Ten Reasons for Laparoendoscopic Repair of Hiatal Hernia

Laparoendoscopic hiatal hernia repair (LEHHR) involves laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia with concomitant transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF). The objective of this case presentation is to highlight the benefits of LEHHR in a patient with long term follow up. This patient is a 56-year-old woman with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease for 40 years. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed a 2 cm hiatal hernia. DeMeester score was 21.3. She underwent LEHHR 33 months ago. The patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic biliary dyskinesia. This provided the opportunity to examine the operative anatomy. There were minimal adhesions to the liver. The partial fundoplication was intact. The angle of His was preserved. The fundus was spared from any adhesions as TIF utilizes the cardia rather than the fundus to create the wrap. The plane behind the stomach was undisturbed. LEHHR has 10 main benefits. Anatomical benefits result from the preservation of the angle of His. Functional benefits relate to a partial fundoplication which normalizes pH values. LEHHR avoids bleeding from short gastric vessels and the creation of a wrap when anatomical obstacles present. Strategic benefits are directed toward any subsequent revisional reflux surgery. The lack of adhesions, easy access to the base of left crus, and sparing the fundus render revisional surgery straightforward.