[Iron deficiency anemia in patients with hiatal hernias].

Abstract

Hiatal hernia may be accompanied by chronic bleeding from erosions and subsequent iron deficiency anemia. This anemia is drug-resistant in 5-10% of patients with hiatal hernia. In this case, the only approach is antireflux surgery for hiatal hernia repair.

Material and methods: A prospective examination of 42 patients with hiatal hernia and concomitant iron deficiency anemia was conducted between 2023 and 2024. To identify latent iron deficiency anemia, patients underwent in-depth laboratory tests. All patients underwent original fundoplication. The results were assessed in 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Results: Favorable functional results with disappearance of reflux esophagitis symptoms were obtained in 39 patients (92.8%). The follow-up laboratory tests after 6 months revealed higher hemoglobin and normal serum iron in 35 (94.5%) out of 37 available patients. Patients did not take iron supplements during the second half of the year, but hemoglobin and serum iron were normal.

Conclusion: Original fundoplication demonstrates high efficiency in patients with hiatal hernia and concomitant chronic iron deficiency anemia.