Laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias

Abstract

Background: The repair of large hiatal hernias can be technically challenging. Most series describing laparoscopic repair report only symptomatic outcomes and the true recurrence rate, including asymptomatic recurrence, is not well documented. This study evaluated the long-term outcome of laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias. Methods: All patients who had undergone laparoscopic repair of a large hiatus hernia (more than 50 per cent of the stomach in the hernia) with a minimum 2-year clinical follow-up were identified from a prospectively maintained database. A standardized questionnaire was used to assess symptoms and a barium swallow radiograph was performed to determine anatomy. Mul..