Clinical Research Directory

Esophagogastric Junction Distensibility During Hiatal Hernia Repair

The investigators aim to ascertain the effects of hiatal hernia repair and fundoplication on the distensibility of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) as measured by FLIP topography/impedance planimetry. The investigators also aim to assess for any correlation between values of EGJ distensibility and GERD related quality of life (QOL) and dysphagia scores.

Intrathoracic Sleeve Migration (Sliding Hiatal Hernia) One Year or More After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed metabolic bariatric operation. After the operation, the upper part of the gastric sleeve can slide up through the opening in the diaphragm into the chest. This is called intrathoracic sleeve migration and is a form of sliding hiatal hernia. It may cause new reflux symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation and vomiting, and may lead to further surgery. How often it happens is uncertain, because studies have used different definitions and tests. This single-centre observational study included adults who had a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at Cairo University Hospitals between July 2024 and August 2025 and were at least one year after surgery. Each patient had a CT scan of the chest and abdomen with oral contrast to look for migration of the sleeve above the diaphragm, and completed the GERD-Q reflux questionnaire. The study measured how often intrathoracic sleeve migration occurs one year or more after sleeve gastrectomy, whether it is associated with new (de novo) reflux disease, and which patient factors may be associated with it.

Preoperative Predictors of Symptom Improvement After Laparoscopic Fundoplication

Laparoscopic fundoplication is the standard operation for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that does not respond adequately to medication, and it relieves reflux symptoms in most patients who are carefully selected for it. Even so, published studies consistently report that between 10% and 30% of patients continue to have symptoms afterwards, develop troublesome side effects such as difficulty swallowing or bloating, or are dissatisfied with the result. Much of this disappointment reflects who was chosen for surgery rather than any technical fault in the operation: patients whose symptoms are not actually caused by acid reflux predictably gain little benefit from a well-constructed wrap. Individual factors measured before surgery, such as the amount of acid in the esophagus, the link between symptoms and reflux episodes, the type of symptoms, and how well the patient responded to acid-suppressing tablets, have each been linked to the outcome. However, most of that evidence comes from retrospective studies that used different definitions of success, so it is still unclear which factors matter independently once they are considered together. This study will follow adults with objectively confirmed GERD who are scheduled for elective laparoscopic fundoplication at Minia University Hospitals. Before surgery, every participant undergoes the same standardized assessment: upper endoscopy, 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring off acid-suppressing medication, high-resolution manometry, measurement of height and weight, and questionnaires covering reflux symptoms, anxiety, depression and physical symptom burden. Participants then complete validated symptom questionnaires again at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the operation. The main measure of success is "responder status" at 12 months, meaning at least a 50% improvement in the total GERD-HRQL symptom score compared with before surgery, supported by the patient's own rating of satisfaction. The investigators will analyze ten factors recorded before surgery to determine which of them independently predict this outcome, and will use the results to build and test a prediction tool that surgeons can apply during preoperative counseling. The study does not assign any treatment. The type of wrap performed, either a complete (Nissen) or a partial posterior (Toupet) fundoplication, is chosen by the treating surgeon according to a prespecified rule based on esophageal motility, exactly as in routine practice. Taking part involves completing questionnaires and attending the usual follow-up appointments, and adds no additional procedural risk.

Multicenter Single-Blind RCT of CTIF Versus LNF For Treatment of GERD in Patients Requiring Hiatal Hernia Repair

This single-blind randomized control study will follow 142 subjects across 7 sites randomized on a 1:1 ratio to compare treatment efficacy and safety between TIF and LNF in GERD patients with hiatal hernia undergoing hernia repair.

Image-Guided Herniorrhaphy Study

This pilot clinical study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new image-guided, needle-based approach for repairing abdominal or groin hernias in adults who are unable or unwilling to undergo traditional open or laparoscopic surgery. The technique uses ultrasound and, when needed, CT imaging to guide a hollow needle preloaded with barbed suture through the skin to close the hernia defect without large incisions or general anesthesia. Each participant will undergo one image-guided procedure and will be followed for eight months to assess complications and changes in hernia-related quality of life. Approximately thirty participants will be enrolled. The study aims to determine whether this minimally invasive approach is safe, feasible, and capable of improving hernia symptoms enough to justify a larger clinical trial

Impact of Biosynthetic Mesh on Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

The aim of this study is to find out if using a certain kind of mesh can reduce the chances of hiatal hernias coming back after anti-reflux surgery. Participants undergoing antireflux surgery will be assigned to one of two groups, a group that has surgery with mesh, or a group that has surgery without mesh.

Evaluating Clinical Hiatal Hernia Outcomes Using OviTex®

This study will evaluate hiatal hernia recurrence rate and post-operative complications following the use of OviTex Core Resorbable or OviTex 1S Resorbable.

Reducing Postoperative Opioids in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia

This is a prospective randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial that will target enrollment of 46 subjects undergoing laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair surgery. Participants who meet eligibility criteria will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either the opioid sparring anesthesia protocol (OSA) or the opioid based anesthesia protocol (OBA). The purpose of this study is to investigate if an opioid sparring protocol for laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair will reduce opioid consumption during discharge. Other outcomes include: postoperative VAS scores (PACU arrival, PACU discharge, hospital discharge), total in hospital opioid consumption, PACU length of stay, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV in PACU, postoperative day 1, during hospital stay), rehospitalization rate, rate of reoperation, rate of emergency room visit, surgeon satisfaction, and hospital cost differential.

Antireflux Surgery Without Preoperative Esophageal Manometry

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if people can safely skip a test called esophageal manometry before surgery for acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) or a hiatal hernia. Manometry measures the muscles of the food pipe using a thin tube passed through the nose. The test can be uncomfortable and can delay surgery. The main questions this study aims to answer are whether people can skip manometry and still have good swallowing one year after surgery, and whether skipping the test lowers discomfort, shortens the wait for surgery, and lowers cost. To answer this, researchers will compare two groups. One group will have surgery without manometry. The other group will have manometry first, the way it is usually done. Everyone will get the same operation, a partial wrap called a Toupet fundoplication, so the study tests the value of the test and not the surgery. Participants will be placed by chance into one of the two groups, have the same standard operation, and fill out short questionnaires about their swallowing before surgery and again at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Researchers want to find out if skipping manometry works just as well as the usual approach for people who do not have trouble swallowing before surgery.

Registry of Outcomes From AntiReflux Surgery

Prospective registry comparing outcomes after laparoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia.

Laparoscopic Toupet's Fundoplication: Is it Proper Solution of Radiological Negative, Endoscopically Positive Hiatal Hernia Patients

This study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of laparoscopic toupet fundoplication (LTF) for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and disease-specific Quality of Life (QoL).

Esophageal Cancer Risk Registry

The purpose of this study is to identify markers in the blood and tissue that could indicate risk factors for the development and progression of esophagus cancer. This research aims to collect medical history, blood, and tissue samples from patients who present with an esophageal disorder. Identifying genetic and behavioral risk factors involved in the development of esophageal cancer might allow for early detection and prevention. Survival and an opportunity for a cure with esophageal cancer will depend greatly on the stage of diagnosis. Tumors can develop changes in their genetic (hereditary) make-up, and these changes can sometimes be seen in normal tissues before the development of cancer. These genetic (hereditary) changes can serve as tumor markers and can be detected using methods that study changes in genetic material like DNA and RNA. The analysis of proteins can provide additional information. By identifying changes in these molecules that are different or altered in cancer, the investigators can use methods and tests for the detection of these changes.

SurgiMend Mesh at the Hiatus

Prospective, single-arm, open-label study to evaluate re-occurrence and quality of life in subjects undergoing primary Hiatal hernia repair using SurgiMend biological mesh. Up to 15, with a target of 10, subjects are planned to be enrolled at one site. All subjects will receive the SurgiMend mesh during surgery. Data collected will be compared to historical data. Subjects will complete a pre-operative visit. After surgery, in addition to any standard of care visits, subjects will complete 3- and 6-month follow-ups involving a phone QOL survey and will have an upper GI series at 6 months.

Comparative 3-year Study of Nissen-sleeve vs. Sleeve Plus Cruroplasty in Obese Patients With Hiatal Hernia

The success of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is not only due to its proven efficacy in the treatment of obesity and associated to comorbidities in the short and long term, but also because it is considered as less technically complicated compared to other malabsorptive procedures. Unfortunately, the main long-term side effect of LSG appears to be the development of severe gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). This problem is aggravated by the concomitant presence of a hiatal hernia at the time of surgery. Indeed, by causing laxity of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the hiatal hernia reduces the barrier functions of the esophageal-gastric junction against the reflux of gastric contents. The classic combination of sleeve and hiatal hernia treatment by cruroplasty gives contradictory results and several surgeons prefer to perform only the sleeve without addressing the hiatal hernia especially if it is small (\<4 cm). For this reason a modification of the usual surgical technique of LSG has been proposed by adding a Nissen fundoplication-Nissen Sleeve (NS). The intentions of this technique were to minimize the rate of postoperative GERD especially for patients with hiatal hernia, to protect the staple line of the angle of His, and finally to provide a safe and effective alternative for patients with a contraindication to LRYGB due to GERD. Although the first results of the technique are encouraging, the realization of the Nissen valve remains a sensitive technical point that can transform a relatively simple procedure like LSG into a more complex procedure like NS. The only test able to directly identify and classify gastric reflux is pH-metry with or without esophageal manometry. Unfortunately, especially due to the difficulty of access to the examination, there are no studies with solid scientific bases that identify the correct conduct to adopt in the case of an obese patient with a hiatal hernia (with or without preoperative reflux). The main objective of this study is to evaluate the occurence or worsening of GERD at 3 years following a Nissen-sleeve vs. sleeve plus cruroplasty intervention in patients with obesity and hiatal hernia.

Nissen Versus Dor Hiatal Hernia Repair

Hiatal hernia can present with a wide range of symptoms. An usual surgical repair technique usually includes Nissen fundoplication, while other procedures are less frequently employed. However, recurrence and reoperation rates remain high. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of Nissen and Dor fundoplication in preventing hiatal hernia recurrence and reducing the risk of reoperation Participants undergoing minimally invasive hiatal hernia repair will be randomly assigned to either Nissen or Dor fundoplication. Postoperatively at 12 months, anatomical recurrence rates based on computed tomography scans and symptomatic recurrence rates, anti-reflux medication use, GERD-related quality of life, and dysphagia symptoms will be assessed. A subsequent long-term follow-up study will conducted afterwards utilizing national registry data to evaluate reoperation rates and anti-reflux medication use

A Prospective Randomised Multi - Center Trial on the Repair of Large Hiatal Hernias: Absorbable Mesh vs. Pledgeted Sutures vs. Sutures Only

A prospective randomised multi - center trial on the repair of large hiatal hernias with sutures versus pledgeted sutures versus absorbable mesh The primary objective of the present trial is to compare the hiatal hernia recurrence rate between three different methods of cruroplasty in large hiatal hernias: hiatal closure with sutures versus pledgeted sutures versus absorbable mesh (Phasix™ST mesh). The duration of the study is not limited and depends on the number of cases planned. After enrollment in the study, patients will be followed - up with standardized questionnaires and gastroscopy at 6 months, 1 year, 3 years and 5 years after surgery.

Sutures Versus Polyglactin Mesh in Hiatal Hernia Repair

Paraesophageal hernia causes pain, heartburn, regurgitation, anemia and in extreme, life-threatening strangulation. For symptomatic patients, laparoscopic surgery is offered which includes hiatal defect closure and antireflux surgery. However, recurrence rates are high between 12 and 42%. In order to reduce recurrences, mesh has been used with various materials and techniques with conflicting results. Non-absorbable mesh has been linked with adverse events including erosion of esophageal wall. Traditionally used biological mesh materials are expensive and therefore problematic in routine use. Use of polyglactin (Vicryl®) mesh, which degrades in 6-8 week, has been reported in paraesophageal hernia surgery. Previously, no randomized controlled trial comparing sutures only and polyglactin mesh has been performed. In this trial, the aim was to randomize total of 110 patients to receive sutures only or mesh repair. Primary outcome was recurrence of paraesophageal hernia at 6 months after the repair based on computed tomography scan. Secondary outcomes included symptomatic recurrences, reoperation rate, quality of life, reoperations up to 20-years after surgery and use of proton pump inhibitors up to 20-years after surgery.