A03 - BN Long Term Quality of Life Outcomes Following the Surgical Management of Complete Intrathoracic Stomach (CIS)

Abstract Background Surgery is indicated for symptomatic patients with complete intrathoracic stomach (CIS) to avoid complications (volvulus, obstruction and strangulation) associated with high morbidity. There remains limited evidence of the long-term outcomes and improvement in symptoms from this procedure. Previous large studies have been unable to compare pre-operative symptoms with their post-operative data. Although it appears the procedure has favourable outcomes, further data is required to demonstrate a significant improvement in quality of life (QoL). We therefore aim to assess the long-term outcomes, including changes to QoL and satisfaction, for patients who underwent laparoscopic biological hiatal mesh reconstruction for CIS (100%). Method Prospective data was collected from 154 consecutive GPEH (Giant Hiatus Hernia) patients intervened between March 2008- December 2023 in a large DGH. Retrospective analysis of this identified a subgroup of 34 patients with CIS. All patients underwent a laparoscopic repair with biological mesh, apart from one patient who underwent gastropexy. Outcome measures included both pre-operative and post-operative standardised GERD-Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (GERD-QOL) scores; complications; and patient satisfaction. Results Thirty-four patients were included (11 male:23 female) with a mean age 72 (45-83) years. All patients were symptomatic pre-operatively with heartburn (59%), dysphagia (59%), retrosternal discomfort (53%), vomiting (41%), weight loss (41%) or shortness of breath (35%). There were 4 (12%) complications and 3 (9%) 30-day mortalities. Follow up GERD-QOL questionnaires displayed 32/34 (94%) excellent scores (defined as total <5) at 6 months and 15/21 (71%) excellent scores after a median follow up of 8.5 years (72% response rate, 2 further mortalities). This demonstrated a significant improvement in scores following the procedure and long term (p<0.001). Nineteen patients (90%) were satisfied with the procedure after long term follow up (median 8.5 years). Conclusion Laparoscopic repair of complete intrathoracic stomach in this large single-centre study has demonstrated a significant improvement in symptoms and satisfaction over a median 8.5 year follow-up.