Fundoplication For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Research Articles

The Learning Curve of Laparoendoscopic Single-Site (LESS) Fundoplication: Definable, Short, and Safe

This study of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease was undertaken to determine the "learning curve" for implementing LESS fundoplication. One hundred patients, 38% men, with a median age of 61 years and median body mass index of 26 kg/m(2) , underwent LESS fundoplications. The operative times, placement of additional trocars, conversions to "open" operations, and complications were compared among patient quartiles to establish a learning curve. Median data are reported. The median operative times and complications did not differ among 25-patient cohorts. Additional trocars were placed in 27% of patients, 67% of whom were in the first 25-patient cohort. Patients undergoing LESS fundoplication had a dramatic relief in the frequency and severity of all symptoms of reflux across all cohorts equally (P < .05), particularly for heartburn and regurgitation, without causing dysphagia. LESS fundoplication ameliorates symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease without apparent scarring. Notably, few operations required additional trocars after the first 25-patient cohort. Patient selection became more inclusive (eg, more "redo" fundoplications) with increasing experience, whereas operative times and complications remained relatively unchanged. The learning curve of LESS fundoplication is definable, short, and safe. We believe that patients will seek LESS fundoplication because of the efficacy and superior cosmetic outcomes; surgeons will need to meet this demand.

Impaired postoperative EGJ relaxation as a determinant of post laparoscopic fundoplication dysphagia: a study with high-resolution manometry before and after surgery

Laparoscopic fundoplication (FP) reduces gastroesophageal reflux (GER) efficiently. Dysphagia is its main complication, but no clear data have been published in literature to evaluate risk factors associated with it. The goal of this retrospective study was to identify factors associated with dysphagia occurring after FP for GER disease, with high-resolution manometry (HRM) performed before and after surgery. Twenty patients (11 women; mean age, 49 (range, 19-68 years) underwent HRM before and 2-3 months after laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti FP. Analysis was performed with esophageal pressure topography according to the Chicago Classification. Before FP, ten patients had a manometric hiatal hernia (none after FP). Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) pressures increased after surgery (p < 0.01). Bolus pressurization was present in 2% of all swallows before FP and in 22% after (p = 0.01). Postoperative bolus pressurization percentage was significantly correlated with EGJ relaxation as measured with integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) (r = 0.79, p < 0.01). Eight patients reported dysphagia after FP. The only pre- or post-operative parameter significantly associated with dysphagia was postoperative IRP (5.1 mmHg without vs. 10.3 with dysphagia, p < 0.02). FP establishes an efficient antireflux mechanism by correcting hiatal hernia and increasing EGJ pressures. EGJ relaxation as measured by IRP is significantly altered after surgery, leading to more frequent motility disorders, and bolus pressurization. Postoperative dysphagia was associated with higher values of IRP.

Hiatal hernia, Barrett’s esophagus, and long-term symptom control after laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux

The aim of this study was to determine the long-term symptom control after laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and possible prognostic factors. A cohort of 271 patients, operated on at a university hospital from 1996 through 2002, was eligible for evaluation after a median interval of 102 months (range = 12-158). The time between surgery and recurrence of reflux symptoms (i.e., time to treatment failure) served as the end point for statistical analysis. Putative risk factors for symptom recurrence were analyzed by univariate analysis and by using Cox's multiple-hazards regression. According to Kaplan-Meier estimates, the rate of reflux symptom recurrence was 15 % after 108 months, 11 % in cases without intestinal metaplasia, but 43 % in patients with long-segment (≥ 3 cm) Barrett's esophagus (BE; p < 0.0001). Reflux symptoms recurred in 22 % of cases with a hiatal hernia (HH) ≥ 3 cm before operation, but only in 7 % with smaller or absent HH (p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis revealed a relative risk of 6.6 (CI = 3.0-13.0) for long-segment BE and 3.0 (CI = 1.7-10.1) for HH ≥ 3 cm. A strong statistical interaction was found between HH ≥ 3 cm and long-segment BE: the small group (n = 18) of cases exhibiting both risk factors had an exaggerated recurrence rate of 72 % at 108 months. Laparoscopic fundoplication for symptomatic GERD provided a long-lasting abolition of reflux symptoms in 231 of 271 (85 %) patients. HH ≥ 3 cm and long-segment BE were shown as independent prognostic factors favoring recurrence.

Redo laparoscopic repair of benign esophageal disease

Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease has been associated with excellent symptom control. Compared with medical treatment, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has shown favorable control of typical reflux symptoms. However, in approximately 2% to 17% of patients, surgical treatment fails. The role of reoperative repair for reflux disease and the factors that contribute to it are examined.

Perioperative Risk of Laparoscopic Fundoplication: Safer than Previously Reported—Analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2005 to 2009

Several prospective randomized controlled trials show equal effectiveness of surgical fundoplication and proton pump inhibitor therapy for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Despite this compelling evidence of its efficacy, surgical antireflux therapy is underused, occurring in a very small proportion of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. An important reason for this is the perceived morbidity and mortality associated with surgical intervention. Published data report perioperative morbidity between 3% and 21% and mortality of 0.2% and 0.5%, and current data are uncommon, largely from previous decades, and almost exclusively single institutional. The study population included all patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2005 through 2009 who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication with or without related postoperative ICD-9 codes. Comorbidities, intraoperative occurrences, and 30-day postoperative outcomes were collected and logged into statistical software for appropriate analysis. Postoperative occurrences were divided into overall and serious morbidity. A total of 7,531 fundoplications were identified. Thirty-five percent of patients were younger than 50 years old, 47.1% were 50 to 69 years old, and 16.8% were older than 69 years old. Overall, 30-day mortality was 0.19% and morbidity was 3.8%. Thirty-day mortality was rare in patients younger than age 70 years, occurring in 5 of 10,000 (0.05%). Mortality increased to 8 of 1,000 (0.8%) in patients older than 70 years (p < 0.0001). Complications occurred in 2.2% of patients younger than 50 years, 3.8% of those 50 to 69 years, and 7.3% of patients older than 69 years. Serious complications occurred in 8 of 1,000 (0.8%) patients younger than 50 years, 1.8% in patients 50 to 69 years, and 3.9% of those older than 69 years. Analysis of this large cohort demonstrates remarkably low 30-day morbidity and mortality of laparoscopic fundoplication. This is particularly true in patients younger than 70 years, who are likely undergoing fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease. These data suggest that surgical therapy carries an acceptable risk profile.

372 Hiatal Hernia, Barrett's Esophagus and Long-Term Symptom Control After Laparoscopic Fundoplication for Gastresophageal Reflux

Background The aim of this study was to determine the long-term symptom control after laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and possible prognostic factors.

Early experience with single-incision laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with mental retardation via a gastrostomy site incision: report of five cases

Single-incision laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease is not widespread because of its technical difficulty. On the other hand, patients with gastroesophageal reflux frequently also have mental retardation and eating disorders. We have been performing single-incision laparoscopic fundoplication via a gastrostomy site incision since October 2009 for these patients. The treated patients were 4 males and 1 female. A small skin incision was made on the gastrostomy site and a SILS port was placed. Under pneumoperitoneum, a single-incision laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy were performed with a flexible scope, conventional instruments, and high-dexterity instruments. The pneumoperitoneal time was 115-180min and blood loss was 1-15ml. There were no intra- or postoperative complications. The hospital stay was under 8days for all patients. Using this procedure, the incidence of postoperative intestinal obstruction was very low. The results indicate this procedure can be used as a standard operation for these patients in the future.

Long-Term Results of Giant Hiatal Hernia Mesh Repair and Antireflux Laparoscopic Surgery for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The application of mesh-reinforced hiatal closure has resulted in a significant reduction in recurrence rates. The most debated issue is the risk of complications related to the use of the prosthesis, which are thought to be the cause of higher dysphagia. From January 2004 to December 2007, 198 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with or without hiatal hernia. Fifty patients (25.3%) presented a giant hiatal hernia, defined as a hiatal defect over 5 cm. These 50 patients underwent primary simple suture of the crura and additional reinforcement with a Crurasoft mesh (Bard). Hiatal hernia or GERD symptoms recurrence, dysphagia, and mesh-related complications were investigated. Of the 50 patients undergoing mesh repair, there were 32 women and 18 men with a mean age of 63.2 years. Conversion rate was 2%. Intraoperative complications rate was 6%, all of them laparoscopically managed. Postoperative complications occurred in 1 patient (2%). Mortality rate was 2%. Median postoperative stay was 3 days. Median follow-up was 62 months. Two percent of the patients presented wrap migration, and 4% presented dysphagia. Six percent of cases presented recurrence of GERD manifestations. There have been no complications related to the use of the mesh. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery with a prosthetic mesh in cases of giant hiatal hernia is an effective and safe procedure, reducing the rate of postoperative hernia recurrence during long-term follow-up. The incidence of mesh-related complications is very low.

Dumping Syndrome, a Cause of Acquired Glycogenic Hepatopathy

A 2-year-old boy, having undergone fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease and fed by gastrostomy, presented with recurrent emesis, syncope with hypoglycemia, and persistently elevated serum liver transaminase levels. Liver biopsy revealed hepatocellular glycogenosis by light and electron microscopy. Further evaluation showed no evidence of diabetes mellitus, glycogen storage disease, or corticosteroid use. Since the hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemic state of dumping syndrome would provide a mechanism for hepatocellular glycogenosis, the biopsy findings prompted consideration of dumping syndrome. Metabolic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of dumping syndrome, and appropriate dietary management led to sustained resolution of symptomatology and hypertransaminasemia. Dumping syndrome is proposed to be a cause of hepatocellular glycogenosis, the latter representing a form of acquired glycogenic hepatopathy.

A Comparison of Pre-operative Comorbidities and Post-operative Outcomes among Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication at High- and Low-Volume Centers

IntroductionCommonly cited data promoting laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) as safe and efficacious are typically published by single centers, affiliated with teaching institutions with a high volume of cases, but LNF is not universally performed at these hospitals. The purpose of this study is to assess where these procedures are being done and to compare pre-operative comorbidities and post-operative outcomes between high-and low-volume centers using a state-wide inpatient database. MethodsThis is a retrospective study using data from the North Carolina Hospital Association Patient Data System. Selected patients include adults (>17 years old) that have undergone laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease as an inpatient from 2005 to 2008. Patients that underwent operative management for emergent purposes or had associated diagnoses of esophageal cancer or achalasia were excluded from the study. High-volume centers were defined as institutions that performed ten or more LNFs per year averaged over a period of 4 years. Comparative statistics were performed on comorbidities and complications between high- and low-volume centers. ResultsA total of 1,019 patients underwent LNF for GERD in North Carolina between 2005 and 2008 in the inpatient setting. High-volume centers performed 530 LNFs (52%) while low-volume centers performed 489 LNFs (48%). Patients at high-volume centers were older (median 52.5 years old vs. 49.0 years old, p = 0.019), had a higher incidence of diabetes (13.4% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.026), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (5.1% vs. 2.0 %, p = 0.015), hyperlipidemia (9.6% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.004), and cystic fibrosis (2.8% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.03). Patients with a history of transplantation were also more likely to undergo LNF at a high-volume center (15.8% vs. 1.6%, p < 0.0001). There were no deaths among the two groups and also no difference between median length of stay (2.7 days for high-volume center vs. 2.6 days for low-volume center). Low-volume centers had a higher incidence of intraoperative accidental puncture or laceration (3.3% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.017) while high-volume centers had a higher incidence of atelectasis (5.3% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.031). ConclusionA significant proportion of the LNFs in North Carolina are performed at low-volume centers. High-volume centers perform LNF on older patients with more comorbidities. Low-volume centers have three times more accidental perforations, yet there is no detectable difference in mortality or median length of stay. It is impossible to tell if these perforations are managed at these low-volume centers or transferred to facilities with a higher level of care. These findings argue for regionalization of LNF and for a reevaluation of the global safety of this operation.

Esophageal stenosis in epidermolysis bullosum:a challenge for the endoscopist

Background/PurposeEsophageal stenosis is a severe complication in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Endoscopic dilations may cause mucosal injury with stricture recurrence. Our aim was to describe our referral EB-center experience on safety and long-term efficacy of fluoroscopically guided balloon dilation without endoscopy. MethodsOver 14 years, 34 patients with EB, previously evaluated with barium esophagogram for dysphagia, underwent balloon esophageal dilation. Under fluoroscopy, a guide wire was introduced via a nostril into the stomach. A 12-mm pneumatic balloon, which passed over the wire, was filled using radio-opaque contrast, dilating the stricture. Orotracheal intubation was avoided. Antibiotics, dexamethasone, and proton-pump inhibitors were administered. Study approval was obtained from our ethical board. ResultsNinety-three dilations were performed. Seventeen patients had a single stenosis. The mean age of onset was 18 years (range, 3-47 years). Thirteen patients underwent one dilation. In 6 cases, endoscopy was necessary to visualize the esophageal lumen. Complications included cervical esophageal perforation (2) and transitory dysphagia (10). Thirty patients were feeding within 24 hours. During the follow-up, 2 patients required a gastrostomy, and 2 patients underwent fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease. ConclusionsFluoroscopically guided balloon dilation in EB is a safe and well-tolerated procedure. An experienced endoscopy team is necessary in certain cases.

Ambulatory laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review

Ambulatory laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been developed in order to increase patients' satisfaction and to save bed costs. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the advantages and disadvantages of ambulatory surgery in patients undergoing elective fundoplication for GERD. Two reviewers independently searched and identified 15 prospective or retrospective nonrandomized studies dealing with ambulatory laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD in the Medline, Cancerlit, and Embase databases between January 1990 and July 2010. Outcomes were postoperative mortality, morbidity, conversion and reoperation rates, mean operative time, hospital admission or readmission, unexpected consultation, and patient satisfaction. Because only one comparative study was identified, data compilation and relative risk evaluation through meta-analysis were not possible. A total of 1459 adult patients underwent an ambulatory laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD, 876 in a day-case setting and 583 in an outpatient setting. The procedure appears feasible for selected patients and expert surgeons, and it has a very low mortality rate and conversion, reoperation, and overall morbidity rates of 3.6, 0.6, and 11.1%, respectively. Hospital admission, nonprogrammed consultation, and hospital readmission rates were as high as 20, 11, and 12%, respectively. No study looked at comparative long-term functional results between ambulatory and inpatient procedures. Patient satisfaction rates based on self-evaluation were high. The data available to date in the literature, mostly of level 4 evidence, suggest that laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD appears to be safe and feasible in a day-surgery setting, subject to careful patient selection and surgeon expertise. Randomized control trials are urgently needed to better evaluate this promising care management.

Outcome of day-case laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux disease

To assess the acceptability, feasibility and results of day-case laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in an university tertiary care center. Day-case surgery for GERD was proposed routinely to all patients with proven asymptomatic, uncomplicated GERD fulfilling predetermined inclusion criteria from September 2003 and January 2007. All patients underwent standard anesthetic, surgical, analgesic and antiemetic protocols. Patients had a 360° Nissen-Rosetti laparoscopic fundoplication. Evaluation, according to intent-to-treat analysis, included inclusion criteria, admission to conventional hospital facilities, unplanned post-operative consultation or readmission, complication and reoperation rates as well as patient satisfaction at 12 months, using the validated Visick score and Gastro-Intestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaire. Of 152 patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD during the study period, 49 (32.2%) had day-case procedures. Forty patients (81.6%) were discharged 6 to 8h after operation. Nine patients were converted to in-patient hospitalization because of nausea (n=5), inadequate pain control (n=3) or anxiety (n=1), seven (77.8%) of these were discharged within 23h. Unplanned consultation or hospitalization was necessary in 14.3% and 4.1% of cases respectively, mainly for dysphagia. The postoperative complication rate was 6.1%. At 12 months, 89.6% of patients were Visick 1 to 3 (excellent to satisfactory results). Reoperation was needed in three cases. Patient quality of life, evaluated by GIQLI, was significantly enhanced by surgery (88.9±27.3 preoperatively versus 111.2±24.0 postoperatively, P<0.001). Day-case laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD is feasible and well tolerated in selected patients.

Endoscopic, endoluminal fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: Initial experience and lessons learned

Endoscopic, endoluminal fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: Initial experience and lessons learned

Dyspeptic Symptoms after Laparoscopic Large Hiatal Hernia Repair and Primary Antireflux Surgery for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Comparative Study

Background: Several patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease suffer from functional dyspepsia. After laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, these symptoms persist in a substantial number of patients. We hypothesized that, due to a higher chance of vagal nerve impairment during extensive hernia sac resection and esophageal mobilization, dyspeptic symptoms are more frequent after laparoscopic large hiatal hernia (types II–IV) repair than after primary antireflux surgery. Methods: From January 2003 to December 2007, 60 consecutive patients who primarily underwent an antireflux fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease and 22 consecutive patients who had large hiatal hernia repair with fundoplication for concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease were included. According to a system combining frequency and severity, patients scored 8 dyspeptic symptoms. Additionally, symptoms presenting preoperatively were scored according to the Visick grading system. Results: In 43 of the 49 available patients (87.8%) who primarily underwent antireflux surgery and in all 20 available patients who had hiatal hernia repair, preoperative symptoms resolved or improved. Mean symptom scores of all dyspeptic symptoms after surgery were comparable between both cohorts. General quality of life was equal in both cohorts. Conclusion: After laparoscopic large hiatal hernia repair, dyspeptic symptoms were present in similar frequencies as after primary antireflux surgery.

Endoscopic, endoluminal fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: Initial experience and lessons learned

Several devices have been developed to create an antireflux barrier endoscopically for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. All have failed to provide long-term symptom relief, were associated with clinically important complications, or were otherwise removed from the market. A new device, the Esophyx (Endogastric Solutions, Redmond, WA), provides the closest approximation experimentally to a standard Belsy fundoplication. This report describes an initial experience with this device. Patients considered candidates for endoscopic fundoplication include those with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease, a small (<2 cm) hiatal hernia, objective pathologic evidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and an absence of other esophageal motility disorders. The procedure was conducted under general anesthesia with a surgeon operating the device and an endoscopist operating the gastroscope. H-fasteners were placed from the esophagus to the gastric cardia with the goal of creating an approximately 270-300° fundoplication approximately 3-4 cm in length. Symptom severity was measured with the GERD-HRQL instrument (best possible score 0, worst possible score 50). The patients were followed-up for complications and symptom improvement. In all, 26 patients underwent an attempted endoscopic fundoplication. Two patients could not be completed because of the inability to pass the device. Of the 24 patients who underwent endoscopic fundoplication, 20 had the typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, 4 had symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux, and 4 had recurrent symptoms after a Nissen fundoplication. There was 1 major complication of a gastric mucosal tear that led to bleeding and the need for a blood transfusion. Nineteen (79%) patients reported satisfaction with their symptom relief. Of those dissatisfied, 2 had symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux, 1 had functional heartburn, 1 had associated gastroparesis, and 1 had clear failure with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The median GERD-HRQL score improved from 25 (interquartile range, 19.5-28.5) to 5 (interquartile range, 3-9; P = .0004). Endoscopic fundoplication with the Esophyx device is feasible with satisfactory initial results. Endoscopic fundoplication seems to be best suited for patients with small hiatal hernias and mild-to-moderate typical symptoms; however, subsequent trials are needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of the technique.

Indications de la chirurgie digestive et endocrinienne pratiquée en ambulatoire chez l’adulte

To assess the acceptability, feasibility and results of day-case laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in an university tertiary care center.Day-case surgery for GERD was proposed routinely to all patients with proven asymptomatic, uncomplicated GERD fulfilling predetermined inclusion criteria from September 2003 and January 2007. All patients underwent standard anesthetic, surgical, analgesic and antiemetic protocols. Patients had a 360° Nissen-Rosetti laparoscopic fundoplication. Evaluation, according to intent-to-treat analysis, included inclusion criteria, admission to conventional hospital facilities, unplanned post-operative consultation or readmission, complication and reoperation rates as well as patient satisfaction at 12 months, using the validated Visick score and Gastro-Intestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaire.Of 152 patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD during the study period, 49 (32.2%) had day-case procedures. Forty patients (81.6%) were discharged 6 to 8 h after operation. Nine patients were converted to in-patient hospitalization because of nausea (n = 5), inadequate pain control (n = 3) or anxiety (n = 1), seven (77.8%) of these were discharged within 23 h. Unplanned consultation or hospitalization was necessary in 14.3% and 4.1% of cases respectively, mainly for dysphagia. The postoperative complication rate was 6.1%. At 12 months, 89.6% of patients were Visick 1 to 3 (excellent to satisfactory results). Reoperation was needed in three cases. Patient quality of life, evaluated by GIQLI, was significantly enhanced by surgery (88.9 ± 27.3 preoperatively versus 111.2 ± 24.0 postoperatively, P < 0.001).Day-case laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD is feasible and well tolerated in selected patients.

Five-Year Follow-up of a Multicenter, Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial of Laparoscopic Nissen vs Anterior 90° Partial Fundoplication

Laparoscopic 90 degrees anterior partial fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease achieves equivalent results to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. A multicenter, prospective, double-blind randomized clinical trial with a minimum of 5 years' follow-up. Nine university teaching hospitals in 6 major cities throughout Australia and New Zealand. One hundred twelve patients undergoing primary antireflux surgery were randomized to undergo either laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (52 patients) or anterior 90 degrees partial fundoplication (60 patients). Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with division of the short gastric vessels or laparoscopic anterior 90 degrees partial fundoplication. Blinded assessment at 1 and 5 years' follow-up of clinical outcome for postoperative heartburn, dysphagia, gas-related symptoms, and satisfaction with the surgical outcome. Analog scales ranging from 0 to 10 were used to assess symptom severity. Ninety-seven patients underwent follow-up at 5 years. Three others died during follow-up, 4 refused follow-up, and 8 were lost to follow-up; 89% remained at 5-years' follow-up. At 5 years' follow-up, mean analog scores for heartburn were 2.2 for anterior fundoplication vs 0.9 for Nissen fundoplication (P=.003). There were no significant differences between the groups for dysphagia scores. The mean score for outcome satisfaction was 7.1 after anterior fundoplication vs 8.1 after Nissen fundoplication (P=.18). Eighty-eight percent reported a good or excellent outcome following Nissen fundoplication vs 77% following anterior fundoplication. Laparoscopic Nissen and anterior 90 degrees partial fundoplication achieve similar levels of patient satisfaction at 5 years' follow-up, with similar adverse effect profiles. However, at 5 years' follow-up, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication achieves superior control of reflux symptoms. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register Identifier: ACTRN12607000298415.

Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants and children

The number and types of minimally invasive surgical procedures being performed in children have increased exponentially in the last 15 years. Laparoscopic fundoplication is commonly performed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), although the population of patients who undergo this procedure is different in adults and children. In Japan, laparoscopic fundoplication has become a standard procedure, even for children with neurological impairment; however, its indications remain controversial. In this article we review the status of laparoscopic antireflux surgery for infants and children, looking at its indications, the procedures available, the complications, and the training required to perform the procedure safely and effectively.

Gastric emptying scans: unnecessary preoperative testing for fundoplications?

Purpose Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) as indicated by preoperative gastric emptying scan (GES) is one rationale for performing a gastric emptying procedure (GEP) at time of fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the role of GES and GEP in the surgical management of GERD remains unclear. We examined the use of preoperative GES in fundoplication patients. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing fundoplication from 2000 to 2005 in a single institution including patient demographics, operative procedure, and postoperative outcomes at 1-year follow-up was analyzed using χ 2 test. Results Of 76 fundoplication patients, 39 (51%) had preoperative GES with 11 patients (28%) having DGE and 16 GEP performed. Developmentally delayed children were more likely to have GES. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, or use of anti-GERD medications at 1 year between patients who had preoperative GES and those who did not. In the developmentally delayed group, there were no differences in outcomes between those with preoperative GES and those who did not. Conclusions There were no differences in outcomes for GERD patients with or without preoperative GES or GEP postfundoplication. The use of GES in the management of GERD requires further evaluation.