LAUSR

The aim of the study was to assess safety, quality of life and recurrence rate after laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia reinforced with a biosynthetic absorbable mesh (PHASIX ST®). Safety and effectiveness of absorbable meshes for laparoscopic hiatus hernia repair are still debated, with several studies reporting conflicting outcomes. This may be due to patient selection, technique of repair, type of mesh, definition of recurrent hernia and length of follow up. An observational, single-center study was conducted in patients undergoing laparoscopic crural repair reinforced with PHASIX ST®, a monofilament resorbable mesh (poly-4-hydroxybuterate) with a hydrogel barrier on one side. Data were extracted from hospital charts and a prospectively updated research database. The quality of life was assessed by the GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire. Clinical evaluation, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and/or barium swallow study were performed at 6 – 24 months of follow up. Recurrent hernia was defined as the maximum vertical height of stomach > 2 cm above diaphragm at endoscopy and/or barium swallow study. 103 consecutive patients were implanted with PHASIX ST® mesh from January 2017 to May 2019. The overall postoperative morbidity rate was 2.9%. The average follow up was 13 months with 31 (30%) patients reaching 2-year. The mean postoperative GERD-HRQL score significantly improved compared to baseline (4.6 ± 3.9 vs 16.6 ± 4.1, p<0,001). Recurrent hernia was found in 3 of 79 (3.8%) patients followed for at least 6 months after surgery. None of the patients required reoperation for adverse events or symptomatic hernia recurrence. The use of PHASIX ST® mesh to reinforce crural repair for large hiatus hernias is safe and seems to be effective in the short-term follow up.