Management of paraesophageal hernia with a selective approach to antireflux surgery

The role of an antireflux procedure in the management of paraesophageal hernia is controversial. To address this issue, we reviewed our experience with selective use of antireflux procedures in patients with pure paraesophageal hernia (type II; n = 26) and those with a partial sliding component (type III; n = 11).

Surgical repair was performed on diagnosis in all 37 patients. Competency of the lower esophageal sphincter was evaluated on the basis of reflux symptoms, and objectively, with endoscopy in 21 patients and 24-hour esophageal pH studies in 17 patients. Repair included an antireflux procedure in 11 patients, as indicated by reflux disease.

Preoperatively, 80% of both type II and type III patients reported obstructive symptoms. Reflux symptoms were present in 27% of patients--19% of type II and 45% of type III patients. Endoscopy revealed esophagitis in 5 cases, and 24-hour pH studies indicated significant reflux in 3 of 17 patients. There were no operative deaths and 1 recurrence. Symptoms improved in 92% of patients after surgery. Medically manageable reflux was identified in 2 patients.

Frequent obstructive symptoms and the potential for gastric volvulus indicate elective repair of paraesophageal hernia on diagnosis. Significant gastroesophageal reflux is less common, especially in type II patients, and excellent symptomatic results are obtained with selective application of an antireflux procedure.