Small intestinal submucosa for laparoscopic repair of large paraesophageal hiatal hernias: a preliminary report.

Laparoscopic repair of large paraesophageal hiatal hernias is associated with several areas of contention. One of these is primary repair of the esophageal hiatus versus repair with the use of a prosthetic mesh material. Those who favor primary repair are concerned because of the risk of erosion of the prosthesis into surrounding viscera. Those who favor hiatal closure with the aid of a prosthetic mesh are concerned because of the relatively high rate of reherniation of the repair. A biodegradable mesh composed of small intestinal submucosa (SIS ES Cook Surgical, Bloomington, IN) may resolve the concerns of the opposing points of view. It has been shown in animal studies to maintain strength while it is gradually resorbed and replaced by native host tissue. Since April of 2000, 12 (8 female, 4 male) patients have had laparoscopic repair of large paraesophageal hiatal hernias with hiatal closure accomplished with this material. Nine of these 12 patients have had barium studies at six months post-procedure and seven at one year. No failures demonstrated.