Our Summary

The research looked at patients who had weight loss surgery and also had a type of hernia called a hiatal hernia. The researchers wanted to see if using a special type of material, called a biosynthetic tissue matrix (BTM), during hernia repair surgery alongside the weight loss surgery would help. They looked at medical records from a single hospital over five years. They found that when the BTM was used during the hernia repair, fewer patients had their hernia come back, especially in those who had a specific type of weight loss surgery called a sleeve gastrectomy. This suggests that using BTM during hernia repair surgery can be beneficial. None of the patients had to have another surgery because their hernia returned.

FAQs

  1. What is a biosynthetic tissue matrix (BTM) and how does it help in hiatal hernia repair?
  2. What is the correlation between weight loss surgery and hiatal hernia repair?
  3. What were the findings of the research on the recurrence of hernias when BTM was used during the repair surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may tell a patient undergoing hiatal hernia repair surgery to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a period of time to allow proper healing. They may also recommend maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced diet to prevent future complications. Additionally, they may advise the patient to attend follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery and address any concerns promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for hiatal hernia repair are those who have experienced symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and acid reflux that do not improve with medication or lifestyle changes. Additionally, patients who have complications such as a hernia that is at risk of becoming incarcerated or strangulated may also be recommended for surgery. In some cases, patients who are undergoing weight loss surgery may also be recommended for hiatal hernia repair, especially if they have a hiatal hernia that is causing symptoms or complications.

Timeline

Before hiatal hernia repair:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of food.
  • Patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as an endoscopy or a barium swallow to confirm the diagnosis of a hiatal hernia.
  • Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications to reduce stomach acid, and dietary modifications.

After hiatal hernia repair:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to repair the hiatal hernia, which may involve laparoscopic or open surgery.
  • During the surgery, a biosynthetic tissue matrix (BTM) may be used to reinforce the repair and reduce the risk of hernia recurrence.
  • Recovery typically involves a hospital stay of 1-2 days and a gradual return to normal activities over the following weeks.
  • Patients may experience some discomfort, bloating, or difficulty swallowing in the immediate post-operative period.
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing and ensure the success of the hernia repair.
  • With the use of BTM during the surgery, the risk of hernia recurrence is reduced, and patients may experience long-term relief from their hiatal hernia symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a hiatal hernia and why do I need surgery to repair it?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications of hiatal hernia repair surgery?
  3. How will the use of biosynthetic tissue matrix (BTM) during the surgery benefit me?
  4. Will the BTM reduce the likelihood of my hernia coming back after surgery?
  5. How long is the recovery period after hiatal hernia repair surgery?
  6. What dietary and lifestyle changes should I make after the surgery to prevent the hernia from recurring?
  7. Will I need any follow-up appointments or tests after the surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options for hiatal hernia repair?
  9. How experienced are you in performing hiatal hernia repair surgeries with the use of BTM?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Love MW, Verna DF, Kothari SN, Scott JD. Journal: Am Surg. 2023 Feb;89(2):293-299. doi: 10.1177/00031348211023450. Epub 2021 May 31. PMID: 34058829