Laparoscopic Management of Type Iv Hiatal Hernia With Mesh Augmentation Cruroplasty - Experience at a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract Background Type IV para-esophageal hernias, which are characterized by herniation of other organs in addition to stomach, are rare - comprising only 2-5% of all para-esophageal hernias. They are associated with life-threatening complications such as strangulation or perforation of stomach. Laparoscopic treatment of these hernias requires excellent advanced laparoscopic suturing and dissecting skills. Although laparoscopic approach is now universally accepted, the role of mesh augmentation remains debated. Methods Case records of patients who underwent Laparoscopic mesh augmentation cruroplasty for Type IV hiatal hernia since 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Out of 340 patients who underwent hiatal hernia repair, 7 patients (3males, 4females) fulfilled the selection criteria. Median age was 64(53-89) years. Median duration of symptoms was 2months (15days-6months). All patients complained of heartburn. Vomiting was present in 5(71%) patients; only 1(14%) patient had persistent vomiting with dysphagia. Respiratory symptoms were present in 2(29%) patients. No patient had features of peritonitis or sepsis. One patient had undergone laparoscopic heller’s cardiomyotomy twice before. All patients underwent MDCT which confirmed type IV paraesophageal hernia. Median operating time was 150(100-280) minutes. Median blood loss was 150(50-400) ml. 6(85%) patients had herniation of omentum in addition to stomach while 1 patient had herniation of omentum and transverse colon. No patient had ischemia/perforation of stomach. Median hiatal defect was 6(5-8) cm. Sac was excised completely in all cases following reduction of contents. Crural repair was done with1-0 polyester interrupted sutures. In some patients, anterior cruciate ligament repair was done to avoid tenting of esophagus. Rectangle shaped Composite mesh with key-hole slit in upper border was placed. Mesh was anchored with interrupted 1-0ethilon sutures. Fundoplication (Nissen’s/Toupet) was done in all patients, none required esophageal lengthening procedure. Median post-operative stay was 5(2-8) days, median ICU stay was 1(0-4) days. Oral liquids were started on 2 nd (1-3) post-op day and solids on 4 th (2-5) day. 2(29%) patients had post- operative complications - atrial fibrillation and transient respiratory failure respectively. Median follow-up was 14(1-40) months. No patient had symptomatic recurrence. OGDscopy at 6months was normal in 5 patients. No mesh related complication was observed. Discussion Wide hiatal defects were noted in all patients. This necessitated mesh augmentation of crural repair. Both short-term (morbidity, mortality) and long-term outcomes (recurrence, patient satisfaction) were excellent.