Surgical treatment after the failed antireflux operation

Eighty-seven adults have undergone reoperation for recurrent gastroesophageal reflux or complications of prior antireflux procedures. Operations performed included the transthoracic Collis-Nissen procedure (59), Collis-Belsey repair (14), Nissen fundoplication (one), repair of acute postoperative paraesophageal hernia (one), division of obstructing crural suture (one), and esophageal resection (23). Among the 73 patients undergoing an additional hiatal hernia repair, there were two postoperative deaths. Follow-up averages 28 months. Subjectively, results have been excellent or good (no or mild reflux symptoms or dysphagia) in 47 (67%); fair in eight (12%), who have moderate dysphagia or reflux symptoms controlled medically; and poor in 15 (21%), 12 of whom have required additional operations. Early postoperative esophageal dilations were required in 25 patients (36%) and regular dilations in seven (10%). Among the 23 patients undergoing esophageal resection, four had a distal esophagectomy and short-segment colon interposition and 19 had a transhiatal esophagectomy without thoracotomy; stomach was used for esophageal replacement in 14 and colon in five. There were no operative deaths. Follow-up averages 17 months. Thirteen patients have had esophageal dilations (nine early and four regularly), and one has clinically significant reflux. Overall, subjective results are good or excellent in 64 (76%). The results of "redo hiatal hernia operation" are far from ideal. Optimal surgical treatment after the failed antireflux operation requires careful analysis of the existing anatomy and experience to decide when esophageal resection is a safer and more reliable approach than another hiatal hernia repair.