Antireflux Efficacy of Hiatal Hernia Repairs in Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients

Gastroesophageal reflux (GR) occurrence or persistence following a sleeve gastrectomy (SG) can be correlated to several factors but it is clear that one of the key factors is a persistent hiatal hernia or laxity of the esophageal hiatus. However, there are no clear guidelines presently available on surgical management of small size hernias or an abnormal hiatus. Therefore, hiatal hernia management is decided intraoperatively by the operating surgeon. The main goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of primary hiatal hernia repairs on gastroesophageal reflux concomitant to sleeve gastrectomy. The secondary objectives are hiatal hernia recurrence following primary surgery and the occurrence of "de novo" GR.