Laparoscopic physiological hiatoplasty for hiatal hernia: new composite "A"-shaped mesh

BACKGROUND: We analyzed, using a theoretical model, the modality of recurrence after a simple cruroplasty for large hiatal hernias, and on the basis of physical and geometrical principles, we conceived a new shaped mesh for a "tension-free" repair. METHODS: We performed a physical and geometrical analysis of the hiatal region on a theoretical model. We also performed an anatomic study on 20 fresh cadavers to verify the reproducibility of the theoretical model and to study the most suitable shape for mesh and its adaptability to the hiatal region. Between September 2000 and October 2001, eight patients received laparoscopic reparation of large (type II or III) hiatal hernias by means of a composite "A"-shaped polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)–polypropylene mesh. There were two men and six women; mean age was 65 years (range, 35–78 years). Concomitant esophagitis was found in five patients and impaired esophageal peristalsis in two patients. A total or a partial fundoplication was associated in these cases. RESULTS: The physical and geometrical analysis of the hiatal region explained the reasons for the recurrence after hiatoplasty. The anatomical study on fresh cadavers resulted in a mesh tailored in an "A" shape and permitted to verify the adaptability of such a shaped mesh composed of two layers, polypropylene and PTFE. In the clinical series no conversions occurred; the mortality rate was null. Persistent dysphagia was present in two patients and disappeared after 3 months of treatment. No recurrence was observed at an 8-month average follow-up. CONCLUSION: The preliminary clinical study confirms the feasibility of this tension-free repair and the effectiveness of this composite A-shaped mesh.