Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery is a viable treatment option for intrathoracic stomach (ITS); however, doubts have been raised regarding its efficacy. Routine use of mesh has been advocated. The aim of this study is to look at long-term objective and symptomatic outcomes after repair of ITS with selective use of mesh and fundoplication.
Materials and methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed for patients who underwent surgical treatment of ITS from January 2004 to April 2009. ITS was defined as herniation of greater than 75% of the stomach into the chest on barium swallow. A standardized foregut symptom questionnaire was administered along with contrast study at 1, 3, and 5 years post surgery.
Results: Seventy-three patients with intrathoracic stomach were included in the study. Mean age was 70.6±10.4 (44-88) years, and two-thirds were females. There were 7 transthoracic and 66 transabdominal repairs (64 laparoscopic, 1 open, and 1 laparoscopic to open conversion). There was one intraoperative death, due to bleeding. Antireflux surgery was performed in 43 patients (20 Nissen, 18 Toupet, 1 Dor, and 4 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RNYGB)). Ten patients had Collis gastroplasty for short esophagus. Mesh was used in ten (13.7%) patients for crus reinforcement. Objective follow-up was available for 88%, 78%, and 92% patients at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. There were 5% (3/61), 11% (4/36), and 17% (2/12) radiological failures at these intervals. There was no significant difference in mean symptom and satisfaction scores or use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) between patients with and without antireflux surgery. Mean satisfaction scores were 9.1, 9.0, and 9.0 at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic repair of ITS with selective use of mesh and fundoplication is feasible, safe, and durable, resulting in a high degree of patient satisfaction.