Medium term (> 12 months) outcomes after laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair without conventional fundoplication using PH4B-mesh implant (Phasix™) in 176 reflux patients: experience and technique

Hiatal mesh repair remains a controversial topic among anti-reflux surgeons. Biosynthetic mesh cruroplasty may prevent early recurrence while avoiding late esophageal erosion and strictures associated with non-resorbable materials. So far, medium-term results on hiatal PH4B (Poly-4-Hydroxybutyrate) mesh repair from high-volume centers are lacking.

We analyzed the medium-term efficacy and safety of PH4B mesh cruroplasty in 176 consecutive patients (≥ 18 years) with symptomatic hiatal hernias. Treatment failure was defined as the clinical recurrence of reflux symptoms. Patients could choose between mesh augmented hiatal repair (combined with a modified anterior hemifundoplication and fundophrenicopexy), Nissen fundoplication, and magnetic sphincter augmentation at their discretion. We also describe the surgical approach to mesh augmented hiatal repair used at our center.

On average, patients were 55 (± 14) years old and followed up for 22 (± 7; sum: 3931) months. Treatment failed in 6/176 (3%, 95% CI: 2–7%) patients. The 24-month Kaplan–Meier failure estimate was 2.8% (95% CI: 0.4–5%). Each centimeter in hernia size increased the risk of failure by 52% (p = 0.02). Heavier patients (BMI > 27) had an 11% higher probability of clinical symptom recurrence (p = 0.03). The dysphagia and bloating/gas rate were 13/176 (7%), each. 8 (5%) patients required endoscopy due to dysphagia but without intervention. No serious complications, including mesh infection and erosion, or fatalities, occurred.

Augmented PH4B mesh cruroplasty without conventional fundoplication shows excellent intermediate-term results in patients with reflux disease due to hiatal hernia. Around one in thirty patients experience treatment failure within 2 years of surgery. Hernia size and overweight are key determinants of treatment failure.