Surgery For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Research Articles

Chronic Medication Use After Antireflux Surgery

Surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has become increasingly common, but does it really reduce long-term use of antireflux medications?

Reflux oesophagitis

Symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux is one of the commonest presentations to GPs, with 15–20% of the adult population experiencing heartburn at least once per week. Surgery for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is increasing in ‘developed’ countries due to the limitations of the long-term effectiveness of proton pump inhibitor therapy in controlling severe reflux, and the more widespread use of laparoscopic fundoplication, which is more attractive than open surgery. This contribution focuses on the presentations, indications, procedures and complications of surgery of this common condition.

Nonsurgical factors affecting symptomatic outcomes of antireflux surgery

A small number of patients will have persistent or new symptoms after antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Most of these symptoms are due to recurrent reflux or some complication or side-effect of the operation. However, a few of these patients will be symptomatic without objective findings to explain these symptoms. The purpose of this review is to highlight potential non-surgical factors that may proceed to a poor symptomatic outcome after antireflux surgery. These factors include underlying esophageal pathophysiology, issues related to chronic pain and pain perception, personality and psychoemotional disorders, functional esophageal and/or bowel disorders, and the nocebo phenomenon. Awareness of these other causes can lead to more appropriate treatments.

Prosthetic closure of the esophageal hiatus in large hiatal hernia repair and laparoscopic antireflux surgery

Laparoscopy has become the standard surgical approach to both surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease and large/paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair with excellent long-term results and high patient satisfaction. However, several studies have shown that laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair is associated with high recurrence rates. Therefore, some authors recommend the use of prosthetic meshes for either laparoscopic large hiatal hernia repair or laparoscopic antireflux surgery. The aim of this article was to review available studies regarding the evolution, different techniques, results, and future perspectives concerning the use of prosthetic materials for closure of the esophageal hiatus. A search of electronic databases, including Medline and Embase, was performed to identify available articles regarding prosthetic hiatal closure for large hiatal or paraesophageal hernia repair and/or laparoscopic antireflux surgery. Techniques and results as well as recurrence rates and complications related to the use of prosthetics for hiatal closure were reviewed and compared. Additionally, recent experiences and recommendations of experienced experts in this field were collected. The results of 42 studies were analyzed in this review. Some techniques of mesh hiatal closure were evaluated; however, most authors prefer posterior mesh cruroplasty. The type and shape of hiatal meshes vary from small angular meshes to A-shaped, V-shaped, or complete circular meshes. The most frequently utilized materials are polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, or dual meshes. All studies show a low rate of postoperative hernia recurrence, with no mortality and low morbidity. In particular, comparative studies including two prospective randomized trials comparing simple sutured hiatal closure to prosthetic hiatal closure show a significantly lower rate of postoperative hiatal hernia recurrence and/or intrathoracic wrap migration in patients who underwent prosthetic hiatal closure. Laparoscopic large hiatal/paraesophageal hernia repair with prosthetic meshes as well as laparoscopic antireflux surgery with prosthetic hiatal closure are safe and effective procedures to prevent hiatal hernia recurrence and/or postoperative intrathoracic wrap migration, with low complication rates. The type of mesh, particularly the size and shape, is still controversial and is a matter for future research in this field.

Long-term outcome of antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease

To investigate the long-term outcomes of various antireflux procedures for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Between November 1988 and January 2004, 129 patients with GERD underwent antireflux procedures. Six kinds of antireflux procedures were performed including Nissen fundoplication, cardiac oblique invagination (COI) procedure, Belsey Mark IV, Toupet, Thal and Dor procedures. One hundred and sixteen patients were followed up. Esophageal manometry study was carried out in 95 patients preoperatively and 51 postoperatively. 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring were carried out in 56 patients preoperatively and 35 postoperatively. Esophagoscopy were performed in all patients before operation and 48 cases after operation. Clinical symptom scores reduced significantly from 4.1 +/- 0.4 before surgery to 1.1 +/- 1.0 after surgery (t = 27.21, P < 0.01). The outcome of surgery showed excellent in 42 cases (36.2%), good in 60 (51.7%), fair in 7 (6.0%), poor in 7 (6.0%). The long-term follow-up showed excellent or good results in 87.9% of patients. There was no significant difference in Nissen fundoplication, COI procedure and Belsey Mark IV. There are significant differences in symptom score, esophageal manometry, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring and esophagoscopy pre- and post-operatively. There is no significant difference in Nissen fundoplication, COI procedure and Belsey Mark IV.

Rates of Endoscopy and Endoscopic Findings among People with Frequent Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux in the Community

Epidemiological studies have confirmed that gastroesophageal symptoms are highly prevalent. However, studies linking epidemiology with clinical or chart data are scarce. We aimed to determine the frequency of endoscopy and endoscopic findings, as well as predictors of health-care utilization, among people with reflux symptoms in the community. A previous survey of 2,118 Olmsted County, MN, residents in 1993 identified 242 subjects with frequent reflux symptoms (at least weekly) who received care at a medical center in the county. Data were abstracted from Mayo Clinic records between 1988 and 1998. Overall, 130 of the 242 (54%, 95% CI 47-60%) had sought care for reflux. Twenty-five patients (10%) had visited a gastroenterologist; 47 (19%) had an upper endoscopy (EGD), 64 (26%) had an upper GI X-ray, and one had an ambulatory 24-h esophageal pH study. Long segment Barrett's esophagus was detected in 4 (9%) of those having an EGD and adenocarcinoma was found in one patient with Barrett's. Three patients had surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Thirteen patients (5%) died, but no deaths were due to esophageal reflux or adenocarcinoma. Age, higher education, frequent heartburn, and dysphagia were all significant, independent predictors of consulting. Although many people in the community have frequent reflux symptoms, few have investigations, and deaths were unrelated to reflux disease or its complications. Data from referral clinic or endoscopy series should not be extrapolated to the large numbers of people in the community with symptoms of reflux.

Progress in the surgery of gastroesophageal reflux disease

胃食管反流病包括食管裂孔疝、反流性食管炎、Barrett食管以及作为胃食管反流病后期严重并发症的消化性食管狭窄和短食管.在西方国家,胃食管反流病是一种常见病[1],其不仅给患者造成严重的痛苦,而且被认为是形成食管腺癌的主要危险因素[2], 因而对胃食管反流病的研究目前成为西方国家上消化道疾病研究的一个重点. 在我国有大量的胃食管反流病患者,其发病率也呈逐年增加的趋势.但是与西方国家的同行相比,我国许多医师,包括胸外科医师,对胃食管反流病的认识还远远不够,尤其是外科手术在胃食管反流病治疗中的地位和作用还没有给予足够的重视。

Surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a comparative study between the open and laparoscopic approaches

Given the demonstrated effectiveness of medical treatment together with the eminent acceptance of the laparoscopic approach, the indications of surgery in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are currently subject to continuous controversy. To participate in this debate, we have the following work hypothesis: "The results of the 360 masculine short and floppy laparoscopic fundoplication are superior to those of open surgery". CLINICAL DESIGN: Prospective, clinical, non-randomized study. Our work was developed between November 1991 and December 1998 by means of a prospective, non-randomized clinical rehearsal with two groups of patients: Group I (n = 75): 360 degree short and floppy laparoscopic fundoplication in Hospital Dr. Peset, Valencia (Spain). Group II (n = 28): 360 degree short and floppy, open fundoplication in Hospital General, Valencia (Spain). We evaluated the preoperative parameters and found no differences, which allows us to know that both groups were comparable. The analysis of peroperative results (morbidity and surgical time) and of clinical follow-up (every three months and later annually) and instrumental follow-up (TEGD, upper digestive endoscopy, pHmetry and manometry) show no differences, while the postoperative analysis shows statistically significant (s.s.) differences regarding recovery (pain, oral intake, hospital stay and return to previous activities). The results of the 360 degree short and floppy laparoscopic fundoplication are similar to those of the open approach, but favor the former approach with a better postoperative tolerance.

Delivery of radiofrequency energy to the lower esophageal sphincter improves symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux

The Stretta procedure has been proposed as a novel therapeutic alternative to antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Early reports indicated improvement in GERD symptoms overall, but improvement in patients who have poor outcome after surgery remains unclear. Patients with reflux who did not have a hiatal hernia were offered the procedure. All were administered a GERD Health Related Quality of Life survey at preprocedure and at greater than 3 months postprocedure. Differences in pre- and postprocedure responses were deemed significant with the use of the Wilcoxon rank sum test with P <.05. Fifty patients underwent the Stretta procedure. There were no complications. All were evaluated postprocedure, with 74% completing a postprocedure survey. Overall heartburn score improved from 3.19 (scale, 0-5) preprocedure to 1.74 postprocedure (P=.0012). Overall symptoms satisfaction score improved from 3.92 to 1.63 (P=.0001). Symptoms satisfaction score of patients who failed antireflux surgery improved from 3.5 to 1.75 (P=.0166), and, in those with a body mass index >30, it improved from 4.11 to 1.56 (P=.0024). Four patients went on to have antireflux surgery after having the Stretta procedure. Stretta improves heartburn symptoms both overall and in patients with poor outcome after antireflux surgery, with a low procedural risk. It may have a role in the treatment of patients with primary reflux and in those who have failed antireflux surgery or who are a high risk for surgery.

The surgical treatment of the intrathoracic migration of the gastro-oesophageal junction and of short oesophagus in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

In the rush to implement laparoscopic surgery for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), the necessity to treat a short oesophagus with dedicated techniques was not always adequately considered. The aim of this study was to define the frequency, patterns and surgical treatment of the intrathoracic migration of the g-o junction and short oesophagus in GORD. Between 1980 and 2003 our group indicated surgery only for severe and complicated GORD and for drawbacks of medical therapy. Preoperatively patients underwent clinical-instrumental work up. The various degrees of the intrathoracic migration of the g-o junction were classified according to the barium swallow. A total of 319 patients operated upon were grouped according to the periods 1980-1991 and 1992-2003 with 149 and 170 patients, respectively. In the first period only 'open' procedures were performed; the Collis gastroplasty in addition to the antireflux procedure was performed when reduction of the g-o junction in the abdomen required excessive tension. In the second period mini-invasive techniques were progressively introduced. During laparoscopy, the relationship between the g-o junction and the hiatus, and the need to elongate the oesophagus, was assessed by intraoperative oesophagoscopy. The Collis gastroplasty was performed in 29% in the first period and in 23% in the second period. Radiology was a strong predictor of the necessity to elongate the oesophagus. In the second period, global long-term results improved with respect to the first period; P = 0.047 (first period satisfactory 82%, poor 18%, median FU 84, 12-252 months; second period satisfactory 93%, poor 7%, median FU 34, 6-126 months). In the second period, Collis-Nissen and Collis-Belsey procedures had satisfactory results in 80% and poor in 20%. In surgery for severe GORD, the Collis procedure is required in 23% of operations; radiology helps to plan surgery; intraoperative endoscopy avoids unnecessary oesophageal lengthening.

Total fundoplication is superior to partial fundoplication even when esophageal peristalsis is weak.

About a decade ago, partial (240 degrees) fundoplication became popular for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease in cases where the patient's primary esophageal peristalsis was weak. A total (360 degrees) fundoplication was reserved for patients with normal peristalsis (tailored approach). The theory was that partial fundoplication was an adequate antireflux measure, and by posing less resistance for the weak esophageal peristalsis to overcome, it would give rise to less dysphagia. Short-term results seemed to confirm these ideas. This study reports the longterm followup of patients in whom a tailored approach (type of wrap chosen to match esophageal peristalsis) was used, and the results of a nonselective approach, using a total fundoplication regardless of the amplitude of esophageal peristalsis. We analyzed clinical and laboratory findings in 357 patients who had an operation for gastroesophageal reflux disease between October 1992 and November 2002. Group 1 was composed of 235 patients in whom a tailored approach was used between October 1992 and December 1999 (141 patients, partial fundoplication and 94 patients, total fundoplication). Group 2 contained 122 patients in whom a nonselective approach was used (total fundoplication regardless of quality of peristalsis). In group 1, heartburn from reflux (ie, pH monitoring test was abnormal) recurred in 19% of patients after partial fundoplication and in 4% after total fundoplication. In group 2, heartburn recurred in 4% of patients after total fundoplication. The incidence of postoperative dysphagia was similar in the two groups. These data show that laparoscopic partial fundoplication was less effective than total fundoplication in curing gastroesophageal reflux disease, and compared with a partial (240 degrees) fundoplication, a total (360 degrees) fundoplication was not followed by more dysphagia, even when esophageal peristalsis was weak.

Multichannel intraluminal impedance combined with manometry improves the evaluation of functional esophageal motility disorders in patients undergoing antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

well as the underlying reflux disease. Results: Since January 2000 402 patients were registered. Data of 361 patients (268 males / 93 females) were complete and analysed. 14 centers participated ( 3 surgical n = 214; 11 gastroenterologic n = 1 ~-9). Refluxsymptoms were present in 56 % of patients daily or weekly, in 25 % they were absent, sex: total (268 / 93); antirefluxoperated (101 / 28); PPl-treated 140/52 age: total (56,5 years (10-89)); antirefiuxoperated (52,7 y. (10-85)); PPI-treated (59,1 y. (19-89)) Duration history: total (10,8 years (0-50)); antirefluxoperated (11,2 y. (1-50)); PPl-treated (10,4 y. (0-45)); Barrett known: since total 235 days (14351); antirefluxoperated since 382 d. (1-4351); PPI-treated since 139 d. (2-857). 28 patients were initially documented vath dysplasia (19 LGD; 4 HGD; 5 indefinite) 3 HGD, 4 LGD und 4 indefinite patients showed at the next follow-up histology no dysplasia any more. From all patients only one was found to have a progressmn from IM to LGD in a total of 1187 documented patient-years. Conclusion: A central registration of data on the natural and posttherapeutic course of patients with Barrett-esophagns allows for a valid risk calculation of cancer progression in a given popuiation. The current analysis shows for PPi treatment as well for antireflux-surgery a low rate of progression.

National trends in utilization and outcomes of antireflux surgery.

Studies examining the outcomes of surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have consisted primarily of case series. We sought to assess trends in both utilization and outcomes of antireflux surgery from a national perspective. Using ICD-9 codes, we identified all antireflux procedures (N = 24,208) performed on adults from 1990 to 1997 in hospitals participating in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest all-payer inpatient care database in the United States. Using sampling weights and U.S. Census data, we then calculated the national population-based rate of antireflux surgery for each year and examined secular trends in utilization, in-hospital mortality, splenectomy (a technical complication), and length of hospital stay. Using a coding algorithm, we also assessed trends in the proportion of procedures performed via the laparoscopic, open abdominal, and thoracic approaches. From 1990 to 1997, the population-based annual rate of antireflux surgery increased from 4.4 to 12.0 per 100,000 adults. A substantial increase in utilization was observed from 1993 to 1995, but annual rates before and after this period were relatively stable. Between 1990 and 1997, in-hospital surgical mortality decreased from 1.2% to 0.5% (p = 0.002), splenectomy rates decreased from 3.9% to 1.5% (p <0.001), and median length of stay decreased from 7 to 2 days (p <0.01). The proportion of antireflux procedures performed laparoscopically increased from 0.5% to 64% (p <0.001), and the proportion of procedures performed using a thoracic approach decreased from 12% to 1% (p <0.001). With the dissemination of the laparoscopic approach, the population-based rate of antireflux surgery has more than doubled. At the same time, operative mortality and splenectomy risks have diminished.

Trends in surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease: The effect of laparoscopic surgery on utilization

Background. In addition to substituting for open surgery, minimally invasive surgery may lower thresholds for intervention and thus increase overall utilization rates. The degree to which laparoscopy may have lowered the threshold for elective anti-reflux surgery is unknown. Methods. Using the Uniform Hospital Discharge Dataset and ICD-9 procedure and diagnosis codes, we identified all laparoscopic and open anti-reflux procedures performed on adults in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont for each year from 1993 to 1998. We then examined secular trends and regional variation in the use of laparoscopic and open anti-reflux surgery. Results. The population-based rate of anti-reflux surgery more than doubled between 1993 (4.8 per 100,000) and 1998 (11.7 per 100,000). Laparoscopic anti-reflux procedures increased more than 6-fold between 1993 and 1998, from 1.2 to 8.9 procedures per 100,000 adults, with accompanying declines in overall length of stay and mortality. However, the number of open anti-reflux procedures decreased only modestly (22%) over this time period. In the year hospitals performed their first laparoscopic anti-reflux operation, procedure rates nearly tripled, on average, and then increased slowly in subsequent years. In 1997 and 1998, rates of anti-reflux surgery varied nearly 5-fold across hospital referral regions, ranging from 5.4 to 24.5 per 100,000. Conclusions. With the growth of minimally invasive surgery, rates of anti-reflux surgery have increased substantially, with wide regional variation in intervention rates. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate threshold for surgical treatment in patients with gastroesophageal reflux. (Surgery 2003;133:147-53.)

Antireflux surgery in the laparoscopic era.

The recent development of laparoscopic techniques for fundoplication has created renewed interest in surgery for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, leading to reports of large clinical series from many centres. However, controversy remains about technical aspects of laparoscopic antireflux surgery, with no consensus yet reached about a standard operative technique. It is important, therefore, to reassess critically the results of laparoscopic surgery for reflux disease, so that its current status can be determined. Published outcome studies for laparoscopic antireflux surgery, as well as selected studies from the era of open antireflux surgery, were reviewed to assess outcomes. The results of case series for laparoscopic antireflux surgery with short- and medium-term follow-up, as well as the early results of randomized trials, confirm that this approach reduces the early overall morbidity of surgery for reflux disease. However, certain complications may be more common, for instance paraoesophageal hiatus herniation, pneumothorax and oesophageal perforation, requiring surgeons to use specific strategies which can help to avoid these problems. Published studies and trials do not support the routine or selective application of a posterior partial fundoplication technique or routine division of the short gastric vessels during Nissen fundoplication. At present, a short loose Nissen fundoplication performed laparoscopically, with or without division of the short gastric vessels, is an appropriate surgical approach for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. However, long-term outcomes following laparoscopic antireflux surgery will not be available for some years, and must be awaited before the final status of the various laparoscopic techniques can be confirmed.

Determining an appropriate threshold for referral to surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background. Persistent symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be treated with medication or surgery. The purposes of this study were (1) to determine how poor the quality of life on medication would need to be to justify assuming the risks of surgery, and (2) to estimate the proportion of patients currently on medication whose quality of life is below this value. Methods. We developed a Markov decision analysis model to simulate health outcomes (measured in quality adjusted life years [QALY]) over 10 years for medication and surgery in patients with typical GERD symptoms. We included probabilities of events obtained from a systematic literature review. Quality of life adjustments, expressed as utilities, were drawn from a survey of 131 patients 1 to 5 years after antireflux surgery. By using this model, we calculated what quality of life on medications would change the optimal strategy from medication to surgery (threshold). To determine the proportion of patients below this value, we prospectively surveyed 40 medically treated GERD patients at our hospital. Results. Surgery resulted in more QALYs than medical therapy when the utility with medication use was below 0.90. Sensitivity analysis showed this value to be relatively insensitive to reasonable variations in surgical risks (mortality, failures, reoperation) and quality of life after surgery. Among those surveyed on medications, 48% fell below this threshold and would be predicted to benefit from surgery. Conclusion. Our model suggests that surgery would likely benefit a high proportion of medically treated GERD patients. Individual assessment of quality of life with GERD should be considered to aid clinical decision making. (Surgery 2003;133:5-12.)

Gastric surgery

Most significant research relating to gastric surgery in the past year has centered on surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Antireflux surgery has become more popular with advanced laparoscopic technology. Two previously accepted surgical principles have been challenged by current studies: the importance of division of the short gastrics and the dictum that partial fundoplication is preferred for patients at risk for dysphagia. Additionally, risk factors for postoperative dysphagia have been identified, allowing for better patient selection and education. Further study on the cause of GERD has shown a positive correlation between pathologic gastroesophageal reflux and those with hiatal hernia or disordered esophageal peristalsis, although cause or effect has not yet been established. Literature relating to bariatric surgery has confirmed the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and several papers address the appropriateness of prophylactic cholecystectomy in these patients. The role of laparoscopic surgery for treatment of perforated peptic ulcer disease has now been validated, with subsequent eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection. The relationship of H. pylori infection to acutely bleeding ulcers is less clear. Indications for ulcer surgery are predominantly limited now to perforation and bleeding because of the availability of effective acid-reducing medications and recognition of the role of H. pylori infection.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques in Reoperative Surgery for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Infants and Children

Fundoplication is commonly performed in children suffering from complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Recently laparoscopic fundoplication has become a standard of care for GERD in children. Published reports show that 2.3 to 14 per cent of children require reoperation after failed fundoplication. The purpose of this study is to show the feasibility of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques to treat children after failed fundoplication. A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who underwent laparoscopic redo fundoplication at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston from July 1998 to July 2000. The patients' records were reviewed for age, diagnosis, type and time of initial operation, type and time of redo operation, operative time for redo operation, and complications. Seventeen children (age 3 months to 18 years) had operations for failed fundoplication attempted using MIS techniques. Six of these children were referred after their initial operation performed elsewhere. Nine (53%) were neurologically impaired. Ten (59%) have respiratory complications of GERD. The initial procedures were as follows: One open Nissen fundoplication, two open Thal fundoplications, 13 laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications, and one laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication. The reoperative procedures performed were revision of fundoplication and hiatal hernia repair (13) or hiatal hernia repair only (four). Two patients had concurrent gastric emptying procedures. One procedure was converted to open for technical reasons. One patient developed a pelvic abscess secondary to leakage around the gastrostomy tube. One child had erosion into the esophagus of a Dacron patch that was used to close a large hiatal defect. Thirteen patients began feeding by the first postoperative day. We conclude that MIS techniques can be applied to reoperative surgery for the treatment of GERD with an acceptable complication rate in this difficult group of patients. Reoperative patients appear to have the same benefits from MIS as patients undergoing their initial procedure.

Postoperative symptoms and failure after antireflux surgery.

Outcomes in patients having surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease are most commonly determined by symptomatic assessment. Objective testing is usually reserved for symptomatic patients. To evaluate the relationship between symptomatic and objective outcomes after antireflux surgery. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. A tertiary care teaching hospital with a comprehensive esophageal physiology laboratory. A 360 degrees (Nissen) fundoplication or a 270 degrees (Toupet) posterior fundoplication was performed based on esophageal motility. Twenty-four-hour pH monitoring was used as a gold standard for assessing postoperative acid reflux. Two hundred nine consecutive patients with preoperative and postoperative symptomatic and objective testing performed between January 1, 1996, and June 15, 2001. Data on preoperative and postoperative symptoms, DeMeester scores, and esophageal motility were prospectively collected. Objective testing was performed after at least 6 months. The preoperative median DeMeester score was 50.0 (interquartile [IQ] range, 30.3-87.0). One hundred eighty patients had a Nissen and 29 patients had a Toupet fundoplication. After a median postoperative interval of 7.7 months (IQ range, 6.7-9.5 months), 174 patients (83.3%) had normal DeMeester scores (median, 2.2; IQ range, 0.8-5.0; P<.001). Of 58 patients (27.7%) who had reflux symptoms after surgery, only 17 (29.3%) had abnormal DeMeester scores (median, 36.9; IQ range, 748.4-20.0; P =.001). Eighteen (11.9%) of the 151 asymptomatic patients had abnormal DeMeester scores (median, 32.5; IQ range, 22.2-57.5; P =.006). There is poor correlation between postoperative reflux symptoms and actual reflux (abnormal DeMeester scores). Surgeons must be careful to define their terms when reporting success or failure rates after antireflux surgery. Routine use of medical therapy for suppressing postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms is not supported by these data, and postoperative therapy should be based on objective testing only.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease: experience with 668 laparoscopic antireflux procedures.

In the past decade laparoscopic antireflux surgery has become the standard operation for treating severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. Several studies have been published showing that it can achieve good to excellent results at short- and medium-term follow-up. We present our experience with 668 laparoscopic antireflux procedures. Between September 1993 and July 2001 we performed 668 laparoscopic antireflux procedures (76% laparoscopic 360 degrees "floppy" Nissen fundoplications in patients with normal esophageal motility, 24% laparoscopic 270 degrees Toupet partial fundoplications in patients with poor esophageal motility or severely disordered peristalsis). Patients with achalasia were excluded from analysis. Preoperative and postoperative data including 24-h pH monitoring, esophageal manometry, and analysis of failure were prospectively reviewed. Overall complication rate was 7.6%. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in five patients (0.8%). Seventy-four laparoscopic redo procedures were performed due to failed primary intervention. There was no death. At a mean follow-up of 4.8 years (range 3-94 months) 24-h pH monitoring and esophageal manometry showed normal values in 93% of patients. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is feasible and effective and can be performed safely without mortality and low morbidity with good to excellent functional and symptomatic results.