Initial Experience with Laparoscopic Crural Closure in the Management of Hiatal Hernia in Obese Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and/or hiatal hernia (HH) is significantly increased in morbidly obese patients. Laparoscopic bariatric procedures such as gastric banding (LGB) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass have been shown to improve both obesity and reflux symptoms. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and hiatal hernia repair (HHR) for the treatment of obesity complicated by HH. Methods From October 2008, six patients underwent HHR in addition to LSG. Clinical outcomes have been evaluated in terms of GERD symptoms improvement or resolution, interruption of antireflux medication, and X-ray evidence of HH recurrence. Results Symptomatic HH was diagnosed preoperatively in four patients. In two additional patients, HH was asymptomatic and it was diagnosed intraoperatively. Prosthetic reinforcement of crural closure was performed in two symptomatic cases with a HH > 5 cm. Mortality was nil and no complications occurred. After a mean follow-up of 4 months, GERD symptoms resolution occurred in three patients, while the other patient reported an improvement of reflux. Body mass index had fallen from 43.4 to 36.2 kg/m(2). A small recurrence in the patient with persistence of reflux symptoms has been radiologically reported. Conclusions Laparoscopic crural closure in addition to LSG could represent a valuable option for the synchronous management of morbid obesity and HH, providing good outcomes in terms of weight loss and GERD symptoms control.