Management of complications after paraesophageal hernia repair

Abstract

Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair can be performed safely in expert hands. However, it is a complex operation carrying significant risk of peri-operative morbidity and mortality. Careful intra-operative correctional techniques and prompt return to theatre for early post-operative complications result in a satisfactory outcome. Capnothorax and pneumothorax should be dealt with immediately by lowering insufflation pressure, aspiration and drain placement. Hemodynamic instability from cardiovascular injury or bleeding mandates an early return to theatre. Intra-operative perforation of the esophagus or stomach is best avoided, but it can be successfully repaired. Early acute dysphagia warrants a return to theatre for correction while delayed dysphagia can in some patients be treated by dilatation. Asymptomatic hiatus hernia recurrence does not require surgery, but symptomatic and complicated hernias can be re-repaired. Some life-threatening complications such as acute gastric dilatation, aortic fistula, gastric necrosis and perforation can occur months, and even years, after the procedure. Other complications that can severely impair quality of life in the longer term include esophago-gastric junction stenosis, hiatus hernia recurrence, delayed gastric emptying and excess intestinal gas. Longer term revisional surgery for life-threatening or life-impairing complications can be done safely by expert surgeons but has a lower chance of success than primary surgery.