Removing the hernia sac to lower crural tension during paraesophageal hernia repair

Effect of Hernia Sac Excision on Crural Tension in Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

This study will test whether taking out the hernia sac during paraesophageal hernia surgery lowers tension on the diaphragmatic crura in adults having repair for symptomatic paraesophageal hernia.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 42 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 80 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Corewell Health West (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
• Trial ID: NCT07197619 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a single-center observational study at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan enrolling adults aged 18–80 who undergo elective or emergency paraesophageal hernia repair. Patients with prior esophageal, gastric, diaphragmatic, or anti-reflux surgery are excluded. Surgical teams will document whether the hernia sac is excised and record intraoperative crural tension measures and perioperative outcomes, with planned follow-up to monitor recurrence and complications. The study collects real-world surgical data rather than assigning treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults age 18 to 80 undergoing their first elective or emergent repair for symptomatic paraesophageal hernia without prior esophageal, gastric, diaphragmatic, or anti-reflux surgery are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of prior esophageal, gastric, diaphragmatic, or anti-reflux operations are excluded and would not be represented, and those with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic hernias are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this surgical-focused study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If sac excision is linked to lower crural tension and fewer recurrences, adopting the approach could reduce revisional surgeries and improve long-term quality of life for patients with paraesophageal hernia.

How similar studies have performed: Surgical case series have suggested sac excision may reduce recurrence, but comparative and high-quality prospective data remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients age 18-80 undergoing elective or emergent paraesophageal hernia repair for symptomatic paraesophageal hernia will be eligible for enrollment into the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with previous history of esophageal, gastric, diaphragmatic, or anti-reflux surgery will be excluded.

Where this trial is running

Grand Rapids, Michigan

• Corewell Health — Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: kendra Selby

Conditions Paraesophageal Hernia; Paraesophageal; Hernia