Paraesophageal hernia repair is associated with similar safety and efficacy results in octogenarians as compared to younger patients - Report - MDSpire

Paraesophageal hernia repair is associated with similar safety and efficacy results in octogenarians as compared to younger patients

  • By

  • Kayvan Barekatain

  • Emily F. Simon

  • Joshua L. Lyons

  • Natalie N. Chakraborty

  • Christina S. Boutros

  • Trisha Lal

  • Jill Knepprath

  • Ayesha Siddiq

  • Hamza N. Chatha

  • Saher-Zahra S. Khan

  • Patrick M. Wieland

  • Sami O. Abul-Khoudoud

  • Nicolette M. Winder

  • Samuel J. Zolin

  • Jeffrey Marks

  • June 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Repair of Paraesophageal Hernias in Elderly Patients

Overview

This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair in octogenarians compared to younger patients. Findings indicate that while octogenarians may experience higher perioperative morbidity, key outcomes such as recurrence and postoperative complications are comparable between age groups.

Background

Paraesophageal hernias are increasingly common in the aging population, with a significant number of patients over 80 years presenting with symptomatic cases. Surgical intervention has evolved, with contemporary evidence suggesting that elective repair can improve life expectancy even in elderly patients. However, concerns regarding perioperative morbidity and patient selection remain critical in managing this demographic.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Octogenarians undergoing PEH repair experience higher perioperative morbidity compared to younger patients.
  • Postoperative outcomes, including recurrence, GERD, and dysphagia, are comparable between octogenarians and younger adults.
  • Elective repair of PEH in elderly patients is associated with low 30-day mortality rates.
  • Advancements in minimally invasive techniques have improved safety profiles for surgical interventions in older adults.
  • Patient selection remains crucial, as frailty and advanced age are independent predictors of perioperative morbidity.

Clinical Implications

Surgeons should consider elective PEH repair in octogenarians, as it can lead to favorable outcomes similar to younger patients. Careful assessment of patient frailty and comorbidities is essential to optimize surgical decision-making and minimize risks.

Conclusion

The findings support the safety and effectiveness of PEH repair in elderly patients, suggesting that age alone should not preclude surgical intervention when appropriately indicated.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Surgical Endoscopy, 2024 -- Outcomes of Hiatal Hernia Repair in Elderly Patients: Insights from a Multicenter Research Network Study
  2. Hernia, 2026 -- Outcomes of inguinal hernia repair in octogenarians: A propensity score–matched analysis of the Herniamed Registry
  3. Frontiers in Surgery, 2026 -- Comparative efficacy and safety of surgical techniques for inguinal hernia repair in elderly patients: a network meta-analysis
  4. Hernia, 2023 -- Results of Incisional Hernia Repair in Patients Aged 80 and Above: Insights from the Herniamed Registry
  5. Guidelines for the Surgical Treatment of Hiatal Hernias - A SAGES Publication, 2024
  6. PubMed, 2026 -- Paraesophageal Hernia Repair Outcomes in Elective, Urgent, and Emergent Patient Populations
  7. PMC, 2026 -- Safety and Early Clinical Outcomes Following Repair of Very Large Hiatus Hernia in Octogenarians
  8. Guidelines for the Surgical Treatment of Hiatal Hernias - A SAGES Publication
  9. Paraesophageal Hernia Repair Outcomes in Elective, Urgent, and Emergent Patient Populations - PubMed
  10. Safety and Early Clinical Outcomes Following Repair of Very Large Hiatus Hernia in Octogenarians - PMC
  11. Age is Just a Number: Outcomes of Robotic Hiatal Hernia Repair in Octogenarians - ScienceDirect
  12. Analysis of Robotic vs Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair in Older Adults | Minimally Invasive Surgery | JAMA Surgery | JAMA Network
  13. Improved outcomes with robotic-assisted laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repairs compared with laparoscopic and transthoracic approaches: A single high-volume institution experience - ScienceDirect

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