Laparoscopic Repair of Giant Hiatal Hernias With Nitinol-framed Lightweight Polytetrafluoroethylene Mesh

Plain-language summary

This study is prospective randomized trial enrolling at least 50 participants which compares efficacy and safety of two alternative methods of laparoscopic hiatal repair for giant (i.e. with hiatal surface area (HSA) exceeding 20 sq.cm) types II and III hiatal hernias: partially absorbable lightweight mesh repair, and nitinol-framed lightweight polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mesh repair. In the literature, mean rate of anatomical recurrence of giant hiatal hernias is 25 %, reaching 42 %. Polypropylene and composite PTFE meshes used most widely, result in unacceptable rates of long-term dysphagia (10-15 %) and oesophageal strictures. Own experience of the interventors of more than 400 repairs using partially absorbable lightweight mesh Ultrapro (Ethicon) and original sub-lay technique of its fixation precluding contact of the mesh with the oesophagus, showed low recurrence rate for large hernias and a few cases of long-term dysphagia. For giant hiatal hernias, this technique provides acceptable results (20 % of recurrence) which correspond to the literature. Nevertheless, these results may be improved, probably by using of new type of prosthesis. Thus, in collaboration with Minnesota Medical Development, Inc., USA, the interventors created fundamentally new method of hiatal repair by using new prosthesis - Rebound HRD-Hiatus hernia. This prosthesis is heart-shaped lightweight PTFE mesh with peripheral nitinol frame. It is easily fixated to the crura posteriorly to the oesophagus completely covering hernia defect, and supports a strong framework of the hiatus, and, therefore, allows to save a principle a real tension-free repair. Mid-term results (mean follow-up period of 15 months) of 29 procedures showed no recurrences or oesophageal complications. Naturally, final conclusions regarding superiority of the new technique could be established by prospective randomized study. The hypothesis of the current trial is: new method of nitinol-framed lightweight PTFE mesh repair is more effective in terms of recurrence rate compared to sub-lay partially absorbable lightweight mesh repair, and is characterized by at least similar safety in terms of oesophageal complications. The long-term results (24 months post surgery for every patient) will be studied using symptom questionnaires, quality of life and satisfaction questionnaires, barium studies, endoscopic examinations, 24-hour pH testing, and analysis of possible reoperations.

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