[Laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias with polypropylene mesh]

From March to December 1997, we operated upon 5 patients suffering form extensive hiatal hernias combined with gastroesophageal reflux. We performed laparoscopically a hernioplasty by suture adding an implantation of a polypropylene mesh. All operation were finished without any complications. In our contribution, we report about the surgical technique and demonstrate the results of our follow-up examinations made in 1/98. The tension-free laparoscopic operation of extensive hiatal hernias by mesh implantation seems a proper alternative to conventional minimally invasive surgery.