnutrition. Although IFSO has recognized this procedure, guidance is needed regarding selection criteria. To give clinicians a daily support in performing the right patient selection in OAGB/MGB, the aim of this paper is to generate clinical guidelines based on an expert modified Delphi consensus. A committee of 57 recognized bariatric surgeons from 24 countries created 69 statements. Modified Delphi consensus voting was performed in two rounds. An agreement/disagreement among ≥ 70.0% of the experts was considered to indicate a consensus. Consensus was achieved for 56 statements. Remarkably, ≥ 90.0% of the experts felt that OAGB/MGB is an acceptable and suitable option "in patients with Body mass index (BMI) > 70, BMI > 60, BMI > 50kg/m2 as a one-stage procedure," "as the second stage of a two-stage bariatric surgery after Sleeve Gastrectomy for BMI > 50kg/m2 (instead of BPD/DS)," and "in patients with weight regain after restrictive procedures. No consensus was reached on the statement that OAGB/MGB is a suitable option in case of resistant Helicobacter pylori. This is likely as there is a concern that this procedure is associated with reflux and its related long-term complications including risk of cancer in the esophagus or stomach. Also no consensus reached on OAGB/MGB as conversional surgery in patients with GERD after restrictive procedures. Consensus for disagreement was predominantly achieved "in case of intestinal metaplasia of the stomach" (74.55%), "in patients with severe Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)(C,D)" (75.44%), "in patients with Barrett's metaplasia" (89.29%), and "in documented insulinoma" (89.47%). Patient selection in OAGB/MGB is still a point of discussion among experts. There was consensus that OAGB/MGB is a suitable option in elderly patients, patients with low BMI (30-35kg/m2) with associated metabolic problems, and patients with BMIs more than 50kg/m2 as one-stage procedure. OAGB/MGB can also be a safe procedure in vegetarian and vegan patients. Although OAGB/MGB can be a suitable procedure in patients with large hiatal hernia with concurrent hiatal hernia, it should not be offered to patients with grade C or D esophagitis or Barrett's metaplasia.

A Hydatic Cyst into a Large Diaphragmatic Hernia

A 44-year-old woman, presented to the emergency department with dyspnea since 1 month, associated with vomiting and right upper quadrant pain. She has a surgical history of hydatid cyst of the right liver for which a resection of the protruding dome was performed 18 years ago. On physical examination, she was tachypneic and pulmonary auscultation revealed bowel sounds in the right hemithorax with reduction of vesicular murmur. Chest X-ray showed bowel gas with air-fluid levelsinside the right chest cavity. A chest-abdominal computed tomography revealed a 9cm right diaphragmatic hernia which allowed passage of the right colon and gastric antrum into the chest cavity. The right lung was collapsed and the mediastinal shift towards the left. CT scan also revealed a 94*50mm multivesicular hydatid cyst strongly adherent to the liver and which is also included in the hernial content (figure). The patient was operated on. A resection of the hydatid cyst was performed, with reduction of the herniated organs into peritoneal cavity and diaphragmatic suture. The post-operative course was uneventful. Iatrogenic right diaphragmatic hernia is a rare complication after hepatic surgery. It can sometimes be difficult to identify at an early stage and can result in diagnostic delays with life-threatening outcomes. In our case , diaphragmatic injury and liberation of the liver during the first operation could explain hepatic location in the left abdomen and the occurrence of diaphragmatic hernia.

Acquired Morgagni hernia following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with successful robotic repair of hernia.

Introduction and importanceMorgagni hernia is an uncommon type of diaphragmatic hernia and commonly presents as a congenital disease. Acquired Morgagni hernias following open cardiac surgery are exceedingly rare and only reported in the pediatric population.Case presentationThe patient is a 70-year-old female who presented with complaints of shortness of breath and cough one year following a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). A chest CT scan showed a large Morgagni type diaphragmatic hernia with herniated transverse colon occupying the anterior mediastinum as well as the right hemi-thorax. This hernia was successfully repaired using transabdominal robotic approach with complete resolution of patient's symptoms.Clinical discussionThis is the first reported case of acquired Morgagni type diaphragmatic hernia in an adult following open cardiac surgery. The potential etiologies for this hernia include distal extension of the median sternotomy and involvement of the anterior diaphragm, iatrogenic injury to the attenuated anterior diaphragm during pericardial window creation, or pericardial drain placement. Operative repair is the mainstay of treatment and is usually performed with a transabdominal approach since it is thought to be less challenging and allows for evaluation of the entire abdominal cavity. If primary repair cannot be achieved, then synthetic mesh may be needed to obtain a tension free and durable repair.ConclusionWe present a case of acquired Morgagni type diaphragmatic hernia in an adult following open cardiac surgery that was successfully repaired using a transabdominal robotic approach.

A Large Hiatal Hernia Causing Cardiac Compression and Leading to Arrhythmias

A Large Hiatal Hernia Causing Cardiac Compression and Leading to Arrhythmias

Surgical treatment of large and complicated hiatal hernias with the new resorbable mesh with hydrogel barrier (Phasix™ ST): a preliminary study.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of the new monofilament fully resorbable mesh with hydrogel barrier (Phasix™ ST), for large and complex hiatal hernia repair. Between December 2017 and December 2020, 60 patients with large or complicated hiatal hernia were treated (40 robotic and 20 laparoscopic procedures). The mesh was placed after primary closure of the hiatal defect, in an onlay fashion around the esophagus, followed by 360o fundoplication. Follow-up at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24months from intervention included clinical evaluation and upper GI endoscopy. In cases of recurrence, radiologic survey and manometry were utilized. There were no conversions to open repair or significant postoperative incidents. Over a median follow-up of 21months (range 3-36), no recurrences or mesh related complications were observed. From our early experience, Phasix™ ST mesh seems to be safe and effective for the reinforcement of crural defects in large and complex hiatal hernia.

Massive Paraesophageal Hernia Repair in the Obese Patient Population: Antireflux Gastric Bypass Versus Fundoplication.

Introduction: Obesity is a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia (HH). Fundoplication is the standard operation for GERD with HH. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the procedure of choice for obese patients with either GERD or a large HH, but neither are indications for RYGB. To delineate bypass surgery as a treatment option for obese patients with HH and GERD, we propose new terminology, antireflux gastric bypass (ARGB). ARGB differs from RYGB by utilizing varying efferent limb lengths for GERD treatment. We hypothesized that ARGB would have higher GERD resolution, lower HH recurrence, and improves weight loss when compared with fundoplication. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed, evaluating patients undergoing repair of large HH (>5 cm) with obesity from January 2013 to February 2021. The primary outcome was GERD resolution, secondary outcomes include HH recurrence and weight loss. Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), and hernia size by nonlinear mixed modeling. Results: Forty patients underwent fundoplication, and 16 patients underwent ARGB. Fundoplication patients had a larger mean hernia size (8.7 × 6.3 cm versus 6.6 × 6.4 cm), whereas ARGB patients had a higher BMI (39.2 versus 34.2 kg/m2). Recurrence showed nonstatistically significant lower incidence with ARGB and no significant difference in GERD resolution. Weight (P < .0001) and excess body weight (P < .0001) loss were superior with ARGB. Conclusions: Obese patients with large HHs and GERD treated with ARGB had similar GERD resolution, lower HH recurrence, and improved weight loss when compared with fundoplication. ARGB is an acceptable treatment option for obese patients with a massive paraesophageal hernia in the setting of GERD.

Hiatal hernia surgery: laparoscopic versus robotic approach?

Aim. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopic and robot-assisted anti-reflux operations.General findings. Reflux esophagitis in the association with hiatal hernia on the third place in the structure of gastroenterological diseases. The development of minimally invasive surgical technologies has led to an increase in the number of laparoscopic and robot-assisted anti-reflux operations. The literature review includes 12 studies, the results of which were published from 2002 to 2020, with a total number of patients 1633. In most of them, when comparing laparoscopic and robot-assisted anti-reflux operations, the advantages of one or another technique were not revealed. In some studies, the high cost and duration of the operation were noted when using the da Vinci robotic surgical complex. Other studies have reported possible improvements in the treatment outcomes of patients with large or recurrent hiatal hernias due to the high precision of movement and improved visualization characteristic of therobot-assisted surgeries.Conclusion. It is necessary to conduct more researches on this problem to develop indications for the choice of a particular surgical approach, as well as to create a single transparent algorithm for the surgical treatment of patients with reflux esophagitis and hiatal hernia.

Analysis of Rates, Causes, and Risk Factors for 90-Day Readmission After Surgery for Large Hiatal Hernia: A Two-Center Study.

Background: Hospital readmissions have become a more examined indicator of surgical care delivery and quality. There is scarcity of data in the literature on the rate, risk factors, and most common reasons of readmission following major hiatal hernia surgery. The primary endpoint was 90-day readmission after surgery for large hiatal hernia. Secondary endpoint was to examine which characteristics related with a higher risk of readmission. Methods: A retrospective review of two distinct institutional databases was performed for patients who had surgery for a large hiatal hernia between January 2012 and December 2019. Demographic, perioperative, and outpatient data were collected from the medical record. Results: A total of 71 patients met the inclusion criteria, most of them suffering from a type III hernia (66.2%). Mean operative time was 146 (±56.5) minutes and median length of stay (LOS) was 6 days (interquartile range = 3). The overall morbidity was 21.1% and the in-hospital mortality was 1.4%. The 30- and 90-day readmission rates were 7% and 8.5%, respectively. The mean time to readmission was 14.3 (±15.6) days. The reasons for 90-day hospital readmission were dysphagia (50%), pneumonia (16.7%), congestive heart failure (16.7%), and bowel obstruction (16.7%). Grade of esophagitis ≥2, presence of Barrett's esophagus, and LOS longer than 8 days were significant risk factors for unplanned readmission within 90 days. Conclusion: We observed that about 6 out of 71 patients who had surgery readmitted within 90 days (8.5%). Readmissions were most often linked to esophagitis ≥2, presence of Barrett's esophagus, and LOS longer than 8 days. These findings point to the necessity for focused treatments before, during, and after hospitalization to decrease morbidity and extra costs in this high-risk population.

'Back-and-Forth Stomach' CT Imaging Findings of a Pathophysiologic Entity Causing Acute Gastric Volvulus.

Background: Gastric volvulus (GV) is a life-threatening emergency condition that prompts emergent surgical management. With the advent of high-resolution computed tomography (CT), the role of radiologists in its diagnosis has become essential. Although many cases of GV have been described in the literature, its pathophysiology is still poorly understood. In addition, there is substantial terminological confusion with associated entities such as paraesophageal hernia, upside-down stomach, organo-axial or chronic GV. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of clinical, radiological findings and other relevant data for seven patients with previous radiological diagnoses of a large hiatus hernia who presented with acute GV to the emergency department of our institution. We report data on age, sex, medical history, clinical presentation, imaging, treatment and outcomes for each case. Results: The CT findings at acute presentation showed the antrum lying above the diaphragm and dilated fundus below the diaphragm. By comparing the position of the stomach at acute presentation with previous imaging examinations, we confirmed a hypothesis put forward by a few authors decades ago that re-herniation of the gastric fundus into the abdomen is a common pathophysiologic trigger leading to acute GV. This hypothesis has not been supported by modern imaging examinations. Conclusions: We have provided imaging evidence supporting that the pathophysiology of many GVs is based on caudal re-descent of hiatal hernia into the abdominal cavity. Given the terminological disparity used in the literature in this context, we believe it appropriate to introduce and extend the term ‘back-and-forth stomach’ to refer to this type of GV.

Too close for comfort: A case of extrinsic compression of the left ventricle by a large hiatal hernia

A 77-year-old man with a history of Coronary artery disease, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis on 5 L of oxygen at home presented to the emergency department with dizziness. Vital signs at presentation included temperature 37°C, pulse 160/min, blood pressure 86/60 mmHg, respiratory rate 24/min, oxygen saturation 96% on 5 L of oxygen. He had end-inspiratory crackles on lung auscultation. His labs were unremarkable, but he had atrial fibrillation with a ventricular rate of 162 and non-specific T wave changes on EKG. Chest X-ray showed prominent interstitial markings representing fibrosis, and Chest CT revealed a large hiatal hernia with left pleural thickening and worsening emphysema. Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) showed an Ejection fraction of 75%, extrinsic compression of the inferior, lateral, and inferolateral wall, and impaired relaxation. Other Echocardiographic findings were extrinsic compression of the left atrium, dilated right atrium, moderate tricuspid regurgitation, and estimated right ventricular systolic pressure of at least 96 mmHg (Figures 1a,b&amp;c).

Successful laparoscopic repair for large paraesophageal hiatal hernia presenting cardiopulmonary problems: Two case reports

Large paraesophageal hiatal hernia, which is a type III hiatal hernia, involves the combined herniation of both the esophagogastric junction and fundus. Different symptoms are noted in patient with hiatal hernia, the most common being gastroesophageal reflux disease-related symptoms. Herein, we present two cases of large paraesophageal hiatal hernia with symptoms mimicking cardiopulmonary disease, which were successfully treated by laparoscopic hernia repair.

MEASUREMENT OF FORCE DURING LAPAROSCOPIC CRURORAPHY TO DEFINE INDICATION TO MESH IMPLANTS

The aim of the study was to study the indications for the use of mesh implants in patients with large hiatal hernias, depending on the tension of the crura. Materials and methods. Using a Walcom Fm-204-50k digital force gauge, we measured the force of crural tension during laparoscopic cruroraphy in 115 patients who met the inclusion criteria for participation in the study. All patients underwent intraoperative measurement of the tension force of the crura during the crura repair. All patients, whose tensile strength during measurement was &gt; 4 N (n=69), were randomly divided into two groups. The first group included 30 patients who underwent hiatal hernia repair using a collagen-coated Parietex mesh implant. The second group included 39 patients who underwent simple suturing of the crura (cruroraphy). Results. The main and control groups did not differ significantly in terms of age, gender, quality indicator and the area of hiatal surface (p&gt;0.05). According to the results of measuring the tension of the sutures during cruroraphy, the average tensile force of the suture closest to the esophagus was 5.2 (from 4.0 to 8.2 N). When performing anterior cruroraphy, the tensile force of the seams averaged 3.5 N (from 2.4 to 4.7 N). Over an average follow-up period of 48 months, anatomical relapses were revealed in 1 patient of group I and in 6 patients of group II (p=0.004). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the mesh implant group (p=0.004). The mesh group showed a greater improvement in GERD-HRQL (p&lt;0.0001) compared to the non-mesh group. Conclusion. Laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias using a collagen-coated Parietex mesh implant in patients with a cruraraphy suture pull force &gt; 4 N is safe and can prevent anatomical recurrence. Key words: hernia of the esophageal orifice of the diaphragm, laparoscopic cruroraphy, measuring the tension of the seams of the cruroraphy.

Cardiovascular Complications of Large Hiatal Hernias: Expanding the Indications for Robotic Surgical Anatomic and Physiologic Repair: A Review

Background: Historically, the pathophysiology of Hiatal Hernias (HH) has not been fully understood. As a result, the surgical therapy of HH has focused primarily on gastrointestinal symptoms and Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD). This treatment strategy has been associated with poor relief of symptoms and poor long-term outcomes. In fact, until recently, most patients with HH have been watched and referred for surgery as a last resort. Recent experience has shown that a large (giant) Hiatal Hernia (GHH) is a common problem known to impact adjacent organs such as the hearts and lungs. Those referred for surgical repair often complain of dyspnea, which is erroneously attributed to pulmonary compression or aspiration, but has been shown to be from tamponade caused from compression of the heart by herniated abdominal contents. This article reviews the present understanding of GHH, the cardiac complications which result from GHH, and the most advanced robotic minimally invasive surgical approach to the anatomic and physiologic repair of GHH. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, we evaluated patients undergoing RRHH with at least a 2-year follow-up. All patients undergoing elective (RRHH) were identified preoperatively and enrolled prospectively in this study. Preoperative characteristics, medical comorbidities, and clinical information were all recorded prospectively and recorded into a secure surgical outcomes database. All patients received the previously validated Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire preoperatively and at postoperative time points of 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years. Patients routinely had a barium swallow postoperatively before discharge but did not undergo a barium swallow, an endoscopy, or a CT scan study at the 1-month time point unless indicated by symptoms. At 6 months, 1 year, and yearly intervals thereafter, all patients received an endoscopy study to ascertain the presence of a recurrence, regardless of symptoms. Recurrence was defined as over 2 cm or 10% of the stomach above the diaphragm detected by CT, esophagogram or endoscopy. In addition, an extensive search was conducted using Pub Med in order to extract references to the cardiovascular complications of HH. Results: 423 patients underwent RRHH. With a long-term follow-up, there was a significant decrease in the Median Symptom Severity Score from 42.0 preoperatively, to 3.0 postoperatively. Recurrence was seen in 5 patients (5/423) for a recurrence rate of 1.1%. Conclusion: This experience has been the basis of two important realizations: 1) all patients with GHH have at least some degrees of clinically relevant compression of the inferior vena cava and the left atrium which causes tamponade and cardiogenic dyspnea which completely resolves after successful surgical repair; and 2) primary care providers and gastroenterologists who usually treat patients for GHH repair rarely recognize cardiac compression and tamponade as the cause of the shortness of breath and gradual increase in dyspnea on exertion and progressive fatigability in these patients. This article reviews the present understanding of GHH, the cardiac complications which result from GHH and the most advanced robotic minimally invasive surgical approach to the anatomic and physiologic repair of GHH.