Concurrent hiatal hernia repair and gastric bypass as an adjunct in the treatment of hiatal hernia in populations with obesity.

Background: Minimally invasive hiatal hernia repair with fundoplication (HHR) is the standard of care for hiatal hernias but has a high risk of recurrence even in populations without obesity. Concomitant roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) with HHR may mitigate the increased risk of hiatal hernia recurrence in patients with obesity while also addressing obesity-related comorbidities. There is a paucity of data on this procedure. It is hypothesized that a concomitant RYGB with HHR is safe and effective in patients with obesity.

Methods: This is a single institution retrospective review of adult patients who underwent concomitant RYGB with HHR from 2014-2023. Patient charts were reviewed to collect data on complications, weight loss, GERD symptom resolution, and improvement in other obesity-related comorbidities. Outcomes were measured at one-, three-, and five-year follow-up.

Results: Sixty-four patients met inclusion criteria. Fifty-three patients had primary and eleven patients had revisional surgery. There was one (2%) perioperative complication that required intervention, three (4%) unplanned readmissions for PO intolerance, and four patients (8%) treated for marginal ulcer. Resolution of heartburn/reflux symptoms was 86% at one year, 70% at 3 year, and 59% at 5 year follow-up. Improvement in diabetes (80%), hypertension (75%), and hyperlipidemia (33%) were noted at 5 years. The change in BMI and %TWL at 5 years for primary procedures was -11.5 kg/m² and 37.7%, respectively. For revisional procedures, change in BMI was -2.4 kg/m² and %TWL was 3.6%.

Conclusion: Durability of a HHR in the setting of obesity is poor. Concomitant RYGB with HHR is safe and effective for treating GERD while also improving obesity and obesity-associated comorbidities.