ROBOTIC-ASSISTED LAPAROSCOPIC GIANT PARA-HIATAL HERNIA REPAIR

We present a robotic-assisted laparoscopic giant para-hiatal hernia repair. A 67 year old female presented with large volume regurgitation, early satiety, and retrosternal chest pain with daily vomiting and 50 pound weight loss. Pre-operative evaluation revealed the entire stomach within the left thoracic cavity. A 4x5cm para-hiatal hernia defect was found lateral to the left crural pillar; the hernia sac and contents were reduced in their entirety and the defect was repaired primarily and reinforced with permanent coated mesh. This case emphasizes the benefits of a minimally invasive approach, especially using a robotic platform which enables 3D visualization and increased dexterity.