One More Time: Redo Paraesophageal Hernia Repair Results in Safe, Durable Outcomes Compared with Primary Repairs

The incidence and causes of failed paraesophageal hernia repairs (PEHR) remain poorly understood. Our study aimed to evaluate long-term clinical outcomes after reoperative fundoplication as compared with initial PEHR. A prospectively maintained institutional hernia-specific database was queried for PEHR between 2008 and 2017. Patients with prior history of PEHR were categorized as "redo" paraesophageal hernia (RPEH). Primary outcomes included postoperative morbidity, mortality, symptom resolution, and hernia recurrence. A total of 402 patients underwent minimally invasive PEHR (Initial PEH = 305, RPEH = 97). Redo PEHR had more prevalent preoperative nausea/vomiting (50.6% vs 34.1%, P < 0.007) and weight loss (24.1% vs 13.5%, P < 0.02). RPEH had had longer mean operative time (256.4 ± 91.2 vs 190.3 ± 59.9 minutes, P < 0.0001) and higher rate of conversion to open (10.3% vs 0.67%, P < 0.0001); however, no difference was noted in postoperative complications, hernia recurrence, or mortality between cohorts. Laparoscopic revision of prior PEHR in symptomatic patients can be safely performed with favorable outcomes compared with initial PEHR. Despite redo procedures seeming to be more technically demanding (as noted by longer operative time and higher conversion rates), outcomes are similar and overall resolution of symptoms is achieved in most patients.