Simultaneous paraesophageal hernia repair and gastric banding

The presence of a hiatal hernia is generally considered a contraindication to gastric banding in the morbidly obese, despite recent reports indicating favorable outcomes following simultaneous repair of sliding hernias and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). A 66-year-old woman weighing 120 kg (BMI 45) with arterial hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease underwent repair of a large paraesophageal hernia and LAGB. At 40 months followup, the patient had lost 44% excess body weight (BMI 36) and had no complaints of heartburn, regurgitation or dysphagia. She was no longer hypertensive and her pulmonary condition had improved significantly. Barium swallow at 30 months showed normal anatomy and positioning of the band. Because other minimally traumatic surgical options are lacking, the author believes morbidly obese patients with hiatal hernia should not be denied the advantages of LAGB. Adequate weight reduction, resolution of gastroesophageal reflux and other co-morbidities can be expected if an appropriate surgical technique is used.