Laparoscopic proximal sleeve gastrectomy as an alternative for management of giant hiatal hernias

Background and aim: Large anatomic defects of the diaphragmatic hiatus known as giant hiatal hernias could be associated with reflux esophagitis disease (GERD) and other life-threatening complications such as gastric volvulus, ischemia and perforation, thus surgical repair is warranted. Although usually the key steps to surgical repair are reduction of the herniated stomach, complete excision of the sac, hiatus repair, and an antireflux procedure, surgery in these cases is associated with a great rate of anatomic and functional failure, therefore different techniques have been described since the original description of Collis gastroplasty designed to lengthen the short esophagus. Methods: We report here the technique and results performing proximal vertical gastrectomy or proximal sleeve gastrectomy (PSG) as an alternative in cases in which the possibility of recurrence of the hiatal hernia (HH) is high. Results: After years of follow-up after surgery, all the case patients presented here are free of gastroesophageal reflux or dysphagia symptoms, with no necessity for acid suppression medication, and no side effects of the surgery. Conclusion: The treatment of giant HH is a complex and challenging disorder to treat. PSG seems to be a good surgical alternative for the treatment of some special cases of giant HH minimizing the GERD symptoms and possible recurrences.