Overview

Paraesophageal hernia can cause significant clinical symptoms, including reflux, chest pain, nausea, regurgitation, and even life threatening conditions such as bowel obstruction, and gastric volvulus. Repair of a paraesophageal hernia is associated with significant recurrence rate, with primary repair often in excess of 50%. Hernia recurrence and revisional surgery significantly increase the likelihood of complications and decreased quality of life.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients age 18-80 undergoing elective or emergent paraesophageal hernia repair for symptomatic paraesophageal hernia will be eligible for enrollment into the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with previous history of esophageal, gastric, diaphragmatic, or anti-reflux surgery will be excluded.