Robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic repair of type II, III and IV hiatal hernias: A retrospective study comparing adverse outcomes

Objective:Robotic-assisted surgery(RAS)is continuing to expand in use in surgical specialties,including foregut surgery.The available data on its use in large hiatal hernia(HH)repair are limited and conflicting.This study sought to determine whether there are significant differences in adverse outcomes following HH repair performed with a robotic approach vs.a laparoscopic approach.This study was limited to outcomes in patients with type II,III,and IV HHs,as these hernias are typically more challenging to repair.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed from data obtained from TriNetX,a large deidentified clinical database,over a 10-year period.Adult patients who underwent type II,III,or IV HH repair were included in the study.HH with robotic repair was compared to laparoscopic repair.Cohorts were propensity score matched for demographic information and comorbidities.Risk ratios,risk differences(RDs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs),and t test for each examined adverse outcome were used to estimate the effects of robotic repair vs.laparoscopic repair.Results:In total,20,016 patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified;1,515 patients utilized RAS,and 18,501 used laparoscopy.Prior to matching,there were significant differences in age,sex,comorbidity,and BMI between the two cohorts.After 1:1 propensity score matching,analyses of 1,514 well-matched patient pairs revealed no significant differences in demographics or comorbidities.Patients who underwent robotic repair were more likely to experience major complications,including venous thromboembolism(RD:0.007,95%CI:0.003,0.011;p?0.002),critical care(RD:0.023,95%CI:0.007,0.039;p?0.004),urinary/renal complications(RD:0.027,95%CI:0.014,0.041;p<0.001),and respiratory complications(RD:0.046,95%CI:0.028,0.064;p<0.001).RAS was associated with a significantly shorter length of stay(32.4±27.5 h vs.35.7±50.1 h,p?0.031),although this finding indicated a reduction in the length of stay of less than 4 hours.No statistically significant differences in risk of esophageal perforation,infection,postprocedural shock,bleeding,mortality,additional emergency room visits,cardiac complications,or wound disruption were found.Conclusions:Patients who undergo robotic-assisted large HH repair are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism,need critical care,urinary or renal complications and respiratory complications.Due to variations in RAS technique,experience,and surgical volumes,further study of this surgical approach and complication rates is warranted.

Occurrence and prevention of incisional hernia following laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Among minimally invasive surgical procedures,colorectal surgery is associated with a notably higher incidence of incisional hernia(IH),ranging from 1.7% to 24.3%.This complication poses a significant burden on the healthcare system annually,necessitating urgent attention from surgeons.In a study published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery,Fan et al compared the incidence of IH among 1614 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery with different extraction site locations and evaluated the risk factors associated with its occurrence.This editorial analyzes the current risk factors for IH after laparoscopic colorectal surgery,emphasizing the impact of obesity,surgical site infection,and the choice of incision location on its development.Furthermore,we summarize the currently available preventive measures for IH.Given the low surgical repair rate and high recurrence rate associated with IH,prevention deserves greater research and attention compared to treatment.

Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects of Inguinal Hernia in Children in the General Surgery Department of Reference Health Center in Commune I of Bamako Mali

Inguinal hernia in children is a congenital pathology in children linked to the persistence of the peritoneo-vaginal canal in children and the NüCK canal in girls;persisting into adulthood. This work aimed to study inguinal hernia in children in the general surgery department of the Reference Health Center of Commune I of the Bamako District;to determine the frequency of inguinal hernia;describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of inguinal hernias and in order to evaluate the cost of treatment. This was a prospective study from April 2017 to March 2018 during which 60 children with an inguinal hernia were collected. Inguinal hernias in children represented 9.23% of patients operated on in the department. The average age was 59.23 months with extremes of one month and 180 months and a standard deviation of 49.23 years. The male sex was dominant with a sex ratio equal to 9:1. The notion of prematurity was found in 11.7% and was associated with a testicle not in place in 1.7% of cases. 41.7% of our patients were referred by a doctor and 66.7% of patients presented with painless, intermittent inguino-scrotal swelling (83.3% of cases). The hernia was discovered before one week of life in 50% of cases. Inguinal swelling was absent in 11.7% but observed intraoperatively. The inguinal hernia was unilateral in 91.7% of cases and 70% of hernias were discovered by the parents during pushing efforts. The inguinal hernia was located on the right in 61.7% of cases. The hernia swelling was soft, painless, impulsive and reducible in 78.3% of cases. The swelling was inguino-scrotal in 58.3% of cases. The hernia was simple in 95% of patients and hernial strangulation was observed in 3 cases or 5% of cases. 98.3% of patients were ASA I. The treatment was carried out openly in all our patients including closure of the vaginal peritoneal canal in 95% of cases under general anesthesia in 98.3% of cases. The morbidity rate was 8.4% (surgical site infection: 6.7% of cases and hematoma: 1.7%). The immediate consequences were simple in 96.6% of cases. No cases of recurrence occurred during the 6 months after the intervention. The average cost of care was estimated at 69,743 FCFA.

Evaluating the Impact of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Patients Undergoing Inguinal Hernia Surgery: A Meta- Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective:A comprehensive meta-analysis based on the latest randomized controlled trials(RCTs)was conducted to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS)on patients undergoing treatment after inguinal hernia surgery.Methods:A detailed search of Embase,PubMed,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library was performed for RCTs investigating the use of TENS during inguinal hernia surgery up to September 28,2021.The Cochrane tool was applied to assess the risk of bias in the included studies.Results:Seven eligible RCTs with a total of 379 cases were included.The meta-analysis showed a mean difference(MD)in VAS of-1.61[95%CI:-2.20-1.02,P<0.00001]at 2 hours post-operation,VAS MD=-1.33 at 4 hours post-operation[95%CI:-2.84-0.18,P=0.09],VAS MD=-2.36 at 8 hours post-operation[95%CI:-4.04-0.69,P=0.006],and VAS MD=-1.75 at 24 hours post-operation[95%CI:-2.64-0.85,P=0.0001].The cortisol level MD at 24 hours post-operation was-52.56[95%CI:-168.8-63.76,P=0.38].Conclusion:TENS significantly reduces postoperative pain following inguinal hernia surgery and promotes patient recovery.TENS is recommended for patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery.However,further high-quality studies are needed to confirm additional effects.

Gasless Laparoscopic Surgery plus Abdominal Wall Lifting for Giant Hiatal Hernia——Our Single-center Experience

Giant hiatal hernia（GHH） comprises 5% of hiatal hernia and is associated with significant complications.The traditional operative procedure,no matter transthoracic or transabdomen repair of giant hiatal hernia,is characteristic of more invasion and more complications.Although laparoscopic repair as a minimally invasive surgery is accepted,a part of patients can not tolerate pneumoperitoneum because of combination with cardiopulmonary diseases or severe posterior mediastinal and neck emphesema during operation.The aim of this article was to analyze our experience in gasless laparoscopic repair with abdominal wall lifting to treat the giant hiatal hernia.We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing gasless laparoscopic repair of GHH with abdominal wall lifting from 2012 to 2015 at our institution.The GHH was defined as greater than one-third of the stomach in the chest.Gasless laparoscopic repair of GHH with abdominal wall lifting was attempted in 27 patients.Mean age was 67 years.The results showed that there were no conversions to open surgery and no intraoperative deaths.The mean duration of operation was 100 min（range：90–130 min）.One-side pleura was injured in 4 cases（14.8%）.The mean postoperative length of stay was 4 days（range：3–7 days）.Median follow-up was 26 months（range：6–38 months）.Transient dysphagia for solid food occurred in three patients（11.1%）,and this symptom disappeared within three months.There was one patient with recurrent hiatal hernia who was reoperated on.Two patients still complained of heartburn three months after surgery.Neither reoperation nor endoscopic treatment due to signs of postoperative esophageal stenosis was required in any patient.Totally,satisfactory outcome was reported in 88.9% patients.It was concluded that the gasless laparoscopic approach with abdominal wall lifting to the repair of GHH is feasible,safe,and effective for the patients who cannot tolerate the pneumoperitoneum.

Determining the need for a thoracoscopic approach to treat a giant hiatal hernia when abdominal access is poor

BACKGROUND Giant hernias present a significant challenge for digestive surgeons.The approach taken(laparoscopic vs thoracoscopic)depends largely on the preferences and skills of each surgeon,although in most cases today the laparoscopic approach is preferred.AIM To determine whether patients presenting inadequate laparoscopic access to the intrathoracic hernial sac obtain poorer postoperative results than those with no such problem,in order to assess the need for a thoracoscopic approach.METHODS For the retrospective series of patients treated in our hospital for hiatal hernia(n=112),we calculated the laparoscopic field of view and the working area accessible to surgical instruments,by means of preoperative imaging tests,to assess the likely outcome for cases inaccessible to laparoscopy.RESULTS Patients with giant hiatal hernias for whom a preoperative calculation suggested that the laparoscopic route would not access all areas of the intrathoracic sac presented higher rates of perioperative complications and recurrence during follow-up than those for whom laparoscopy was unimpeded.The difference was statistically significant.Moreover,the insertion of mesh did not improve results for the non-accessible group.CONCLUSION For patients with giant hiatal hernias,it is essential to conduct a preoperative evaluation of the angle of vision and the working area for surgery.When parts of the intrathoracic sac are inaccessible laparoscopically,the thoracoscopic approach should be considered.

Robotic Foregut Surgery: One Surgeon’s Experience with Nissen Fundoplication, Esophagomyotomy, and Hiatal Hernia Repair

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to review a single surgeon, seven-year experience, using the Da Vinci Telerobotic system performing 124 foregut operations. Methods: Data review from 2002-2009 including 71 Nissen fundoplications, 26 esophagomyotomies, and 27 hiatal hernia repairs was performed. Parameters collected included gender, age, body mass index (BMI), estimated blood loss (EBL), port set up time (PST), robot operating time (ROT), total case time (TCT), length of stay (LOS), complications, conversions, and resident involvement. Statistical analysis was con-ducted. Results: 124 foregut operations: 45 males, 79 females, mean age of 54.8 ± 16.7 (18 - 85) years, mean TCT 174.4 ± 45.0 (102 - 321) min. Nissen fundoplication: mean BMI of 30.8 ± 3.9 (22.4 - 46.8) kg/m2, EBL 30.2 ± 21.8 (5 - 100) ml, PST 32.3 ± 9 (14 - 63) min, ROT 111.4 ± 37.3 (51 - 229) min, TCT 175.0 ± 46.4 (102 - 321) min, median LOS 1 (0 - 9) day, complication rate 7.0% (5/71), conversion rate 5.6%, resident involvement 69.0% (49/71). Esophagomyotomy: mean BMI of 26.5 ± 6.1 (15.4 - 36.6) kg/m2, EBL 39.1 ± 41.7 (10 - 200) ml, PST 28.0 ± 8.6 (16 - 47) min, ROT 122.9 ± 45 (31 - 217) min, and TCT 178.0 ± 40.5 (105 - 262) min, median LOS 1 (0 - 6) day, complication rate 15.4% (4/26), conversion rate 0%, resident involvement 69.2% (18/26). Hiatal hernia repair: mean BMI of 28.4 ± 4.2 (21.9 - 36.8) kg/m2, EBL 38.4 ± 32.7 (10 - 150) ml, PST 28.8 ± 8.0 (17 - 52) min, ROT 109.0 ± 44.5 (49 - 250) min, and TCT 169.2 ± 46.5 (102 - 299) min, median LOS 1 (1 - 14) day, complication rate 11.1% (3/27), conversion rate 3.7%, resident involvement 66.7% (18/27). Conclusion: Robotic-assisted foregut surgery is safe and effective. This series compares favorably with other robotic studies in length of hospital stay, total case time, and complication and conver-sion rates. Foregut surgery is an excellent robotic training ground for residents.

Preoperative calculation of angles of vision and working area in laparoscopic surgery to treat a giant hiatal hernia

BACKGROUND Giant hiatal hernias still pose a major challenge to digestive surgeons,and their repair is sometimes a highly complex task.This is usually performed by laparoscopy,while the role of the thoracoscopic approach has yet to be clearly defined.AIM To preoperatively detect patients with a giant hiatal hernia in whom it would not be safe to perform laparoscopic surgery and who,therefore,would be candidates for a thoracoscopic approach.METHODS In the present study,using imaging test we preoperatively simulate the field of vision of the camera and the working area(instrumental access)that can be obtained in each patient when the laparoscopic approach is used.RESULTS From data obtained,we can calculate the access angles that will be obtained in a preoperative computerised axial tomography coronal section,according to the location of the trocar.We also provide the formula for performing the angle calculations If the trocars are placed in loss common situations,thus enabling us to determine the visibility and manoeuvrability for any position of the trocars.CONCLUSION The working area determines the cases in which we can operate safely and those in which certain areas of the hernia cannot be accessed,which is when the thoracoscopic approach would be safer.

Hybrid IPOM: A Novel Technique for the Management of Incisional Hernia

Background and Aim: The incidence of incisional hernias has been reported to be around 15%. In the present scenario, a wide array of surgical procedures are available for their better management. In this study, we intend to share our experience with one novel technique, “Hybrid IPOM (Intraperitoneal onlay meshplasty)” as a management option for a selected cohort of patients. Methods: This prospective study was undertaken during January 2019 to July 2023 at King Abdullah medical city, Makkah. A total of 51 cases were selected for Hybrid IPOM repair as per inclusion criteria;medium sized (4 - 10 cm) hernia defects;uncomplicated hernias;age more than 18 years. The follow-up period of the patients varied from 6 months to 4 years. The operation commenced with open hernia dissection, mesh deployment into abdomen, defect closure and then conversion to laparoscopy for the posterior mesh placement. Results: A total of 51 cases were repaired successfully with this technique. 48 out of 51 cases were incisional hernias secondary to some primary procedure done either for hernias itself or some other intra-abdominal pathology. The three cases were primary hernias falling in medium to large category with unaesthetic overlying skin. The age range was 19 to 72 years. The mean (range) operative time was 135 (90 - 240) min, and the average blood loss was 70 ml. The mean (range) hospital stay was 3 (2 - 11) days. All patients returned to routine work within 2 - 3 weeks of surgery. The median follow-up was 15 (6 - 48) months. Of the 51 cases, 3 patients developed seroma (managed conservatively), 1 patient developed a large hematoma (needed evacuation), and 1 patient developed superficial wound infection (managed with antibiotics). Two patients had recurrences;one patient had previously failed multiple repairs, and the other developed a postoperative hematoma. None of our patients had an iatrogenic bowel injury. Conclusion: Hybrid IPOM technique is a safe, feasible and easily reproducible technique. It may prove easier especially for beginners in laparoscopy, as it achieves faster and easy adhesiolysis thereby reducing operative time and easier establishment of the pneumoperitoneum. Besides, it gives the chance to excise ugly scars and improve the cosmesis.

Factors influencing agitation during anesthesia recovery after laparoscopic hernia repair under total inhalation combined with caudal block anesthesia

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic hernia repair is a minimally invasive surgery,but patients may experience emergence agitation(EA)during the post-anesthesia recovery period,which can increase pain and lead to complications such as wound reopening and bleeding.There is limited research on the risk factors for this agitation,and few effective tools exist to predict it.Therefore,by integrating clinical data,we have developed nomograms and random forest predictive models to help clinicians predict and potentially prevent EA.AIM To establish a risk nomogram prediction model for EA in patients undergoing laparoscopic hernia surgery under total inhalation combined with sacral block anesthesia.METHODS Based on the clinical information of 300 patients who underwent laparoscopic hernia surgery in the Nanning Tenth People’s Hospital,Guangxi,from January 2020 to June 2023,the patients were divided into two groups according to their sedation-agitation scale score,i.e.,the EA group(≥5 points)and the non-EA group(≤4 points),during anesthesia recovery.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was used to select the key features that predict EA,and incorporating them into logistic regression analysis to obtain potential pre-dictive factors and establish EA nomogram and random forest risk prediction models through R software.RESULTS Out of the 300 patients,72 had agitation during anesthesia recovery,with an incidence of 24.0%.American Society of Anesthesiologists classification,preoperative anxiety,solid food fasting time,clear liquid fasting time,indwelling catheter,and pain level upon awakening are key predictors of EA in patients undergoing laparoscopic hernia surgery with total intravenous anesthesia and caudal block anesthesia.The nomogram predicts EA with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of 0.947,a sensi-tivity of 0.917,and a specificity of 0.877,whereas the random forest model has an AUC of 0.923,a sensitivity of 0.912,and a specificity of 0.877.Delong’s test shows no significant difference in AUC between the two models.Clinical decision curve analysis indicates that both models have good net benefits in predicting EA,with the nomogram effective within the threshold of 0.02 to 0.96 and the random forest model within 0.03 to 0.90.In the external model validation of 50 cases of laparoscopic hernia surgery,both models predicted EA.The nomogram model had a sensitivity of 83.33%,specificity of 86.84%,and accuracy of 86.00%,while the random forest model had a sensitivity of 75.00%,specificity of 78.95%,and accuracy of 78.00%,suggesting that the nomogram model performs better in predicting EA.CONCLUSION Independent predictors of EA in patients undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair with total intravenous anesthesia combined with caudal block include American Society of Anesthesiologists classification,preoperative anxiety,duration of solid food fasting,duration of clear liquid fasting,presence of an indwelling catheter,and pain level upon waking.The nomogram and random forest models based on these factors can help tailor clinical decisions in the future.

Hiatal Hernia by Rolling Revealed by Respiratory Symptoms: A Rare Condition and Atypical Presentation

Hiatal hernia by rolling is a rare pathology estimated at 5% of all diaphragmatic hernias. It is usually asymptomatic. Sometimes, it can be accompanied by different symptoms, such as post prandial bloating, dysphagia, regurgitation, retro sternal pain, even respiratory symptoms. The aim of this article is to show that a hiatus hernia by rolling can cause a misleading clinical picture that may be taken wrongly for a heart or respiratory disease. We report the case of an 80-year-old patient whose presentation was suggestive of an acute heart condition, but the scan confirmed a rolling diaphragmatic hernia. Because of the rarity and the atypical presentation of this case, we have found it desirable to bring this new observation.

Rare sequalae of hiatal hernia causing pancreatitis and hepatitis:A case report

Hiatal hernia(HH) contents commonly include stomach, transverse colon, small intestine, and spleen but herniation of the pancreas is an extremely rare phenomenon.79-year-old female with multiple comorbidities presented to emergency department with complaints of weight loss for 6 mo and abdominal pain for one day. Physical examination revealed cachectic and dehydrated female and bowel sounds could be auscultated on the right side of chest. Computed tomography of the chest and abdomen revealed interval enlargement of a massive HH,containing stomach and much of the bowel as well as pancreas and distal extrahepatic biliary duct, probably responsible for obstructive effect upon same. There was increased prominence of the pancreas consistent with pancreatitis. There was a large HH causing obstructive effect with dilated biliary system along gall bladder wall edema and pancreatitis. Patient clinical status improved with conservative treatment.HH presenting with acute pancreatitis is a serious diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The initial management is conservative, even if the abdominal content has herniated to mediastinum. The incentive spirometry can be utilized in the conservative of the large HH. After stabilization of the patient, elective surgical intervention remains the mainstay of the management. Definitive treatment will vary from case to case depending on the acuity of situation and comorbidities.

Is fascial closure required for a 12-mm trocar?A comparative study on trocar site hernia with long-term follow up

BACKGROUND Despite the infrequency of trocar site hernias(TSHs),fascial closure continues to be recommended for their prevention when using a≥10-mm trocar.AIM To identify the necessity of fascial closure for a 12-mm nonbladed trocar incision in minimally invasive colorectal surgeries.METHODS Between July 2010 and December 2018,all patients who underwent minimally invasive colorectal surgery at the Minimally Invasive Surgery Unit of Siriraj Hospital were retrospectively reviewed.All patients underwent cross-sectional imaging for TSH assessment.Clinicopathological characteristics were recorded.Incidence rates of TSH and postoperative results were analyzed.RESULTS Of the 254 patients included,70(111 ports)were in the fascial closure(closed)group and 184(279 ports)were in the nonfascial closure(open)group.The median follow up duration was 43 mo.During follow up,three patients in the open group developed TSHs,whereas none in the closed group developed the condition(1.1%vs 0%,P=0.561).All TSHs occurred in the right lower abdomen.Patients whose drains were placed through the same incision had higher rates of TSHs compared with those without the drain.The open group had a significantly shorter operative time and lower blood loss than the closed group.CONCLUSION Routine performance of fascial closure when using a 12-mm nonbladed trocar may not be needed.However,further prospective studies with cross-sectional imaging follow-up and larger sample size are needed to confirm this finding.

Cardiovascular Complications of Large Hiatal Hernias: Expanding the Indications for Robotic Surgical Anatomic and Physiologic Repair: A Review

Background: Historically, the pathophysiology of Hiatal Hernias (HH) has not been fully understood. As a result, the surgical therapy of HH has focused primarily on gastrointestinal symptoms and Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD). This treatment strategy has been associated with poor relief of symptoms and poor long-term outcomes. In fact, until recently, most patients with HH have been watched and referred for surgery as a last resort. Recent experience has shown that a large (giant) Hiatal Hernia (GHH) is a common problem known to impact adjacent organs such as the hearts and lungs. Those referred for surgical repair often complain of dyspnea, which is erroneously attributed to pulmonary compression or aspiration, but has been shown to be from tamponade caused from compression of the heart by herniated abdominal contents. This article reviews the present understanding of GHH, the cardiac complications which result from GHH, and the most advanced robotic minimally invasive surgical approach to the anatomic and physiologic repair of GHH. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, we evaluated patients undergoing RRHH with at least a 2-year follow-up. All patients undergoing elective (RRHH) were identified preoperatively and enrolled prospectively in this study. Preoperative characteristics, medical comorbidities, and clinical information were all recorded prospectively and recorded into a secure surgical outcomes database. All patients received the previously validated Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire preoperatively and at postoperative time points of 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years. Patients routinely had a barium swallow postoperatively before discharge but did not undergo a barium swallow, an endoscopy, or a CT scan study at the 1-month time point unless indicated by symptoms. At 6 months, 1 year, and yearly intervals thereafter, all patients received an endoscopy study to ascertain the presence of a recurrence, regardless of symptoms. Recurrence was defined as over 2 cm or 10% of the stomach above the diaphragm detected by CT, esophagogram or endoscopy. In addition, an extensive search was conducted using Pub Med in order to extract references to the cardiovascular complications of HH. Results: 423 patients underwent RRHH. With a long-term follow-up, there was a significant decrease in the Median Symptom Severity Score from 42.0 preoperatively, to 3.0 postoperatively. Recurrence was seen in 5 patients (5/423) for a recurrence rate of 1.1%. Conclusion: This experience has been the basis of two important realizations: 1) all patients with GHH have at least some degrees of clinically relevant compression of the inferior vena cava and the left atrium which causes tamponade and cardiogenic dyspnea which completely resolves after successful surgical repair;and 2) primary care providers and gastroenterologists who usually treat patients for GHH repair rarely recognize cardiac compression and tamponade as the cause of the shortness of breath and gradual increase in dyspnea on exertion and progressive fatigability in these patients. This article reviews the present understanding of GHH, the cardiac complications which result from GHH and the most advanced robotic minimally invasive surgical approach to the anatomic and physiologic repair of GHH.

Transverse mesocolic hernia with intestinal obstruction as a rare cause of acute abdomen in adults:A case report

BACKGROUND Internal hernia is a rare cause of acute abdomen and intestinal obstruction in adults.Internal abdominal hernias include paraduodenal,perigastric,foramen of Winslow,intersigmoid,and post-anastomotic hernias and can be congenital or acquired.Internal hernias occur in 1%-2%of patients,and transmesocolic hernias are extremely rare.This report presents a patient with a transverse mesocolic hernia with a preoperative diagnosis of small intestinal obstruction.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old Chinese woman was admitted to the hospital with middle and upper abdominal pain for 2 d,abdominal distension,and vomiting.After abdominal computed tomography,she was diagnosed with an internal abdominal hernia complicated by small intestinal obstruction and underwent emergency laparoscopic surgery.The patient recovered well and was discharged 6 d postoperatively.CONCLUSION Transmesocolic hernias must be considered in adult patients with signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction,even without a history of abdominal trauma or surgery.

Dual-sided composite mesh repair of hiatal hernia: Our experience and a review of the Chinese literature

AIM:To summarize our experience in the application of Crurasoft for antireflux surgery and hiatal hernia(HH)repair and to introduce the work of Chinese doctors on this topic.METHODS:Twenty-one patients underwent HH repair with Crurasoft reinforcement.Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)and HH-related symptoms including heartburn,regurgitation,chest pain,dysphagia,and abdominal pain were evaluated preoperatively and 6mo postoperatively.A patient survey was conducted by phone by one of the authors.Patients were asked about"recurrent reflux or heartburn"and"dysphagia".An internet-based Chinese literature search in this field was also performed.Data extracted from each study included:number of patients treated,hernia size,hiatorrhaphy,antireflux surgery,follow-up period,recurrence rate,and complications(especially dysphagia).RESULTS:There were 8 typeⅠ,10 typeⅡand 3 typeⅢHHs in this group.Mean operative time was 119.29min(range 80-175 min).Intraoperatively,length and width of the hiatal orifice were measured,(4.33±0.84and 2.85±0.85 cm,respectively).Thirteen and eight Nissen and Toupet fundoplications were performed,respectively.The intraoperative complication rate was9.52%.Despite dysphagia,GERD-related symptoms improved significantly compared with those before surgery.The recurrence rate was 0%during the 6-mo follow-up period,and long-term follow-up disclosed a recurrence rate of 4.76%with a mean period of 16.28mo.Eight patients developed new-onset dysphagia.The Chinese literature review identified 12 papers with213 patients.The overall recurrence rate was 1.88%.There was no esophageal erosion and the rate of dysphagia ranged from 0%to 24%.CONCLUSION:The use of Crurasoft mesh for HH repair results in satisfactory symptom control with a low recurrence rate.Postoperative dysphagia continues to be an issue,and requires more research to reduce its incidence.

Gastroesophageal flap valve status distinguishes clinical phenotypes of large hiatal hernia

AIM: To investigate two distinct clinical phenotypes of reflux esophagitis and intra-hernial ulcer (Cameron lesions) in patients with large hiatal hernias. METHODS: A case series study was performed with 16 831 patients who underwent diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy for 2 years at an academic referral center. A hiatus diameter ≥ 4 cm was defined as a large hernia. A sharp fold that surrounded the cardia was designated as an intact gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV), and a loose fold or disappearance of the fold was classified as an impaired GEFV. We studied the associations between large hiatal hernias and the distinct clinical phenotypes (reflux esophagitis and Cameron lesions), and analyzed factors that distinguished the clinical phenotypes. RESULTS: Large hiatal hernias were found in 49 (0.3%) of 16 831 patients. Cameron lesions and reflux esopha-gitis were observed in 10% and 47% of these patients, and 0% and 8% of the patients without large hiatal hernias, which indicated significant associations between large hiatal hernias and these diseases. However, there was no coincidence of the two distinct disorders. Univariate analysis demonstrated significant associations between Cameron lesions and the clinico-endoscopic factors such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intake (80% in Cameron lesion cases vs 18% in non-Cameron lesion cases, P=0.015) and intact GEFV (100% in Cameron lesion cases vs 18% in non-Cameron lesion cases, P=0.0007). In contrast, reflux esophagitis was linked with impaired GEFV (44% in reflux esophagitis cases vs 8% in non-reflux esophagitis cases, P = 0.01). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed these significant associations. CONCLUSION: GEFV status and NSAID intake distinguish clinical phenotypes of large hiatal hernias. Cameron lesions are associated with intact GEFV and NSAID intake.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound using SonoVue mixed with oral gastrointestinal contrast agent to evaluate esophageal hiatal hernia: Report of three cases and a literature review

BACKGROUND Due to a thicker abdominal wall in some patients,ultrasound artifacts from gastrointestinal gas and surrounding tissues can interfere with routine ultrasound examination,precluding its ability to display or clearly show the structure of a hernial sac(HS)and thereby diminishing diagnostic performance for esophageal hiatal hernia(EHH).Contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)imaging using an oral agent mixture allows for clear and intuitive identification of an EHH sac and dynamic observation of esophageal reflux.CASE SUMMARY In this case series,we report three patients with clinically-suspected EHH,including two females and one male with an average age of 67.3±16.4 years.CEUS was administered with an oral agent mixture(microbubble-based SonoVue and gastrointestinal contrast agent)and identified a direct sign of supradiaphragmatic HS(containing the hyperechoic agent)and indirect signs[e.g.,widening of esophageal hiatus,hyperechoic mixture agent continuously or intermittently reflux flowing back and forth from the stomach into the supradiaphragmatic HS,and esophagus-gastric echo ring(i.e.,the“EG”ring)seen above the diaphragm].All three cases received a definitive diagnosis of EHH by esophageal manometry and gastroscopy.Two lesions resolved upon drug treatment and one required surgery.The recurrence rate in follow-up was 0%.The data from these cases suggest that the new non-invasive examination method may greatly improve the diagnosis of EHH.CONCLUSION CEUS with the oral agent mixture can facilitate clear and intuitive identification of HS and dynamic observation of esophageal reflux.

Laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia with mesenterioaxial volvulus of the stomach

Although mesenterioaxial gastric volvulus is an uncommon entity characterized by rotation at the transverse axis of the stomach, laparoscopic repair procedures have still been controversial. We reported a case of mesenterioaxial intrathoracic gastric volvulus, which was successfully treated with laparoscopic repair of the diaphragmatic hiatal defect using a polytetrafluoroethylene mesh associated with Toupet fundoplication. A 70-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital because of sudden onset of upper abdominal pain. An upper gastrointestinal series revealed an incarcerated intrathoracic mesenterioaxial volvulus of the distal portion of the stomach and the duodenum. The complete laparoscopic approach was used to repair the volvulus. The laparoscopic procedures involved the repair of the hiatal hernia using polytetrafluoroethylene mesh and Toupet fundoplication. This case highlights the feasibility and effectiveness of the laparoscopic procedure, and laparoscopic repair of the hiatal defect using a polytetrafluoroethylene mesh associated with Toupet fundoplication may be useful for preventing postoperative recurrence of hiatal her-nia, volvulus, and gastroesophageal reflux.

Intrathoracic major duodenal papilla with transhiatal herniation of the pancreas and duodenum:A case report and review of the literature

Transhiatal herniation of the pancreas is an extremely rare condition.In the published literature we found only eleven cases reported in the period of 1958 to 2011.A coincidental hiatal herniation of the duodenum is described in two cases only.To our knowledge,we report the first case with a hiatal herniation of the complete duodenum and proximal pancreas presenting an intrathoracic major duodenal papilla with consecutive intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholestasis.A 72-yearold Caucasian woman was admitted to our department with a hiatal hernia grade Ⅳ for further evaluation.According to our recommendation of surgical hernia repair soon after the diagnosis of a transhiatal herniation of the proximal pancreas and entire duodenum,we had to respect the declared intention of the patient for a conservative procedure.So we were forced to wait for surgical repair within an emergency situation complicated by a myocardial infarction and reduced general condition.We discuss the therapeutic decision making process and a complete literature review of this rare entity.