Veritas Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia (PEH) Repair Pilot Trial
United States20 participantsStarted 2010-05
Plain-language summary
This is an investigator initiated pilot study to observe the short-term outcomes (a follow-up period of up to six months) of patients who undergo a laparoscopic paraesophageal Hiatal hernia (PEH) repair using the Veritas® Collagen Matrix brand biological mesh. This is a preliminary study at the University of Washington.
A PEH occurs when the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm next to the esophagus. The chance of recurrence of a Hiatal hernia after laparoscopic PEH repair is between 20-40% within 6 months.During laparoscopic PEH repair, a mesh-type product is used as a scaffold. The mesh serves as a reinforcing material during the surgical repair. It is cut to the appropriate size needed for the hernia and sutured to the surrounding diaphragmatic tissue. There are many different types of meshes available on the market, and vary in the degree of manageability, strength, and adherence.
Although surgical meshes work on the same principal, the variance between materials may affect patient outcomes. There is evidence that a biologic mesh, specifically one derived from Small Intestinal Submucosa (SIS), decreases the short-term (6-month) recurrence rates compared to a synthetic mesh or another type of biologic mesh. A biologic mesh, serving as a scaffold, will be replaced by the patient's own tissue after about 6 months. Theoretically, this would prevent the possible complications associated with synthetic mesh including mesh erosion into the esophagus or stricture of the esophagus.
There are some case series showing similar short-term results between the different biologic meshes, but there is no direct comparative data.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
A. Subjects must have a documented symptomatic paraesophageal hernia that:
* 1\. Is greater than 5 cm hiatal hernia on Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) series
* 2\. Has evidence that the stomach or other viscera is present in the hernia and does not spontaneously reduce from the mediastinum
* 3\. Has significant symptoms or signs of a paraesophageal hernia: heartburn, dysphagia, chest pain, shortness of breath, post-prandial abdominal pain, early satiety, odynophagia or chronic anemia
B. Consenting adult ≥18 years \~ documentation of informed consent will be recorded in the research records
C. Must be able to participate in follow-up evaluations (subjects must be fully cognitive)
D. Has a telephone
E. Free of cognitive or speech impairment
Exclusion Criteria:
A. Previous operation of the esophagus or stomach
B. Associated gastrointestinal diseases that require extensive medical or surgical intervention that might interfere with quality of life assessment (e.g. Crohn's disease)
C. Emergent operation for acute volvulus (twisting/rotation of the bowel leading to obstruction)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Recurrence Rate of Hiatal Hernia Rate Based on Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Series