Repair of hiatal hernia: description and long-term results of a technique.

A modification of the surgical approach for the correction of hiatal hernia is presented. The technique involves use of the phrenoesophageal ligament as a structure of support for the repair, along with the strength of the deep submucosal sutures through the stomach and esophagus. An additional modification is the buffering of the sutures with teflon felt pledgets to prevent tearing through of the sutures. Long-term follow-up was obtained in 30 patients. There was one recurrence. All patients remain symptom-free to date.