Laparoscopic antireflux surgery as a treatment for chronic cough

Abstract

Aim: In gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), oesophageal symptoms are the main reason for surgery. But extra-oesophageal symptoms of GORD may be a reason for surgical intervention as well. The prevalence of chronic cough in patients with GORD may be up to 40%, and is very debilitating. This study analyzes the results of laparoscopic fundoplication in patients with chronic cough as primary complaint. Method: Patients who were referred because of chronic cough caused by GORD and who underwent laparoscopic antireflux surgery, were analyzed in a prospective study. Preoperative (t0), and post-operative (3 months (t1) and 1 year (t2)) data were collected using online follow-up. Cough, quality of life and satisfaction with the surgery were scored by a 10-point Likert scale. Reflux was scored using validated GERD-hr-QoL questionnaires. Results: Between 2008 and 2015 42 patients with chronic cough received surgery. Patients underwent either Toupet (n=8), Nissen (n=4) or 180o anterior (n=30) laparoscopic fundoplication. Median hospital stay was two days. The cough-symptoms were significantly less 3 months and 1 year after surgery as compared with before surgery (see table, p Conclusion: Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is an effective treatment for patients with chronic cough based on GORD.