Paraconduit Hiatal Hernia Following Esophagectomy: Incidence, Risk Factors, Outcomes and Repair

Paraconduit hiatal hernia (PCHH) is a known complication of esophagectomy with significant morbidity. PCHH may be more common with the transition to a minimally invasive approach and improved survival. We studied the PCHH occurrence following minimally invasive esophagectomy to determine the incidence, treatment, and associated risk factors.

We retrospectively reviewed records of patients who underwent esophagectomy at an academic tertiary care center between 2013-2020. We divided the cohort into those who did and did not develop PCHH, identifying differences in demographics, perioperative characteristics and outcomes. We present video of our laparoscopic repair with mesh.

Of 49 patients who underwent esophagectomy, seven (14%) developed PCHH at a median of 186 d (60-350 d) postoperatively. They were younger (57 versus 64 y, P< 0.01), and in cases of resection for cancer, more likely to develop tumor recurrence (71% versus 23%, P= 0.02). There was a significant difference in 2-y cancer free survival of patients with a PCHH (PCHH 19% versus no hernia 73%, P< 0.01), but no significant difference in 5-y overall survival (PCHH 36% versus no hernia 68%, P= 0.18). Five of seven PCHH were symptomatic and addressed surgically. Four PCHH repairs recurred at a median of 409 d.

PCHH is associated with younger age and tumor recurrence, but not mortality. Safe repair of PCHH can be performed laparoscopically with or without mesh. Further studies, including systematic video review, are needed to address modifiable risk factors and identify optimal techniques for durable repair of post-esophagectomy PCHH.