Morbidity of emergent versus elective hiatal hernia repair: an analysis of the NIS database.

Background: Elective hiatal hernia repair (HHR) is associated with reduced morbidity compared to emergent HHR. However, few studies examine the specific factors contributing to morbidity in emergent HHR. This study uses the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to compare the morbidity of emergent versus non-emergent HHR and identify associated risk factors.

Methods: Data from the NIS (2016-2021) were analyzed for all patients undergoing HHR. Health factors, including demographics, comorbidities, and operative details, were compared using chi-squared and T-tests. A multivariable logistic regression model was created to identify factors associated with morbidity, defined as postoperative complications such as sepsis, pneumonia, myocardial infarction, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and others.

Results: A total of 723,000 records existed with a hiatal hernia diagnosis code. Of these, 67,059 patients underwent HHR, with 61,586 (91.8%) undergoing non-emergent HHR. Emergent HHR was associated with increased morbidity (OR 3.95, 95% CI 1.0-1.05, p < 0.05). Risk factors for increased morbidity in both groups included hypertension and advanced age. Protective factors included female gender, GERD, and prior bariatric surgery. Diabetes increased morbidity in emergent HHR but not non-emergent HHR. Smoking, Medicare/Medicaid, mesh use, COPD, and history of DVT increased morbidity in elective HHR, but not emergent HHR. The robotic approach increased morbidity in non-emergent HHR but decreased it in emergent HHR.

Conclusion: Emergent HHR is associated with higher morbidity compared to non-emergent HHR. Risk factors like smoking, COPD, and DVT increase morbidity in non-emergent HHR, while female gender, GERD, and prior bariatric surgery are protective. The NIS database provides valuable insights into the morbidity associated with HHR and can guide surgical decision-making.