Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernia with anterior gastropexy: a multicenter study

Background The approach to repair of paraesophageal hernias (PEHs) is controversial. Recent data suggest that mesh repair leads to recurrence rates similar to non-mesh approaches, while subjecting patients to mesh-associated complications. Routine fundoplication during PEH repair has been favored despite significant dysphagia rates. We present our multicenter prospective data on laparoscopic PEH repairs using a modified Boerema anterior gastropexy without fundoplication. Methods We prospectively followed patients after modified Boerema PEH repair at three institutions. Patient demographics, perioperative data, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Subjective and objective outcomes were assessed via clinical assessment, follow-up questioning, endoscopy, and radiographic swallow studies. Results A total of 101 patients were followed a mean of 10.8 (median, 12) months. We encountered 9 (8.9 %) intraoperative complications and 13 (12.9 %) postoperative complications. There was no mortality. Reflux symptoms were absent in 71 patients (70.3 %) postoperatively. Of the remaining subjects, 8 (7.9 %) had mild intermittent reflux without the need for proton pump inhibitors (PPI), 12 (11.9 %) had moderate reflux necessitating PPI as needed, and 10 (9.9 %) had reflux requiring daily PPI. Our recurrence rate, assessed at postoperative endoscopy/barium swallow, was 16.8 %. Of these, 10 (9.9 %) were small segmental recurrences and 7 (6.9 %) were large recurrences. Conclusion Herein, we demonstrate a favorable recurrence rate while avoiding the potential major complications associated with mesh hiatoplasty. Our data tend to support a tailored approach to incorporation of fundoplication during PEH repair. Postoperative acid reflux was absent in most of our patients, and pharmacotherapy alone was sufficient for those experiencing reflux symptoms.