Belsey Mark IV Repair for Recurrent Hiatal Hernia and Failed Fundoplication: An Analysis of Outcomes in 206 Patients

Abstract

Background: With the increasing number of laparoscopic fundoplications, many more patients with a failed primary antireflux operation are being referred for complex redo procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate our results of redo antireflux surgery using the Belsey Mark IV (BMIV) Repair. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the patients who underwent BMIV repair following a failed fundoplication was performed. The primary endpoint was failure of the redo procedure and recurrent hiatal hernia. Secondary endpoints were assessment of the functional results of the redo fundoplication and quality of life with a Dysphagia Score, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQOL) questionnaire. Results: 206 patients underwent surgery for failed primary fundoplication. Most patients had one prior antireflux surgery 148/206 (71.8%). The most common primary failed fundoplication was the Nissen procedure (189/206, 91.7%). The median time from the prior operation to the redo operation was 34 months. Median follow-up was 25.6 months. The Dysphagia score decreased from 3.6 ± 0.5 preoperatively to 1.0 ± 0.4 postoperatively (p Conclusion: Complete takedown and reestablishment of the normal anatomy, recognition of a short esophagus, and proper placement of the wrap are essential components of a redo antireflux procedure. The BMIV repair as the choice of reopertaive procedure results in excellent symptom relief, significant improvement in quality of life, and is associated with excellent medium-term durability in terms of recurrence of the hiatal hernia.