Simplified hiatus herniorrhaphy.

Abstract

A brief synopsis of problems with hiatus herniorrhaphy surgery over its 25-year history includes extensive surgery, recurrences, and postoperative swallowing difficulties. A review of the simple central tendon hiatal herniorrhaphy technic and seven-year results include the adoption of a mersilene strip rather than external rectus fascia in anchoring the esophagogastric junction to the central tendon. The same excellent exposure and visibility allowing the lower esophageal segment to be well secured definitely within the abdomen is completely illustrated. Seven-year results in 138 patients operated upon are reviewed including mortality, recurrence rates, postoperative dysphagia, gas-bloat, and loss of regurgitating ability.