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Hiatal hernia and shortened oesophagus
Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Anatomically shortened esophagus in hiatal hernia patients complicates surgical repair. This study found shortened esophagus in 52 of 140 patients, negatively impacting surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
- Esophageal Surgery
Background:
- Hiatal hernia repair outcomes are debated, particularly regarding esophageal length.
- Anatomically shortened esophagus is a controversial factor in surgical success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of anatomically shortened esophagus in hiatal hernia patients.
- To evaluate the influence of esophageal shortening on surgical repair results.
Main Methods:
- Studied 140 patients operated on for hiatal hernia.
- Described methods for examining and evaluating esophageal shortening.
- Radiological assessment for cardia irreducibility and reflux complications.
Main Results:
- Anatomically shortened esophagus identified in 52 patients (37%).
- No single preoperative sign reliably diagnosed esophageal shortening.
- Shortened esophagus was more common in patients with long-standing gastroesophageal reflux.
- Esophageal shortening was associated with unfavorable surgical repair outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Anatomically shortened esophagus is a significant factor in hiatal hernia surgery.
- Radiological signs like cardia irreducibility may suggest shortening.
- Surgical repair aimed at restoring the abdominal esophagus segment was less successful in shortened esophagus cases.