[Laparoscopic treatment of esophageal hiatal hernia: analysis of 11 cases].

Objective: To investigate the effect and safety of laparoscopic treatment in patients with esophageal hiatal hernia.

Methods: Eleven patients with esophageal hiatal hernia, 9 males and 2 females, with the mean age of 56, accepted laparoscopic treatment. Two cases were treated by hernia repair merely and 9 cases were treated by hernia repair and fundoplication (Nissen's operation) one of which accepted laparoscopic cholecystoectomy at the same time.

Results: All patients were treated successfully. The operation time was 2.5 hours (1.5 - 5 hours) and the blood loss was between 20 - 200 ml. The patients began to accept liquid diet 24 - 36 hours after operation. There was no postoperative complication and all the clinic symptoms disappeared. The mean hospitalization time was 8 days (6 - 15d).

Conclusion: Laparoscopic treatment of esophageal hiatal hernia provides a safe and minimal invasive procedure.