Laparoscopic Approach to Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

The introduction of minimally invasive techniques to the field of foregut surgery has revolutionized the surgical approach to giant paraesophageal hernia repair. Laparoscopy has become the standard approach in patients with giant paraesophageal hernia because it has been shown to be safe and is associated with lower morbidity and mortality when compared with various open approaches. Specifically, it has been associated with decreased intraoperative blood loss, decreased complications, and reduced hospital length of stay. This is despite a rise in comorbid conditions associated with this patient population. This article describes our operative approach to laparoscopic giant paraesophageal hernia repair.