Hiatal mesh repair--current status

Most surgeons believe that cruroplasty (hiatoplasty) is an essential part of antireflux operations. One of the main causes of failure after antireflux operation is gastric (wrap) herniation through the hiatus that may be attributed to breakdown of the hiatal closure or a faulty repair. Surgeons are at present faced with the dilemma of choosing between a risk of recurrence and the fear of complications of prosthetic hiatal reinforcement. We reviewed the literature to evaluate the current status of hiatal mesh repair (HMR). Indication, technique, complications, and results are shown. Available data show a small number of mesh-related complications compared with the number of patients submitted to the procedure, and better results of HMR compared with simple hiatal closure. We support the use of HMR when performed by skilled foregut surgeons, as complications described occurred more frequently in the earliest cases of the series. In addition, HMR should be probably used selectively. However, studies to identify the patients at risk of hernia recurrence or mesh-related complications are still elusive. The ideal type of mesh and the ideal technique for mesh implantation are yet to be established.