Crura augmentation with Bio-A® mesh for laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia: single-institution experience with 100 consecutive patients

Hernia. 2017 Aug;21(4):623-628. doi: 10.1007/s10029-017-1603-1. Epub 2017 Apr 10.

Abstract

Background: The potential utility of both non-absorbable and absorbable meshes to reinforce the esophageal hiatus and prevent recurrent hernia has been investigated in observational studies and a few randomized clinical trials. Use of absorbable mesh has been associated with lesser side-effects, but the long-term safety and effectiveness are still debated. This rather scanty clinical evidence is due to heterogeneity and bias regarding the type of mesh and operation used, the modalities of follow-up, and the reporting of objective results.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess safety, quality of life, and recurrence-free probability after laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia reinforced with a synthetic absorbable mesh.

Methods: Observational, retrospective, single-center cohort study. All patients with hiatal hernia who underwent laparoscopic crura repair using a biosynthetic mesh (Gore Bio A® tissue reinforcement, Flagstaff, AZ) were included. Pre- and post-operative symptoms were assessed with the GERD-HRQL questionnaire. Objective follow-up consisted of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and barium swallow study.

Results: From September 2011 to March 2016, a total of 100 patients underwent hiatal hernia repair using a Bio-A® mesh. All surgical procedures were completed laparoscopically. Postoperative morbidity rate was 10%. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 6 months, and the median follow-up was 30 (IQR = 22) months. No mesh-related complications occurred. The incidence of recurrent hernia ≥2 cm was 9%, and eight of the nine patients had a preoperative type III hernia. The median GERD-HRQL score was significantly reduced after operation (p < 0.001). The recurrence-free probability at 1 and 5 years was, respectively, 0.99 (CI 0.97-1.00) and 0.84 (CI 0.74-0.97), and no reoperation was required. No association was found between age, BMI, hernia size, previously failed surgical repairs and hernia recurrence.

Conclusions: The use of a synthetic absorbable mesh to reinforce the esophageal hiatus is safe and appears to be effective and durable over a medium-term follow-up.

Keywords: Fundoplication; Hiatus hernia; Laparoscopic hiatus hernia repair; Recurrent hernia.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Absorbable Implants
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Hernia, Hiatal / surgery*
  • Herniorrhaphy / instrumentation*
  • Herniorrhaphy / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy / instrumentation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Period
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Quality of Life
  • Recurrence
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Mesh*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires