Management of Paraesophageal Hernia in the Morbidly Obese Patient

Thorac Surg Clin. 2019 Nov;29(4):379-386. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2019.07.003. Epub 2019 Sep 26.

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in the morbidly obese population, and hiatal hernias are encountered in 20% to 52% of patients. Primary surgical repair of hiatal hernias, in particular the paraesophageal type, is associated with a higher recurrence rate in obese patients. Concomitant weight loss surgery may be advisable. Combined sleeve gastrectomy and paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair is feasible but can induce or worsen preexisting GERD. A Roux-en-Y gastric bypass offers advantages of more pronounced excess weight loss and better symptom control, albeit with a potentially higher rate of morbidity compared with paraesophageal hernia repair alone or sleeve gastrectomy.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Hiatal hernia; Lower esophageal sphincter; Reflux.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bariatric Surgery / methods*
  • Gastrectomy / adverse effects
  • Gastric Bypass
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / surgery*
  • Hernia, Hiatal / complications
  • Hernia, Hiatal / surgery*
  • Herniorrhaphy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy
  • Obesity, Morbid / complications
  • Obesity, Morbid / surgery*
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Weight Loss