Partial Posterior Fundoplication Research Articles

Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication

This article and video presents our Toupet procedure. It is a modern adaptation of Toupet's original technique. Toupet described his technique of fundoplication in 1963 (Toupet, Mem Aca Chir 89:394, 1963). He had little experience but saw the importance of a partial wrap to avoid postoperative dysphagia. He recommended closure of the hiatus only in case of large hernias and never divided the short gastric vessels. If we talk about a Toupet procedure today, we mean a posterior partial fundoplication. In contrary to his original technique, we have learned that hiatal closure is important to avoid recurrent hernia and that the wrap in most cases can be tailored more nicely if the short gastric vessels are divided. This modern adaptation of the Toupet's operation is a very successful tool to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

A 5-year prospective review of posterior partial fundoplication in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Introduction Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the most common surgical procedure performed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It is however associated with a number of mechanical complications with as many as one in three patients experiencing troublesome dysphagia or gas bloat. Partial fundoplication, either posterior or anterior, has been advocated in an attempt to reduce these problems. Our aim was to prospectively evaluate laparoscopic posterior partial (Toupet) fundoplication as the primary surgical treatment for GORD. Method Outcomes following Toupet fundoplication performed between October 2002 and October 2007 were recorded prospectively. All patients underwent a 270° posterior partial fundoplication with routine crural repair. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Pre-operative investigations included endoscopy, pH studies/manometry and contrast studies. DeMeester acidity scores, percentage reflux time and oesophageal motility were recorded. Pre- and post-operative DeMeester symptom scores (0–9, DSS) and Visick grading were used to assess the outcomes of surgery. Results 101 Patients were studied. Ages ranged from 17 to 69 years. The median pre-operative DSS of 5 fell to a median of 0 post-operatively. Scores decreased following surgery in all cases. 91 (91%) patients were discharged on the 2nd post-operative day or sooner. 5 (4.9%) patients had prolonged dysphagia (>3 months), and 8 (7.9%) had mild prolonged gas bloat. A single patient had a recurrence of reflux at 2 years and required re-do laparoscopic surgery. There were no conversions to open surgery. Conclusions Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication provides excellent relief of GORD symptoms with a low incidence of post-operative mechanical complications. We would recommend it as the operation of choice for GORD.

On: Laparoscopic fundoplication: Nissen versus Toupet two-year outcome of a prospective randomized study of 200 patients regarding preoperative esophageal motility [Surg Endosc 22(1):21–30

Dear sirs, We read with great interest the recent publication entitled ‘‘Laparoscopic fundoplication: Nissen versus Toupet twoyear outcome of a prospective randomized study of 200 patients regarding preoperative esophageal motility’’ [1]. We already published in 2005 an analysis of our patients operated within the so-called tailored approach on 209 patients with a median follow-up of 52 months [2]. We compared those patients without recurrence regarding their long-term symptoms and their functional results and came to the same conclusion as the authors of the above mentioned publication. The laparoscopic partial posterior (Toupet) fundoplication seems to be the better operative procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It has a lower rate of side effects, nota bene less dysphagia and, given the appropriate technique, it restores the antireflux barrier to the same extent as the Nissen fundoplication [2]. Moreover, in our studies [2, 3] we were even able to demonstrate an improvement of former impaired esophageal motility in the Toupet group, while this was not found in the Nissen group. In our study, there was a strong correlation between postoperative dysphagia and impaired postoperative lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation (Spearman correlation; rs = -0.75 at a p value \0.05) and the same was true for bloating (rs = -0.71), inability to belch (rs = -0.82), inability to vomit (rs = -0.86), and epigastric pain (rs = -0.68). In other words, the Nissen fundoplication may lead to an impairment of the LES relaxation often to an extent like in achalasia, while this was not seen after a Toupet fundoplication; so we concluded that an impaired relaxation could be the main cause of this problem. Unlike mentioned in the discussion of Strate et al.’s paper, patients without symptoms but inflammation of the esophagus or those with pathologic acid exposure of the distal esophagus in 24-h pH monitoring should rather be counted as recurrencies, since we know that heartburn symptoms do not correlate with esophagitis in a large number of patients. Whenever neoplastic consequences of GERD are discussed, a recurrent exposition of the esophagus to refluxate will lead GERD potentially to progress into metaplasia and dysplasia [4]. However, the dissection of the distal esophagus during surgery might lead to an altered sensitivity within the esophagus, thus leading to esophagitis without heartburn when reflux recurs. In the discussion of this publication, it is also stated that there were some discrepancies of manometric results in comparison with findings on 24-h pH monitoring [5]. The statement ‘‘...normal LES pressure due to an intact fundic wrap but still suffer from reflux recurrence due to crural disruption...’’ might probably rather be explained by the technique applied in manometry: the mean LES pressure value may be normal, but often a shortened intra-abdominal length diminishes the overall competency of the antireflux valve. This could be expressed by measuring the intra-abdominal vector volume of the LES [6]. This is supported by the fact that the reported mean intra-abdominal length in this paper is rather at the lower end of the norm. Several small details in operative technique, which are not even mentioned [7], could result in a different method H. Wykypiel (&) Department of General and Transplant Surgery, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria e-mail: heinz.wykypiel@uibk.ac.at

Authors' reply: Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic total (Nissen) versus posterior partial (Toupet) fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease based on preoperative oesophageal manometry (Br J Surg 2008; 95: 57–63)

Authors' reply: Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic total (Nissen) <i>versus</i> posterior partial (Toupet) fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease based on preoperative oesophageal manometry (<i>Br J Surg</i> 2008; 95: 57–63)

Very Long-term Objective Evaluation of Heller Myotomy Plus Posterior Partial Fundoplication in Patients With Achalasia of the Cardia

To present the objectively assessed very long-term results of a prospective study of 149 patients with achalasia of the cardia who underwent Heller myotomy and posterior partial fundoplication. Very few studies evaluate objectively the very long-term results to analyze whether the effectiveness of Heller myotomy is maintained with the passing of time. The study group consisted of 149 patients who underwent a Heller myotomy plus a posterior partial fundoplication through a laparotomy. The median follow-up was 6 years (range, 1-27 years). Follow-up period was over 10 years in 53 patients and over 15 in 36. Clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, manometric, and pHmetric evaluations were performed postoperatively. Satisfactory results were higher than 90% up to 5 years. From that time on results gradually decreased to a 75% rate after 15 years (P < 0.001) due to either heartburn or dysphagia. Both the esophageal diameter and the mean resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter decreased postoperatively with no significant changes during follow-up. Esophagitis appeared in 11% of the patients (47% of them being asymptomatic) and 24-hour pH monitoring showed pathologic rates of acid reflux in 14% of patients, 58% of them being asymptomatic. Both esophagitis and pathologic rates of reflux appeared in >40% of the patients late in the follow-up. Results after Heller myotomy plus posterior partial fundoplication deteriorate with time, although we achieved a 75% of satisfactory results after >15 years of follow-up. Our study highlights the importance of life long follow-up and the objective assessment of the results.

Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic total (Nissen) versus posterior partial (Toupet) fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease based on preoperative oesophageal manometry

Laparoscopic fundoplication is an accepted treatment for symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The aim of this study was to clarify whether total (Nissen) or partial (Toupet) fundoplication is preferable, and whether preoperative oesophageal manometry should be used to determine the degree of fundoplication performed. Preoperative oesophageal manometry was used to stratify 127 patients with established gastro-oesophageal reflux disease into effective (75) and ineffective (52) oesophageal motility groups. Patients in each group were randomized to Nissen (64) or Toupet (63) fundoplication. No significant differences between the operative groups were seen in heartburn, regurgitation or other reflux-related symptoms up to 1 year after surgery. Dysphagia of any degree (27 versus 9 per cent; P = 0.018) and chest pain on eating (22 versus 5 per cent; P = 0.018) were more prevalent at 1 year in the Nissen group. There were no differences in postoperative symptoms between the effective and ineffective motility groups. Surgery failed in eight patients on postoperative pH criteria, three in the Nissen group and five in the Toupet group. Any differences in the symptomatic outcome of laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplication appear minimal. There is no reason to tailor the degree of fundoplication to preoperative oesophageal manometry.

Laparoscopic partial posterior (Toupet) fundoplication improves esophageal bolus propagation on scintigraphy

Impaired esophageal clearance is important in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is unknown whether esophageal clearance improves following antireflux surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (NF), laparoscopic partial posterior (Toupet) fundoplication (PPF) or medical therapy on esophageal clearance. This was a prospective nonrandomized crossover study. Sixty patients were evaluated with endoscopy, esophageal manometry, radionuclide scanning of esophageal emptying, and assessment of symptoms prior to surgery or medical therapy and 6 months after treatment. In 20 GERD patients with normal esophageal peristalsis an NF was performed, in 20 patients with impaired esophageal peristalsis a PPF was chosen, and 20 patients received proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. On endoscopy, esophagitis had resolved in all patients after surgery; two patients with medical therapy still had esophagitis. On manometry, a significant improvement of lower esophageal sphincter competence was seen in both surgical groups. LES relaxation was complete after PPF, but incomplete after NF. Esophageal peristalsis did not improve after medical therapy, was significantly improved after PPF, but had worsened after NF. On scintigraphic esophageal emptying for solid meals, there was no improvement after medical therapy but a significant improvement after PPF. A significant deterioration of esophageal emptying was observed after NF. There was a strong correlation between scintigraphic and manometric evaluation of peristalsis preoperatively (r(s) = -0.87, p < 0.05) and postoperatively (r(s) = -0.82, p < 0.05). There was no change in dysphagia after medical therapy and after NF but a significant improvement after PPF. Globus sensation was significantly improved after PPF but did not change after medical therapy or NF. Postprandial bloating and inability to belch were significantly more common after NF than after PPF. Laparoscopic partial posterior (Toupet) fundoplication can restore a preoperatively defective esophageal bolus propagation on scintigraphy with the same antireflux effect as the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, but with lower side-effects.

Health economic evaluation of therapeutic strategies in patients with idiopathic achalasia: results of a randomized trial comparing pneumatic dilatation with laparoscopic cardiomyotomy

We have prospectively collected information concerning the costs incurred during the management of patients allocated to either forceful dilatation or to an immediate laparoscopic operation because of newly diagnosed achalasia. Fifty-one patients with newly diagnosed achalasia were randomized to either pneumatic dilatation to a diameter of 30-40 mm or to a laparoscopic myotomy to which was added a posterior partial fundoplication. Follow-ups were scheduled at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after inclusion. At each follow-up visit a study nurse interviewed the patients regarding symptoms and their quality of life (QoL) and a health economic questionnaire was completed. In the latter questionnaire, patients were asked to report the presence and character of contacts with the healthcare system since the last visit. In the dilatation group six patients (23%), including the patient who was operated on because of perforation, were classified as failures during the first 12 months of follow-up compared to one (4%) in the myotomy group (p = 0.047). Five of those classified as failures in the dilatation group subsequently had a surgical myotomy and the sixth patient was treated with repeated dilatations. The patient classified as failure in the myotomy group was treated with endoscopic dilatation. The initial treatment cost and the total costs were significantly higher for laparoscopic myotomy compared to a pneumatic dilatation-based strategy (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0019, respectively). When the total costs were subdivided into the different resources used, we found that the single largest cost item for pneumatic dilatation was that for hospital stay and that for laparoscopic myotomy was the actual operative treatment (operating room time). The cost-effectiveness analysis, relating to the actual treatment failures, revealed that the cost to avoid one treatment failure (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio) amounted to 9239 euros. The current prospective, controlled clinical trial shows that despite a higher level of clinical efficacy of laparoscopic myotomy to prevent treatment failure in newly diagnosed achalasia, the cost effectiveness of pneumatic dilatation is superior, at least when a reasonable time horizon is applied.

An Anterior or Posterior Approach to Partial Fundoplication? Long‐term Results of a Randomized Trial

Partial fundoplications have been popularized by their lower risk of mechanical side effects. The question then emerges whether a similar partial wrap should be done posterior or anterior to the distal esophagus? We therefore conducted a study to compare the long-term outcome of laparoscopic partial fundoplications constructed either as anterior (AF) or posterior (PF) repairs. Ninety-five patients were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial. After a mean follow up of 65 months, 43 AF and 45 PF patients remained in the study. The levels of reflux control and postfundoplication complaints were assessed by use of validated instruments. A posterior fundoplication was found to provide significantly better control of reflux related symptoms (heartburn p < 0.0001, acid regurgitation p < 0.0001). This was also reflected in a significantly lower number of reoperations and need for antisecretory drug therapy. The earlier postoperative difference in postfundoplication symptoms had disappeared. A laparoscopic posterior partial fundoplication offers a high and durable level of disease control with few side effects. The current anterior type of repair cannot be recommended due to insufficient reflux control.

Open vs laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication

This study compares outcomes following open and laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease concerning perioperative course, postoperative complications, symptomatic relief, recurrent disease, and the need for reinterventional surgery. A prospective randomized trial was performed. Pre- and postoperative testing included endoscopy, esophageal function testing, patient questionnaire, and clinical assessment. Patients were followed for three years. Ninety-three patients were randomized to open and 99 to laparoscopic surgery. Complication rates were higher, and length of stay (LOS) [5 (3-36) vs 3 (1-12) days] and time off work [42 (12-76) vs 28 (0-108) days] was longer in the open group (p < 0.01). Early side effects and recurrences were more common (p < 0.05) in the laparoscopic group. One patient in the open group and 8 patients in the laparoscopic group required surgery for recurrent disease and 7 patients required surgery for incisional hernias after open surgery. Overall, at one and three years, there were no differences in patient-assessed satisfactory outcome (93.5/93.5 vs 88.8/90.8%) or reflux control (p = 0.53) between the open and laparoscopic groups. The finding of fewer general complications, shorter length of stay and recovery, similar need for reoperations, and comparable 3-year outcomes, makes the laparoscopic approach the primary choice when considering surgical options for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Pneumatic Dilatation or Laparoscopic Cardiomyotomy in the Management of Newly Diagnosed Idiopathic Achalasia

The most effective therapeutic strategy in newly diagnosed achalasia is yet to be established. Therefore we designed a study in which pneumatic dilatation was compared to laparoscopic cardiomyotomy to which was added a partial posterior fundoplication. A series of 51 patients (24 males, mean age 44 years) were randomly allocated to the therapeutic modalities (dilatation = 26, surgery = 25). All patients were followed for at least 12 months, and during that period the pneumatic dilatations strategy had significantly more treatment failures (P = 0.04). Only minor differences emerged between the study groups when symptoms, dysphagia scorings, and quality-of-life assessments were evaluated 12 months after initiation of therapy. Laparoscopic myotomy was found to be superior to an endoscopic balloon dilatation strategy in the treatment of achalasia when studied during the first 12 months after treatment.

Laparoskopische Fundoplikationen: Nissen- und partielle posteriore (Toupet) Fundoplikation

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease and can successfully be treated by laparoscopic fundoplication. The Nissen and the partial posterior fundoplication (Toupet) are the most widespread documented techniques. METHODS: Detailed description of the operative techniques and results including review of the literature. RESULTS: The Nissen- and partial posterior fundoplication (Toupet) can cure GERD symptoms and improve quality of life, they can cure esophagitis and are able to prevent carcinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication represents the gold standard in antireflux surgery, although in some publications, it is challenged by the partial posterior fundoplication (Toupet) regarding postoperative side effects.

Management of achalasia with transabdominal esophagocardiomyotomy and partial posterior fundoplication

In this article we present our experience in the management of achalasia. From May 1988 through August 2005, 71 patients with achalasia underwent transabdominal esophagocardiomyotomy and partial posterior fundoplication. Barium swallow, manometry, and 24-h pH studies were performed in all patients preoperatively. Manometry and 24-h pH monitoring were only carried out in 58 patients at the third post-operative week and in 43 patients during follow-up, even though 52 patients were included in the follow-up. There were no operative deaths or complications. All the 71 patients were able to eat semifluid or solid food without dysphagia and heartburn at discharge. Esophageal barium studies showed that the maximum esophageal diameter decreased 2.2 cm and the minimum gastroesophageal junction diameter increased 8.4 mm after operation. Manometry examination in 58 patients revealed that the lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure decreased 15.0 mmHg in the wake of the procedure. Twenty-four hour pH monitoring demonstrated that reflux events were within the normal post-operative range. Fifty-five of the 58 patients had normal DeMeester scores. Among the patients with a mean 90-month follow-up, 49 patients had normal intake of food without reflux, the remaining three had mild dysphagia without requiring treatment. All the patients resumed their preoperative work and social activities. The manometry and 24-h pH studies in the 43 patients showed there were no significant changes between the third post-operative week and during follow-up. Transabdominal esophagocardiomyotomy and posterior partial fundoplication are able to relieve the functional outflow obstruction of the lower esophageal sphincter, obviate the rehealing of the myotomy edge and prevent gastroesophageal reflux in patients who have undergone myotomy alone.

Clinical results of laparoscopic fundoplication at ten years after surgery

Several studies have demonstrated laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LAS) for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to be efficient at short- and midterm follow-up evaluations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results for LAS 10 years after surgery. The 100 consecutive patients who underwent LAS by a single surgeon in 1993 were entered into a prospective database. Nissen fundoplication was performed for 68 patients, and partial posterior fundoplication (modified Toupet procedure) was performed for 32 patients. Evaluations of the outcome were made 5 and 10 years after surgery. A structured symptom questionnaire and upper gastrointestinal barium series were used at 5 years. The same questionnaire and an added quality-of-life questionnaire (the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index [GIQLI]) were used at 10 years. Seven patients died of unrelated causes during the 10-year period. Four patients underwent revision surgery: one patient for persistent dysphagia and three patients for recurrent reflux symptoms. Three patients were lost to any follow-up study. At 5 years, 93% of the patients were free of significant reflux symptoms. At 10 years, 89.5% of the patients still were free of significant reflux (93.3% after Nissen, 81.8% after Toupet). Major side effects (flatulence and abdominal distension) were related to "wind" problems. The GIQLI scores at 10 years were significantly better than the preoperative scores of the patients under medical therapy with proton pump inhibitors. Elimination of GERD symptoms improved quality of life and eliminated the need for daily acid suppression in most patients. These results, apparent 5 years after the operation, still were valid at 10 years.

Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery

Although the long-term results of open fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease are well documented, few reports exist on the long-term results of laparoscopic fundoplication. Retrospective study with clinical evaluation or mailed survey for patients unable to return to the hospital center. Multicenter studies (ie, private medical centers, institutional hospitals, and university hospitals). Between January 1992 and December 1998, 2684 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease underwent laparoscopic fundoplication in 31 hospital centers. Outcome data covering a period of 5 or more years after surgery were available for 1340 patients: 711 who underwent complete fundoplication, 559 who underwent partial posterior fundoplication, and 70 who underwent partial anterior fundoplication. Evaluation of clinical and quality-of-life actions used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The overall residual severe dysphagia rate was 5.1% (n = 68). A further surgical procedure was required for 59 patients (4.4%) for a total of 63 interventions. Subsequent operation was performed laparoscopically in 32 cases (50.8%). Twelve of these procedures were for the repair of a paraesophageal hiatus hernia, 11 were for dysphagia (4 because of a tight esophageal hiatus and 7 for conversion of Nissen fundoplication to a posterior partial fundoplication procedure), 31 were for recurrent reflux (wrap undone), 2 were for intestinal obstruction (adhesiolysis), 1 was for incisional hernia, 1 was for abdominal abscess (drainage), and 1 was for gastroparesis (pyloroplasty). The recurrence rate was 10.1% (n = 136), and 122 patients (9.1%) resumed taking antisecretory medication. Gas bloat syndrome was present in 101 patients (7.5%). A total of 93.1% of the patients were satisfied (Visick classification, grades 1 and 2) and 6.9% were unsatisfied, with no difference among the 3 procedures. After 5 years of experience, laparoscopic fundoplication remains an effective antireflux procedure.

Austrian experiences with redo antireflux surgery

From 1996, the entire number of fundoplications performed in Austria increased dramatically, favoring the laparoscopic technique. Despite good results, some patients experience failure of antireflux surgery and therefore require redo surgery if medical therapy fails to control symptoms. The aim of the study was to describe the refundoplication policy in Austria with evaluation of the postoperative results. A questionnaire was sent to all Austrian surgical departments at the beginning of 2003 with questions about redo fundoplications (number, techniques, intraoperative complications, history, migration of patients, preoperative workup, mortality, and postoperative long-term complaints). It also included questions about primary fundoplications (number, technique, postoperative symptoms). Out of 4,504 primary fundoplications performed in Austria since 1990, 3,952 have been carried out laparoscopically. In a median of 31 months after the primary operation, 225 refundoplications have been performed, laparoscopically in the majority of patients. The Nissen and the partial posterior fundoplication were the preferred techniques. The conversion rate in these was 10.8%, mainly because of adhesions and lacerations of the spleen, the stomach, and the esophagus. The mortality rate after primary fundoplications was 0.04%, whereas the rate after refundoplications was 0.4%, all resulting from an open approach. Laparoscopic refundoplications are widely accepted as a treatment option after failed primary antireflux surgery in Austria. However, the conversion rate is 6 times higher and the mortality rate is 10 times higher than for primary antireflux surgery. Therefore, redo fundoplications should be performed only in departments with large experience.

Manometric characteristics of the gastroesophageal junction after anterior versus posterior partial fundoplication

How best to surgically treat GERD is an unresolved issue. To increase our insights into the fundoplication procedures, functional consequences for the gastroesophageal junction of an anterior or a posterior partial fundoplication were studied by manometry. Patients were randomly selected from a larger study in a randomised comparison between posterior and anterior partial fundoplications. The manometric studies were done 12 months after respective procedures in 24 patients. The motor characteristics of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function were determined by use of sleeve catheter manometry. The manometric characteristics of the esophageal body were similar in the study groups except for the ramp pressure. This was significantly higher in patients with posterior partial fundoplications. The posterior group had significantly longer total length (P < 0.02) as well as longer intra-abdominal portions (P = 0.07) of the LES while the basal tone, albeit numerically higher, did not reach statistical significance. Water-swallow induced LES relaxations reached lower nadir values in the anterior group (1.7 vs 2.7 mmHg). Gas distension triggered few transient LES relaxations in both study groups while common cavities were more frequently observed in those having an anterior partial wrap (P < 0.01). A posterior partial fundoplication is followed by manometric characteristics suggesting a well functioning antireflux barrier with some obstruction to bolus passage as well as restricted venting of air from the stomach. The manometric mechanisms behind the inferior reflux control achieved by a Watson type of anterior partial wrap has now been further elucidated.

Incomplete esophageal myotomy and early recurrence of an epiphrenic diverticulum

The established management of epiphrenic diverticula combines diverticulectomy with myotomy of the distal esophagus including the lower esophageal sphincter. We report a patient with prompt recurrence of an epiphrenic diverticulum after laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy associated with esophagomyotomy and partial posterior fundoplication due to an incomplete myotomy.

Nissen or partial posterior fundoplication: which antireflux procedure has a lower rate of side effects?

In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) it is still controversial as to which type of antireflux procedure-the Nissen or the partial posterior fundoplication-offers the lower rate of side effects in the long term. In this follow-up study the Nissen fundoplication was performed only in GERD patients with normal oesophageal peristalsis. The partial posterior fundoplication was preserved for patients with weak peristalsis. Only patients with effective postoperative control of GERD were included in the study. The study groups consisted of 77 patients who underwent the Nissen fundoplication and 132 patients who underwent partial posterior fundoplication. Clinical assessment of side effects was performed after a median of 52 months following surgery. Manometric assessment of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and of esophageal peristalsis was achieved 6 months after surgery. Side effects such as dysphagia, bloating, inability to belch and vomit, epigastric pain and early satiety were significantly more common after the Nissen fundoplication than after partial posterior fundoplication. Improvement of the antireflux barrier was equal in both groups; however, LES relaxation was incomplete following the Nissen fundoplication but normal after partial posterior fundoplication. Partial posterior fundoplication resulted in improved oesophageal peristalsis, whereas the Nissen fundoplication caused slight impairment of peristalsis. Partial posterior fundoplication is a more physiological antireflux procedure than the Nissen fundoplication, and, therefore, this operation has now become our preferred technique for all GERD patients.

Barrett′s oesophagus: Is there a need for laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery?

Barrett′s oesophagus: Is there a need for laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery?