Our Summary

This research paper studies the use of a new material, known as an ovine polymer-reinforced bioscaffold (OPRBS), in the repair of hiatal hernias. Hiatal hernias occur when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. The study looked at 25 patients who underwent surgery to repair this type of hernia, using the OPRBS material to support the repair.

The study found that the use of this new material resulted in really good early outcomes for patients. Symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and chest pain were all either greatly reduced or completely resolved in most patients. In the follow-up period, which averaged about 14 months, there were no cases where the hernia came back.

So, overall, this study suggests that using the OPRBS material in hiatal hernia repairs could be a promising new way to carry out these surgeries. However, because the study only involved a small number of patients and the follow-up period was relatively short, more research will be needed to confirm these promising results.

FAQs

  1. What is the ovine polymer-reinforced bioscaffold (OPRBS) material used for in hiatal hernia repairs?
  2. What were the early outcomes for patients who underwent hiatal hernia repair using the OPRBS material?
  3. Will there be further research to validate the effectiveness of OPRBS in hiatal hernia repairs?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about hiatal hernia repair is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, sticking to a soft diet for a period of time, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure a successful recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hiatal hernia repair are those who experience symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, which are not well controlled with medication. Additionally, patients with large hiatal hernias, recurrent hiatal hernias, or complications such as Barrett’s esophagus may also be candidates for surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if hiatal hernia repair is the right course of action for them.

Timeline

Before the hiatal hernia repair, the patient likely experiences symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and chest pain due to the hernia pushing part of the stomach into the chest cavity. These symptoms can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life and may require medication or lifestyle changes to manage.

After the hiatal hernia repair using the OPRBS material, the patient experiences relief from these symptoms as the hernia is repaired and the stomach is returned to its proper position in the abdomen. The study found that most patients had significant improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms following the surgery. Additionally, there were no cases of hernia recurrence during the follow-up period, indicating the effectiveness of the OPRBS material in supporting the repair.

Overall, the use of the OPRBS material in hiatal hernia repair appears to be a promising new approach that can provide long-lasting relief for patients suffering from this condition. Further research will be needed to confirm these findings and assess the long-term outcomes of this technique.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a hiatal hernia and why do I need surgery to repair it?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with hiatal hernia repair surgery?
  3. How will the OPRBS material be used in my surgery and how does it work to support the repair?
  4. What is the success rate of using the OPRBS material in hiatal hernia repairs, based on the current research?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care for hiatal hernia repair surgery using the OPRBS material?
  6. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes I should make after the surgery to ensure the best outcome?
  7. How often will I need follow-up appointments to monitor my recovery and ensure the hernia does not come back?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical techniques available for hiatal hernia repair that I should consider?
  9. What is the experience of the surgical team with using the OPRBS material in hiatal hernia repairs?
  10. Are there any specific questions or concerns I should discuss with my surgeon before undergoing the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sawyer MAJ. Journal: JSLS. 2018 Oct-Dec;22(4):e2018.00057. doi: 10.4293/JSLS.2018.00057. PMID: 30607101