Antireflux Efficacy of Hiatal Hernia Repairs in Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients

Overview

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.

Full Title of Study: “Antireflux Efficacy of Hiatal Hernia Repairs Concomitant to Sleeve Gastrectomy in Obese Patients (BMI 35-50)”

Study Type

  • Study Type: Interventional
  • Study Design
    • Allocation: Randomized
    • Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
    • Primary Purpose: Prevention
    • Masking: None (Open Label)
  • Study Primary Completion Date: September 1, 2021

Detailed Description

Background : The Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most common bariatric procedure worldwide because it is the simplest to perform, from a technical standpoint, and the most efficient in terms of metabolic control and weight loss. However, this intervention can lead to several complications, including the onset or intensification of gastroesophageal reflux (GR) with the associated impact on the patients' quality of life and a possible evolution into Barrett's esophagus. One of the key factors in the development of this complication is a persistent hiatal hernia. Aims: The main objective of this study is to provide an objective evaluation of the effect of primary hiatal hernia repair on GR concomitant to sleeve gastrectomy. The secondary objectives are hiatal hernia recurrence following primary surgery and the occurrence of "de novo" GR. Methods : A total of 100 patients will be recruited for the pilot study, with 50 patients in the SG group and 50 in the SG + primary hiatal hernia repair group following randomization. Then, based on a sample size study, recruitment will be continued as needed. None of the procedures performed are experimental. All obese patients with a BMI between 35-50, aged 18-65 and undergoing surgery for a SG in the institution's bariatric surgery department will be eligible to participate in this study. Exclusion criteria will be hiatal hernias greater than 2 cm, a hiatal repair requiring a drain, prior bariatric surgery or any other counterindication to SG. All patients will be evaluated preoperatively using: 1) EGD, 2) esophageal manometric study, 3) pH assessment and 4) validated GR questionnaires (GERD-HRPL; GCSI). Iconographic intraoperative data on hiatal morphology and the type of cure used will be collected and records will be kept according to Ethics committee guidelines. After a 6-month follow-up the participants will undergo the same tests, including questionnaires, for a medium-term profile.

Interventions

  • Procedure: Sleeve gastrectomy
    • Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is performed through a standard 5-port technique. After dissection of the greater curvature of the stomach, a narrow tube-like stomach is created after stapling off the lateral aspect of the stomach using a 40 French bougie as a guide.
  • Procedure: Hiatal Hernia repair
    • Hiatal hernia repair consists in a circumferential dissection of the diaphragmatic crura to achieve an intra abdominal esophageal length of 2-3 cm. The crura will then be closed anteriorly and posteriorly using nonabsorbable sutures.

Arms, Groups and Cohorts

  • Active Comparator: Sleeve Gastrectomy group
    • This group will receive a Sleeve Gastrectomy only, a mainly restrictive procedure which consists in creating a narrow tube-like stomach based on its lesser curvature.
  • Experimental: Sleeve Gastrectomy + Hiatal Hernia repair group
    • This group will receive a Sleeve Gastrectomy combined with hiatal hernia repair. Hiatal Hernia repair consists of a peri-esophageal dissection proximal to the diaphragmatic crura to achieve an intra-abdominal esophageal length of 2-3 cm. The pillars will then be closed anteriorly and posteriorly using nonabsorbable sutures.

Clinical Trial Outcome Measures

Primary Measures

  • Change in the presence of pathological Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    • Time Frame: Before surgery and 6 months after surgery
    • Pathological GERD will be assessed objectively using a 24 hour pH study and an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy – presence of esophagitis)

Secondary Measures

  • Presence of hiatal hernia (intrathoracic migration of the sleeve)
    • Time Frame: Before surgery and 6 months postoperative
    • Presence of hiatal hernia will be assessed using EGD and high-resolution esophageal manometry
  • Presence of hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
    • Time Frame: before the surgery and 6 months post-operative
    • Hypotensive LES will be measured objectively using a high-resolution esophageal manometry study
  • Worsening or new-onset gastroesophageal reflux disease
    • Time Frame: before the surgery and 6 months post-operative
    • Worsening or new-onset gastroesophageal reflux disease will be measured using a validated reflux questionnaire (GERD-HRQL). The GERD-HRQL questionnaire was developed and validated to measure changes of typical GERD symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation in response to surgical or medical treatment. Total Score: Calculated by summing the individual scores to questions 1-15. Greatest possible score (worst symptoms) = 75 Lowest possible score (no symptoms) = 0

Participating in This Clinical Trial

Inclusion Criteria

  • All obese patients with a BMI between 35-50 – Aged 18-65 and undergoing surgery for a Sleeve Gastrectomy in institution's bariatric surgery department Exclusion Criteria:

  • hiatal hernias greater than 2 cm, – hiatal repair requiring mesh placement – prior bariatric surgery or any other counterindication to Sleeve Gastrectomy

Gender Eligibility: All

Minimum Age: 18 Years

Maximum Age: 65 Years

Are Healthy Volunteers Accepted: No

Investigator Details

  • Lead Sponsor
    • Hopital du Sacre-Coeur de Montreal
  • Provider of Information About this Clinical Study
    • Principal Investigator: Radu Pescarus, Principal Investigator – Hopital du Sacre-Coeur de Montreal
  • Overall Official(s)
    • Radu Pescarus, MD, Principal Investigator, Hopital Sacré Coeur de Montréal

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