Impact of antireflux surgery on gastroesophageal reflux-associated symptoms and quality of life.

Abstract

Reflux disease has become endemic in the Western world. High quality hiatal reconstruction and fundoplication has a paramount importance in its therapy. While the primary goal of surgery is reducing reflux-associated disease burden, the evaluation and follow-up of disease-associated quality of life is essential. In this study, we aimed to measure and evaluate the pre- and post-operative reflux-associated quality of life of patients undergoing surgery between 01. 12. 2015 and 31. 12. 2020 at a tertiary care hospital. We utilized a health-related quality of life questionnaire both pre- and post-operatively. The main outcome measures were: patient-assessed heartburn, dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, nausea and vomiting. We also measured acid secretory medication use and patient satisfaction. We have assessed the pre- and post-operative questionnaries of 65 patients. All the symptoms above have decreased after surgery, and the changes were statistically significant (except for dysphagia). There was a tendency for minor weight loss after surgery. The use of acid secretion inhibitor medications decreased significantly. Our results are comparable to the outcomes of other tertiary care centers. Our workgroup has successfully adopted the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms of the surgical care of reflux disease. If the proper indications for surgery are met, laparoscopic hiatoplasty and Toupet fundoplication are capable tools in decreasing reflux-associated symptoms and improving reflux-associated quality of life. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(2): 57-63.