Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Long-term results of laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair
By Delcarro A et al.·2026·Department of General Surgery, Italy·View original on Europe PMC →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Long-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair: Role of Mesh, Fundoplication, and Gastropexy in a 20-Year Experience.
Plain-English summary
This study looked at the long-term results of a surgery called laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair, which helps fix a type of hernia that can cause serious problems like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Researchers reviewed the cases of 341 patients who had this surgery over 20 years, focusing on different surgical techniques and the use of mesh to support the repair. They found that patients who had mesh reinforcement had a much lower chance of the hernia coming back compared to those who didn't use mesh. Additionally, certain surgical techniques, like fundoplication (a procedure to prevent reflux), were linked to even better outcomes. Overall, using mesh and specific surgical methods significantly reduced the chances of complications and recurrence, making the treatment effective.
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair via laparoscopy has evolved significantly over the past decades, aiming to reduce the symptoms of recurrence and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study evaluates short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic PEH repair with emphasis on surgical technique evolution, mesh use, fundoplication, and anterior gastropexy.<h4>Methods</h4>We retrospectively analyzed 341 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic repair for primary or recurrent PEH from March 2003 to March 2024. Surgical techniques varied over time, especially concerning mesh type, fundoplication strategy, and use of gastropexy. Main outcomes were recurrence of PEH or GERD. Secondary endpoints included intra- and postoperative complications.<h4>Results</h4>Of 341 patients, 91% received mesh reinforcement and 80% underwent fundoplication. Recurrence occurred in 66.7% of patients treated with suture-only hiatoplasty versus 3.9% with mesh reinforcement (<i>P</i> < .001). GERD recurrence was significantly lower in patients with Nissen-Rossetti (0%) and Toupet (7.5%) fundoplication compared to no fundoplication (40.0%) or suture-only hiatoplasty (66.7%). Anterior gastropexy, introduced systematically since 2020, was associated with improved anatomical stability. Early postoperative complications occurred in 8% of patients. The most common was left pleural opening (66.7%), followed by hemopericardium (11.1%), gas bloat syndrome (11.1%), and one case of splenic injury. Two patients experienced gastric wall perforation after fundoplication, requiring reoperation. Overall mortality was 0.6%.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Tension-free hiatoplasty reinforced with mesh is essential to minimize recurrence. The routine use of anterior gastropexy, particularly in large hernias, further improves anatomical stability. Tailored fundoplication and proper functional assessment complete an effective, individualized surgical approach.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41701108