Challenges in the Surgical Correction of Hiatal Hernias and Ways to Overcome Them

More than a thousand laparoscopic fundoplication operations for hiatal hernia (HH) have been performed at the Clinic of the Bashkir State Medical University over the period between 2000 and 2019 and the results of surgical treatment of 502 patients were analyzed. Our research results indicate that routine instrumental methods used in hiatal hernia diagnosis provide valuable information, however only their combined application allows us to establish the correct diagnosis in all patients. Authors propose a new original X-ray balloon method that allows to improve the quality of diagnosis of hiatal hernia significantly. Balloon X-ray allows us to establish the true dimensions of the hiatus and select the most appropriate treatment accordingly. Isolated fundoplication without plastic of esophageal opening was performed in 180 patients. Surgical correction of the hiatus was performed on 322 patients. Diaphragmcrouroraphy was carried out in 199 cases, in 123 cases mesh implants were used to support the crus of the diaphragm. In 215 cases, simultaneous surgical procedures were performed to treat multiple abdominal pathology. We studied the changes in quality of life of 100 patients with hiatal hernia before and after laparoscopic esophagofundoplication by comparing the results of the survey (questionnaires) and medical examination of the cardiac sphincter of the esophagus function. The vast majority of patients demonstrated a significant improvement in the cardiac closure function, a decrease in the frequency and severity of gastroesophageal reflux, and reduced signs of reflux esophagitis.