Partial Posterior Fundoplication Research Articles

Toupet fundoplication to prevent progression of scleroderma-associated interstitial lung damage: a study protocol

Summary Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune and multiorgan disorder. Hallmarks of the disease include inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and dysregulation of fibroblasts leading to fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The esophagus is often involved, with up to 80% of patients developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Reflux can be associated with hiatal hernia and several complications such as erosive esophagitis, peptic stricture, Barrett’s esophagus, aspiration pneumonia, and chronic microaspiration. Silent aspiration can lead to interstitial lung disease (ILD) in up to 50% of patients with scleroderma and accounts for up to 40% of mortality. Treatment of GERD in patients with SSc is challenging. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) have been shown effective in relieving typical GERD symptoms, but up to 40% of patients are non-responders. Various antireflux surgical procedures have been proposed to treat GERD and to modify the natural course of the disease by preventing lung damage in these patients. However, current algorithms consider only the degree of esophageal dilation as a marker of disease severity/progression, and results of antireflux surgery remain controversial. Methods We propose a feasibility, observational, multicenter, single-arm trial including adult patients diagnosed with SSc. Criteria for inclusion are individuals with GERD symptoms refractory to PPI, absence of peptic stricture at baseline endoscopy, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan showing no or less than 10% lung fibrosis, forced vital capacity at least 40% of the predicted value, and diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide 30–89% of the predicted value. A laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication according to the Toupet technique will be performed. Primary study outcome is the efficacy of fundoplication to reduce reflux exposure measured with a pH-impedance study or 4‑day wireless pH recording. Secondary outcomes include endoscopic, HRCT, and respiratory function tests findings as well as quality of life at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions The expected reduction of reflux burden in SSc patients selected for Toupet fundoplication may improve GERD symptoms/complications, pulmonary function, and quality of life, and may be associated with a reduced risk for lung transplant.

Laparoscopic Posterior Partial Fundoplication Versus Total Fundoplication in Anti-reflux Surgery: A Comparative Study

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to evaluate advantages of partial posterior fundoplication (PPF) compared with traditional total fundoplication (TF). The study included 90 patients with GERD at El-Minia University Hospital between January 2019 and January 2023, divided randomly into group A: PPF (no. 45 patients) and group B: TF (no. 45 patients). All included patients had endoscopic hiatal hernia and various degrees of esophagitis. Postoperative follow-up included satisfaction questionnaire, degree of heartburn questionnaire, frequent belching, inability to belch, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and endoscopic evaluations. Heartburn improved in all patients (p = 0.000). Shorter operative time was observed in group B (p = 0.007). There is no significant difference in overall satisfaction level between the two groups (p = 0.5). Surgical treatment is the favorite option for the treatment of GERD. PPF has the advantage of shorter operative time and can be safely used with outcomes similar to that of TF.

Evidence mapping on how to perform an optimal surgical repair of large hiatal hernias

BackgroundSymptomatic and large hiatal hernia (HH) is a common disorder requiring surgical management. However, there is a lack of systematic, evidence-based recommendations summarizing recent reviews on surgical treatment of symptomatic HH. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to create evidence mapping on the key technical issues of HH repair based on the highest available evidence.MethodsA systematic review identified studies on eight key issues of large symptomatic HH repair. The literature was screened for the highest level of evidence (LE from level 1 to 5) according to the Oxford Center for evidence-based medicine’s scale. For each topic, only studies of the highest available level of evidence were considered.ResultsOut of the 28.783 studies matching the keyword algorithm, 47 were considered. The following recommendations could be deduced: minimally invasive surgery is the recommended approach (LE 1a); a complete hernia sac dissection should be considered (LE 3b); extensive division of short gastric vessels cannot be recommended; however, limited dissection of the most upper vessels may be helpful for a floppy fundoplication (LE 1a); vagus nerve should be preserved (LE 3b); a dorso-ventral cruroplasty is recommended (LE 1b); routine fundoplication should be considered to prevent postoperative gastroesophageal reflux (LE 2b); posterior partial fundoplication should be favored over other forms of fundoplication (LE 1a); mesh augmentation is indicated in large HH with paraesophageal involvement (LE 1a).ConclusionThe current evidence mapping is a reasonable instrument based on the best evidence available to guide surgeons in determining optimal symptomatic and large HH repair.

Long-term efficacy of total versus posterior partial fundoplication in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Laparoscopic fundoplication remains the standard treatment for patients with severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Multiple randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have compared the two most commonly performed surgical techniques, total and posterior partial fundoplication (Nissen [NF] and Toupet [TF]), in terms of symptom control and treatment failure in patients without subsequent dysmotility disorders. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of these two techniques with regard to the long-term effect on reflux control and associated dysphagia. The MEDLINE®, Embase®, PubMed® and Cochrane Library databases were searched, and all the relevant published RCTs were shortlisted according to the inclusion criteria. The summated outcomes of long-term results relating to the recurrence of GORD and dysphagia were evaluated in a meta-analysis using RevMan software. Eight studies (all RCTs) on 1,545 patients undergoing NF or TF were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. There were 799 patients in the NF group and 746 in the TF group. In the random effects model analysis, the incidence of long-term recurrence of GORD was not statistically different between the NF and TF cohorts (odds ratio [OR]: 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34-1.41, z=1.01, p=0.31). However, the incidence of long-term dysphagia was statistically lower in the TF group (OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.49-5.72, z=3.13, p=0.002) with low between-study heterogeneity (I2=0%). The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis on symptomatic GORD appear to be in favour of partial posterior fundoplication (TF) as the optimal treatment. It provides equivalent outcomes in reflux symptom control with a lower risk of postoperative dysphagia compared with total fundoplication (NF).

Long-term efficacy of total and partial posterior fundoplication to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease

Long-term efficacy of total and partial posterior fundoplication to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease

UEG and EAES rapid guideline: Update systematic review, network meta-analysis, CINeMA and GRADE assessment, and evidence-informed European recommendations on surgical management of GERD.

There are several options for the surgical management of GERD in adults. Previous guidelines and systematic reviews have compared the effects of total fundoplication versus pooled effects of different techniques of partial fundoplication. To develop evidence-informed, trustworthy, pertinent recommendations on the use of total, posterior partial and anterior partial fundoplications for the management of GERD in adults. We performed an update systematic review, network meta-analysis, and evidence appraisal using the GRADE and the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis methodologies. An international, multidisciplinary panel of surgeons, gastroenterologists, and a patient representative reached unanimous consensus through an evidence-to-decision framework to select among multiple interventions, and a Delphi process to formulate the recommendation. The project was developed in an online authoring and publication platform (MAGICapp), and was overseen by an external auditor. We suggest posterior partial fundoplication over total posterior or anterior 90° fundoplication in adult patients with GERD. We suggest anterior >90° fundoplication as an alternative, although relevant comparative evidence is limited (weak recommendation). The guideline, with recommendations, evidence summaries and decision aids in user friendly formats can also be accessed in MAGICapp: https://app.magicapp.org/#/guideline/j20X4n. This rapid guideline was developed in line with highest methodological standards and provides evidence-informed recommendations on the surgical management of GERD. It provides user-friendly decision aids to inform healthcare professionals' and patients' decision making.

Total versus partial posterior fundoplication in the surgical repair of para-oesophageal hernias: randomized clinical trial.

BackgroundFundoplication is an essential step in para-oesophageal hernia (POH) repair, but which type minimizes postoperative mechanical complications is controversial.MethodsThis was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted between May 2009 and October 2018. Patients with symptomatic POH were allocated to either a total (Nissen) or a posterior partial (Toupet) fundoplication after hernia reduction and crural repair. The primary outcome was dysphagia (Ogilvie dysphagia scores) at 6 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were peri- and postoperative complications, swallowing difficulties assessed by the Dakkak dysphagia score, gastro-oesophageal reflux, quality of life (QoL), and radiologically confirmed hernia recurrence.ResultsA total of 70 patients were randomized to a Nissen (n = 32) or a Toupet (n = 38) fundoplication. Compared with baseline, Ogilvie dysphagia scores were stable at the 3- and 6-month follow-up in the Nissen group (P = 0.075 and 0.084 respectively) but significantly improved in the Toupet group (from baseline mean (s.d.): 1.4 (1.1) to 0.5 ( 0.8) at 3 months, and 0.5 (0.6) at 6 months; P = 0.003 and P = 0.001 respectively). At 6 months, Dakkak dysphagia scores were significantly higher in the Nissen group than in the Toupet group (mean (s.d.): 10.4 (7.9) versus 5.1 (7.2); P = 0.003). QoL scores improved throughout the follow-up. However, at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the absolute median improvement (⍙) from preoperative values in the mental component scores of the Short Form-36 QoL questionnaire was significantly higher in the Toupet group (median (i.q.r.): 7.1 (−0.6 to 15.2) versus 1.0 (−5.4 to 3.3) at 3 months, and 11.2 (1.4 to 18.3) versus 0.4 (−9.4 to 7.5) at 6 months; (P = 0.010 and 0.003 respectively)). At 6 months, radiologically confirmed POH recurrence occurred in 11 of 24 patients (46 per cent) of the Nissen group and in 15 of 32 patients (47 per cent) of the Toupet group (P = 1.001).ConclusionsA partial posterior wrap (Toupet fundoplication) showed reduced obstructive complications and improved QoL compared with a total (Nissen) fundoplication following POH repair.Registration number: NCT04436159 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)

Clinical Outcomes of a Laparoscopic Total vs a 270° Posterior Partial Fundoplication in Chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The efficacy of fundoplication operations in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been documented. However, few prospective, controlled series report long-term (>10 years) efficacy and postfundoplication concerns, particularly when comparing various types of fundoplication. To compare long-term (>15 years) results regarding mechanical complications, reflux control, and quality of life between patients undergoing posterior partial fundoplication (PF) or total fundoplication (TF) (270° vs 360°) in surgical treatment for GERD. A double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed at a single center (Ersta Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden) from November 19, 2001, to January 24, 2006. A total of 456 patients were recruited and randomized. Data for this analysis were collected from August 1, 2019, to January 31, 2021. Laparoscopic 270° posterior PF vs 360° TF. The main outcome was dysphagia scores for solid and liquid food items after more than 15 years. Generic (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) and disease-specific (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale) quality of life and proton pump inhibitor consumption were also assessed. Among 407 available patients, relevant data were obtained from 310 (response rate, 76%; mean [SD] age, 66 [11.2] years; 184 [59%] men). A total of 159 were allocated to a PF and 151 to a TF. The mean (SD) follow-up time was 16 (1.3) years. At 15 years after surgery, mean (SD) dysphagia scores were low for both liquids (PF, 1.2 [0.5]; TF, 1.2 [0.5]; P = .58) and solids (PF, 1.3 [0.6]; TF, 1.3 [0.5]; P = .97), without statistically significant differences between the groups. Reflux symptoms were equally well controlled by the 2 types of fundoplications as were the improvements of quality-of-life scores. The long-term findings of this randomized clinical trial indicate that PF and TF are equally effective for controlling GERD and quality of life in the long term. Although PF was superior in the first years after surgery in terms of less dysphagia recorded, this difference did not prevail when assessed a decade later. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04182178.

Long-term Efficacy of Total and Partial Posterior Fundoplication to Treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Long-term Efficacy of Total and Partial Posterior Fundoplication to Treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy and Toupet Fundoplication.

Esophageal achalasia is a primary motility disorder of unknown origin. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the resistance caused by a non-relaxing lower esophageal sphincter, therefore allowing passage of foodand liquid from the esophagus into the stomach. A myotomy with a partial fundoplication (anterior Doror posteriorToupet) is considered the standard of care for patients with achalasia. In the following review, we describe the indications and technique for a posterior partial fundoplication (Toupet).

Features and results of minimally invasive treatment of recurrent achalasia

To evaluate the early and long-term postoperative outcomes in patients with recurrent achalasia, as well as the main features of surgical treatment. There were 7 patients (4 men and 3 women) with recurrent achalasia. Mean age of patients was 42.3±13.5 years, body mass index - 22.7±3.3 kg/m2. Physiological status ASA grade 1-3 was observed in all patients. Concomitant diseases were diagnosed in 5 (71.4%) cases. Six (85.7%) patients underwent laparoscopic Heller cardiomyotomy with Dor fundoplication. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was performed in 1 (14.3%) patient. Mean preoperative Eckardt score was 10.7±1.4 points, mean GERD-HRQL score - 42.7±6.4 points. According to preoperative radiography, 5 (71.4%) patients had achalasia stage III, 2 (28.6%) ones - stage IV. All patients underwent laparoscopic Heller esophagocardiomyotomy with anterior Dor fundoplication and posterior partial fundoplication with posterior cruroraphy. Intraoperative complications (perforation of esophageal mucosa) occurred in 3 (42.9%) patients. Mean surgery time was 130±56 min, mean blood loss - 37 ml (35-205 ml), mean hospital-stay - 11.3±7.7 days. Postoperative complications Clavien-Dindo grade 3-4 were detected in 1 (14.3%) patient. One patient was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia (SARS-Cov-2 infection) in 4 postoperative days. Median postoperative follow-up period was 22 months. Mean BMI in 6 months after surgery was 25.3±3.1 kg/m2, mean Eckardt score - 2.1±0.7 points, mean GERD-HRQL score - 3.3±0.9 points. Our data confirm the effectiveness and safety of the modified laparoscopic Heller procedure with Dor fundoplication as the main method for recurrent achalasia.

Modern aspects of treatment of hiatal hernia and its main complications

The aim. To evaluate the features and results of minimally invasive surgical treatment of patients with hiatal hernia (HH) and its main complications using modern endoscopic and laparoscopic technologies. Materials and methods. The treatment results of 244 patients with HH and its main complications are given. 28 (11.5 %) patients had a combination of HH with Barrett’s esophagus, and 34 (13.9 %) patients had a combination of HH with esophageal stricture. In 62 patients with complications of HH, two-stage treatment tactics was used. Complete laparoscopic fundoplication was performed in 185 (75.8 %) patients, posterior partial Toupet fundoplication – in 59 (24.2 %) patients. Laparoscopic posterior crurography was performed in 198 (81.1 %) patients. In 7 (2.9 %) posterior crurography was supplemented by anterior. Teflon gaskets were used in 25 (10.3 %) patients during posterior crurography. Synthetic mesh prostheses were implanted in 14 (5.7 %) patients. Results. In patients with esophageal stricture, the effect was observed after the second session of bougienage or hydro-dilation in 70.6 % of cases, after the third session - in the remaining cases. In Barrett's esophagus, a single session of argon plasma coagulation was radical in 100 % of patients with a lesion size less than 1 cm and in 85 % of patients with lesions of 1 cm to 2 cm in size. Recurrence of type III HH occurred more often than type I. The surgery required sufficient mediastinal dissection and mobilization for an adequate esophagus pull-through. In the surgical treatment of type IV HH, the use of composite diaphragmatic meshes was considered. The effectiveness of antireflux surgical intervention, as well as prevention of specific complications was depended on the technical features of the fundoplication cuff formation. Conclusions. In the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal stricture in combination with HH, the two-stage tactics is optimal: stage I – ablation or dilatation, and stage II – laparoscopic antireflux surgery. Laparoscopic fundoplication is an effective and safe method for treatment of patients with HH.

Minimally invasive Heller myotomy with partial posterior fundoplication for the treatment of achalasia: long-term results from a tertiary referral center.

Few studies have reported the long-term results of minimally invasive Heller myotomy (HM) for the treatment of achalasia. Herein, we detail our 17-year experience with HM for the treatment of achalasia from a tertiary referral center. All patients undergoing elective HM at our institution from 2000 to 2017 were identified within a prospective institutional database. These patients were sent mail and electronic surveys to capture their symptoms of dysphagia, chest pain, and regurgitation pre- and postoperatively and were asked to evaluate their postoperative gastrointestinal quality of life. Responses from adult patients who underwent minimally invasive Heller myotomy with partial posterior (i.e., Toupet) fundoplication (HM-TF) were analyzed. 294 patients were eligible for study inclusion; 139 (47%) completed our survey. Median time from HM-TF to survey response was 5.6years. A majority of patients reported improvement in their dysphagia (91%), chest pain (70%), and regurgitation (87%) symptoms. Patients who underwent HM-TF more than 5years ago were most likely to report heartburn symptoms. One (1%) patient went on to require esophagectomy for ongoing dysphagia and one (1%) patient required revisional fundoplication for their heartburn symptoms. Minimally invasive Heller myotomy and posterior partial fundoplication is a durable treatment for achalasia over the long term. Additional prospective and multi-institutional studies are needed to validate our results.

High Resolution Manometry in a Functioning Fundoplication - Establishing a Standard Profile: Retrospective Chart Review.

The aim of this study was to provide a full HRM data set in patients with a normal functioning fundoplication. The Chicago classification was devised to correlate HRM values to the clinical status of patients with swallowing disorder. However, it is unclear whether those values are applicable after fundoplication as the literature is sparse. We identified patients with pre- and postoperative HRM who had a normal functioning primary fundoplication as defined by (1) resolution of preoperative symptoms without significant postoperative side effects, (2) no dysphagia reported on a standardized questionnaire given on the day of the postoperative HRM and (3) normal acid exposure determined objectively by esophageal pH-testing. Fifty patients met inclusion criteria for the study. Thirty-three patients (66%) underwent complete fundoplication and 17 patients (34%) underwent posterior partial fundoplication. Postoperative HRM was performed at a median of 12 months after primary surgery. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) values significantly increased with the addition of a fundoplication. Median integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was 14 mm Hg ( P = 0.0001), median resting pressure 19.5 mm Hg ( P = 0.0263), and median total length LES was 3.95 cm ( P = 0.0098). The 95th percentile for IRP in a complete fundoplication was 29 versus 23 mm Hg in a partial fundoplication ( P = 0.3667). We offer a new standard manometric profile for a normally functioning fundoplication which provides a necessary benchmark for analyzing postoperative problems with a fundoplication. The previously acceptedupper limit defining esophageal outflow obstruction (IRP >20 mm Hg) is not clinically applicable after fundoplication as the majority of patients in this dysphagia-free cohort exceeded this value. Interestingly, there does not seem to be a significant difference in HRM LES values between complete and partial fundoplication.

Results after minimally invasive Toupet fundoplication technique: a narrative review

: Posterior partial fundoplication (PPF) was developed as an alternative surgical strategy to Nissen fundoplication, in attempt to reduce the rate of side-effects, mainly dysphagia and gas bloat syndrome. Allowing patients to maintain belching ability, this operation could lead to minor gas-related symptoms than total fundoplication. The procedure was first described by Andrè Toupet in 1963 and consisted of a posterior 180° wrap of the gastric fundus through a midline incision. After the first report of anti-reflux surgery performed with the laparoscopic approach, several authors have translated PPF into a minimally invasive approach. A review of literature has been performed to evaluate the results of minimally invasive PPF, focusing on the rate of dysphagia and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) recurrence. The evidence suggests that laparoscopic PPF is a safe and feasible procedure, and provides similar reflux control compared to laparoscopic total fundoplication, with lower risk of postoperative dysphagia. However, the duration of laparoscopic PPF effect on reflux control over time is questioned, as data on long-term results after laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication are lacking. Further studies are needed to provide long-term functional and clinical results of laparoscopic PPF in order to draw definitive conclusions. Therefore, the controversy regarding the optimal surgical strategy for the management of gastroesophageal reflux continues.

Laparoscopic Posterior Partial Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that greatly impacts quality of life. Management options include medical and surgical therapies. Nonoperative management typically relies on longitudinal use of acid-suppressive medications such as proton pump inhibitors, which is associated with a significant financial burden and an increasing number of recognized side effects. The surgical management of GERD is focused on correction of the lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction by means of a fundoplication, thus limiting acid and nonacid gastroesophageal reflux. Multiple techniques have been described, including use of complete (360°) fundoplication or partial fundoplication in either an anterior (180°) or posterior (220-270°) position. Recent studies have shown that the total and the partial fundoplications are similarly effective in controlling GERD. A partial fundoplication may also be advantageous when treating patients with GERD and poor esophageal motility. This article focuses on the posterior partial (modified Toupet) fundoplication, with attention to the key elements of the preoperative workup, appropriate patient selection, and important technical steps that are associated with the best outcomes.

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy or pneumatic dilatation in achalasia: results of a prospective, randomized study with at least a decade of follow-up.

The most efficient long-term treatment strategy for achalasia has yet to be established. This study compared the long-term results (≥ 10years) after either pneumatic dilatations or laparoscopic myotomy using treatment failure as the primary outcome. Secondary objectives were; the frequency and degree of dysphagia and effects on health-related quality of life (QoL). Out of the 53 patients with achalasia who were initially randomized to either laparoscopic myotomy with a posterior partial fundoplication (LM) or repetitive pneumatic dilatation (PD), 43 remained for scrutiny after a median observation period of 170months (LM; n = 20 and PD; n = 23). At the follow-up of 60months, 10 patients (36%) in the PD group and two patients (8%) in the LM group were classified as treatment failures (p = 0.016). At the latest follow-up time point (≥ 10years), the corresponding numbers were 13 (57%) and 4 (20%), respectively. The Kaplan-Meier analysis of the cumulative incidence of treatment failure revealed a significant advantage of LM over the dilatation strategy (p = 0.036)). QoL assessed by the generic instrument PGWB and the more disease-specific instrument GSRS revealed scores which were similar in the two study groups with no obvious changes over time. Reflux was better controlled in the LM group (p = 0.02 regarding PPI consumption). After more than a decade of follow-up, laparoscopic myotomy reinforces its superiority over repetitive pneumatic dilatation treatment strategy in the management of newly diagnosed achalasia.

Difficulties of differential diagnosis and treatment of achalasia cardia after previous hiatal hernia repair

Esophagocardiomyotomy followed by anterior fundoplication is a standard treatment of achalasia cardia, whereas cruroraphy with complete or partial posterior fundoplication is carried out for hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The most common postoperative complications of hiatal hernia repair are dysphagia due to malformed cuff, phenomenon of 'telescope' and slow gastric emptying syndrome. Recurrent hiatal hernia is observed in 3-15% of cases. Currently, there are a lot of reports devoted to redo antireflux procedures in patients with hiatal hernia. The goal of the study is to demonstrate difficulties of diagnosis and treatment in a patient with achalasia cardia after previous hiatal hernia repair.

Laparoscopic gastric fundus tamponade: a novel adaptation of the Toupet fundoplication for large paraesophageal hernia repair.

Laparoscopic repair of large paraesophageal hiatal hernia with defects too large to close primarily or greater than 8cm is technically challenging. The ideal repair remains unclear and is often debated. Utilizing the gastric fundus as an autologous patch to obliterate and tamponade large hiatal defects may offer a new solution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes following partial posterior fundoplication with gastric fundus tamponade. Retrospective chart review and prospective patient follow up was conducted on patients who underwent laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair between 2015 and 2019 by a single surgeon. Basic demographics, pre-operative diagnoses, operative technique, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Fifteen patients underwent the described technique for repair of large paraesophageal hiatal hernia. All procedures were completed laparoscopically with a short post-operative length of stay (mean of 3days) and no 30-day readmissions. The majority of patients reported resolution of their pre-operative symptoms. Only one patient required surgery for emergent indications and the same patient was the only mortality in the study, which was secondary to respiratory failure, necrotizing pneumonia, and sepsis as a result of gastric volvulus and obstruction. Utilizing the gastric fundus as an autologous patch to repair large hiatal hernia may be a safe and efficacious solution with good short-term outcomes. However, further studies should be conducted to elucidate long-term results.

An alternative method of surgical treatment of refractory GERD following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Obesity has become a global problem with increasing prevalence. Undoubtedly, bariatric surgery is the most effective way to treat morbid obesity. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is currently the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide. The prevalence of gastroesopha- geal reflux disease (GERD) is also increasing, a close association with increasing prevalence of obesity being regarded as the main cause of this trend. The relationship between LSG and GERD is still unclear, at least controversial. If GERD occurs in the postoperative period, the first therapeutic intervention is initiation of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) treatment, which is effective in the vast majority of patients. In patients resistant to this treatment, conversion to laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is usually necessary. The authors present the case report of a patient who developed GERD in the longer postoperative period and conversion to LRYGB was not appropriate due to previous complications and surgical procedures. Therefore, this patient was managed operatively by an alternative method – hiatoplasty with partial posterior fundoplication. The success of the treatment was confirmed clinically by disappearance of GERD symptomatology postoperatively even after PPI discontinuation. LRYGB is the method of choice for GERD after restrictive bariatric procedures. However, some patients are not suitable for conversion to LRYGB, and alternative treatment options are therefore needed.