Permanent mesh results in long-term symptom improvement and patient satisfaction without increasing adverse outcomes in hiatal hernia repair

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate symptom relief, patient satisfaction, and safety of permanent mesh following Nissen fundoplication and hiatal hernia repair.

Methods: Patients who underwent Nissen fundoplication and hiatal hernia repair with permanent mesh (Crurasoft; Davol, Inc, Bard, Warwick, RI) between 2005 and 2011 were identified. A retrospective chart review was conducted. Long-term follow-up data were obtained via telephone interviews using a modified 5-point Likert scale.

Results: Forty-one patients were identified. Twenty-six patients (63%) had complete follow-up data. Mean follow-up period was 65 months (14 to 96 months). Symptomatic improvement occurred in 23 patients (88%). Twenty-three patients (88%) reported overall satisfaction with the procedure as either excellent or good, and 23 of 26 patients (89%) would undergo surgery again. Three patients (12%) reported hernia recurrence. There were no mesh erosions.

Conclusion: The use of permanent (Crurasoft; Davol, Inc) mesh resulted in symptom improvement as well as patient satisfaction, and no mesh erosions were seen.