Redo Antireflux Surgery Research Articles

806. MINIMALLY INVASIVE REVISION FUNDOPLICATION, IS IT SAFE AND FEASIBLE? SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Abstract Introduction Laparoscopic fundoplication has become standard of care for patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease, large and symptomatic hiatal hernia. Failure rate for laparoscopic fundoplication was between 2 to 17%. Doing Revisional Antireflux surgery is technically difficult. Our aim is to analyse symptomatic improvement post surgery, safety and durability of procedure in patients who underwent revision fundoplication at our centre Patients and Methods 22 patients underwent Minimally invasive revision fundoplication between January 2019 to January 2022 were taken into study, of them 12 gentlemen and 10 women were noted. Modified DeMeester score was calculated in all patients preoperatively and on 6 months follow up. Results All patients underwent primary surgery laparoscopically. 14 patients (63.6%)had recurrent reflux symptoms and 8 patients (36.3%) had severe dysphagia. Revision fundoplication was done laparoscopically in 20 patients and 2 patients Robotic surgery was done. Intraoperatively 11 patients had wrap migration, 8 patients had tight wrap, 3 patients had twist of wrap. In the re-do anti-reflux surgery (ARS) procedure, floppy Nissen fundoplication was performed in 86.4% of the patients, which amounts to 19 patients., and 3 patient underwent a 270-degree Toupet fundoplication. In 2 patients, additional composite mesh reinforcement was employed. 13.6 % of patients had intraoperative complications, 9.09 % of patients had pleural injury, 4.7 % had intraoperative bleeding, 9.09% of patients had gallstone disease, for which cholecystectomy was done. All patients anterior and posterior vagus identified and preserved. On follow up 80% of patients had resolution of symptoms, 18% needed intermittent PPI. At a median follow up of 18 months, no surgical failure was noted in endoscopy. Conclusion Laparoscopic revision fundoplication is a safe procedure when operated in a high volume centre by an expert surgeon.

Pneumopericardium: A Rare Complication of Antireflux Surgery

Pneumopericardium is a rare clinical entity, occurring in the setting of thoracic trauma, malignancies, or mechanical ventilation. Very few cases report pneumopericardium as a complication of gastrointestinal tract surgery. Signs and symptoms may be frustrating, ranging from asymptomatic to chest pain, sepsis, hemodynamic instability, pericarditis, or even cardiac tamponade. Clinical pathognomonic signs of pneumopericardium include pericardial metallic tinkling friction rub and mill wheel murmur. Diagnostic work-up includes electrocardiogram, chest radiography, and, computed tomography imaging. A gastro pericardial fistula should be considered a rare differential diagnosis for acute chest pain in patients with a history of gastroesophageal surgery. Rapid recognition and treatment avoid life-threatening complications. The successful outcome of gastro pericardial fistula treatment depends on both emergency and definitive surgical management. The survival rate with conservative management is poor. We present the case of a 78-year-old patient suffering from pneumopericardium and pericardial infusion, due to a fibrotic fistula between the Nissen’s valve, occurring 10 years after redo antireflux surgery. Treatment included broad-spectrum antibiotics, and emergency surgery for pericardial drainage, biopsy of the valve’s defect, suture, and omentoplasty.

Robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic redo antireflux surgery in children: A cost-effectiveness study.

Robotic-assisted redo fundoplication has some advantages compared to the laparoscopic approach in adults, although to date there are no studies in children. A retrospective case-control study was performed among consecutive children who underwent redo antireflux surgery between 2004 and 2020, divided into two groups: LAF group (laparoscopic redo-fundoplication) and RAF group (robotic-assisted redo-fundoplication). Demographics, clinical, intraoperative, postoperative and economic data were compared. A total of 24 patients were included (10 LAF group; 14 RAF group) without demographic or clinical differences. The RAF group presented lower intraoperative blood loss (52±19 vs. 145±69mL; p<0.021), shorter surgery time (135±39 vs. 179±68min; p=0.009) and shorter length of hospital stay (median 3days [2-4] vs. 5days [3-7]; p=0.002). The RAF group presented a higher rate of symptom improvement (85.7% vs. 60%; p=0.192) and lower overall associated economic costs (25800$ vs. 45500$; p=0.012). Robotic-assisted redo antireflux surgery may offer several benefits over the laparoscopic approach. Prospective studies are still needed.

Robot-assisted redo antireflux surgery. (A single-center experience)

Robot-assisted redo antireflux surgery. (A single-center experience)

How effective is laparoscopic redo-antireflux surgery?

The failure-rate after primary antireflux surgery ranges from 3 to 30%. Reasons for failures are multifactorial. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the complex reasons for, and management of, failure after antireflux surgery. Patients were selected for redo-surgery after a diagnostic workup consisting of history and physical examination, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, quality-of-life assessment, screening for somatoform disorders, esophageal manometry, 24-hour-pH-impedance monitoring, and selective radiographic studies such as Barium-sandwich for esophageal passage and delayed gastric emptying. Perioperative and follow-up data were compiled between 2004 and 2017. In total, 578 datasets were analyzed. The patient cohort undergoing a first redo-procedure (n = 401) consisted of 36 patients after in-house primary LF and 365 external referrals (mean age: 62.1years [25-87]; mean BMI 26 [20-34]). The majority of patients underwent a repeated total or partial laparoscopic fundoplication. Major reasons for failure were migration and insufficient mobilization during the primary operation. With each increasing number of required redo-operations, the complexity of the redo-procedure itself increased, follow-up quality-of-life decreased (GIQLI: 106; 101; and 100), and complication rate increased (intraoperative: 6,4-10%; postoperative: 4,5-19%/first to third redo). After three redo-operations, resections were frequently necessary (morbidity: 42%). Providing a careful patient selection, primary redo-antireflux procedures have proven to be highly successful. It is often the final chance for a satisfying result may be achieved upon performing a second redo-procedure. A third revision may solve critical problems, such as severe pain and/or inadequate nutritional intake. When resection is required, quality of life cannot be entirely normalized.

P-BN25 Redo-Antireflux surgery long term quality of life retrospective study

Abstract Background Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) can have a significant effect on patients quality of life, especially in sever cases. Laparoscopic Antireflux surgery is the most common approach which offers promising long-term outcomes. However, Failure of antireflux procedures are reported in 5% to 10% of the patients who might require a redo-antireflux surgery (Redo-ARS). This study aims to assess the long-term outcomes of Redo-Antireflux surgeries regarding symptoms control and patient satisfaction. Methods Retrospective study for patients who underwent Redo-ARS with a single consultant in the south of England. Follow up was done using The GORD Health-Related Quality-of-Life (GORD-HRQL) scale and patients reported their scores before and after the redo-surgery. Exclusion criteria included follow up less than one year and failure of contacting the patient. Results All patients who underwent Redo-ARS between 2009-2019 were enlisted and 18 -out of the identified 22- were included in the study. Overall, There was a significant decrease in heartburn severity after the redo operation with a median reported severity of 4.5 preoperatively which decreased to 2 after the operation with a P value of 0.00062. This was observed in assessment of heartburn symptoms severity during sleep, laying flat, standing and after meals which all showed improvement after the operation with P values &amp;lt;0.005. There was no statistically significant improvement of dysphagia, odynophagia or bloating. The median follow up was 5 years. Conclusions Redo laparoscopic antireflux operations are technically challenging, however, significant heartburn symptoms control is feasible. Further evaluation of types of surgeries and patient selection can guide decisions regarding further management and guidelines.

Laparoscopic redo anti-reflux surgery: Case-series of different presentations, varied management and their outcomes

BackgroundA minority of patients undergoing surgery for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) will require revision antireflux surgery (“redo-ARS”) for persistent symptoms or complications. Although a repeat minimally invasive procedure for revision may be technically challenging due to post-operative changes, studies are beginning to show favourable data for the laparoscopic approach. MethodFrom a single institution 41 consecutive cases of laparoscopic redo-ARS performed by the same surgeon were classified by mode of presentation to analyse their intra-operative findings, management and post-operative outcomes. Cases were classified as either early, emergency or late. ResultsThere were 12 early, 4 emergency and 25 late redo-ARS cases. Complete resolution of symptoms, using the criteria of less than weekly symptoms and off all anti-reflux medications, were acquired in 6 (50%), 2 (50%) and 16 (64%) patients within the early, emergency and late groups respectively. Overall morbidity following revision was 7.3% with no mortality. There were no open conversions. ConclusionAlthough fewer patients will achieve complete resolution of symptoms as compared with outcomes following primary ARS, laparoscopic revision of ARS is a safe and effective approach for the revision of anti-reflux surgery in the early, emergency and elective settings.

Primary and Redo Antireflux Surgery: Outcomes and Lessons Learned

IntroductionSome patients require one or more reoperative interventions after undergoing primary antireflux surgery (ARS). We compared outcomes after primary and reoperative ARS. MethodsWe queried a prospectively maintained database to identify patients who underwent ARS from September 23, 2003 to May 28, 2016. Patients were categorized into four groups: A (primary ARS), B (first reoperative ARS), C (second reoperative ARS), or D (≥ third reoperative ARS). Patients completed follow-up foregut symptom surveys and satisfaction questionnaires at regular intervals. ResultsIn total, 940 patients were studied (A: n = 545, B: n = 302, C: n = 80, D: n = 13). Age, sex, and BMI were comparable across groups. Heartburn was the most common preoperative symptom in A, whereas dysphagia was more common in B–D. Open approach, mean operative time, and mean blood loss increased from A to D (P < 0.05), as did need for Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Vagal injury (2–19–33–54%; P < 0.05), visceral perforation (2–20–36–23%; P < 0.05), postoperative leak (0.2–2–6–8%; P < 0.05 A vs. all), and morbidity (2–10–14–39%; P < 0.05) also increased from A to D. At mean follow-up of 36 months, the proportion of patients who reported no significant symptoms, excellent satisfaction, and likeliness to recommend this surgery to a friend progressively declined with each successive reintervention (P < 0.05). ConclusionsComplications and patient-reported outcomes worsen with each reoperative ARS.

Redo Antireflux Surgery after Failed Fundoplication

Redo antireflux surgery is an advanced surgical procedure which encompasses the following usual steps: takedown of the previous fundoplication, repair of the hiatal defect followed by the actual antireflux procedure. The aim of our extensive review of current relevant literature is to discuss the indications, techniques, complications and limitations of this surgery. In reoperations, a great percentage of surgeons favor the short floppy Nissen, although partial plications or gastrojejunostomies are also practiced. A shortened esophagus is usually one of several causes for reflux reoccurrence, and requires either an extended periesophageal dissection or a Collis gastroplasty. The surface of the hiatal defect, rather than its diameter, is the most important indication for repair. Many repair variants have been introduced and tested, showing that antireflux surgery is still awaiting ideal prosthetic material, whereas details regarding tailoring, placement and suturing of current meshes are subjects of debate. The most frequent complication is gastric perforation; others include pulmonary or cardiac failure, infections, and acute pancreatitis. Mortality approaches 1% with a procedure success rate of 80%. Thus, due to its complexity and challenges, redo antireflux surgery should be performed by an experienced team in a tertiary center to increase its success rate.

Outcomes of redo surgery for failed laparoscopic fundoplication

The number of operations for laparoscopic antireflux surgery in Japan is much less than that in Western countries. This study’s aim was to evaluate outcome measures for redo antireflux surgery (redo-ARS) in Japanese patients. Subjects consisted of 11 patients (2.3 %) who required redo-ARS, from an original group of 474 patients who had a primary ARS between December 1994 and January 2015. The mean age of the subjects was 57.7 years, and six of 11 patients were women (55 %). Clinical data were collected in a prospective manner, and were then reviewed retrospectively. The most common cause of failed primary ARS was dislocation of the wrap (6/11 or 54 %). Of the 11 patients, 10 (91 %) were approached laparoscopically, with one requiring conversion to open surgery. Eight (73 %) underwent redo fundoplication, and the others had hiatal hernia repair alone. Mean operation time and blood loss were 202 min and 56 mL, respectively. A perioperative gastric wall injury occurred in three patients. The postoperative course was uneventful in majority patients. Three (27 %) were required to take proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and two (18 %) had a recurrence of hiatal hernia. A postoperative questionnaire was answered by seven of 11 (63 %), and these all reported a high level of satisfaction with their surgery. Redo-ARS can be performed safely under laparoscopy. There was no recurrence rate in almost 80 %, and more than 70 % of patients were withdrawn from PPI treatment postoperatively.

Evaluation of conventional laparoscopic versus robot-assisted laparoscopic redo hiatal hernia and antireflux surgery: a cohort study.

Surgery for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia leads to recurrence or persisting dysphagia in a minority of patients. Redo antireflux surgery in GERD and hiatal hernia is known for higher morbidity and mortality. This study aims to evaluate conventional versus robot-assisted laparoscopic redo antireflux surgery, with the objective to detect possible advantages for the robot-assisted approach. A single institute cohort of 75 patients who underwent either conventional laparoscopic or robot-assisted laparoscopic redo surgery for recurrent GERD or severe dysphagia between 2008 and 2013 were included in the study. Baseline characteristics, symptoms, medical history, procedural data, hospital stay, complications and outcome were prospectively gathered. The main indications for redo surgery were dysphagia, pyrosis or a combination of both in combination with a proven anatomic abnormality. The mean time to redo surgery was 1.9 and 2.0 years after primary surgery for the conventional and robot-assisted groups, respectively. The number of conversions was lower in the robot-assisted group compared to conventional laparoscopy (1/45 vs. 5/30, p = 0.035) despite a higher proportion of patients with previous surgery by laparotomy (9/45 vs. 1/30, p = 0.038). Median hospital stay was reduced by 1 day (3 vs. 4, p = 0.042). There were no differences in mortality, complications or outcome. Robotic support, when available, can be regarded beneficial in redo surgery for GERD and hiatal hernia. Results of this observational study suggest technical feasibility for minimal-invasive robot-assisted redo surgery after open primary antireflux surgery, a reduced number of conversions and shorter hospital stay.

Reoperation rates after laparoscopic fundoplication

Current literature on redo antireflux surgery has limitations due to small sample size or single center experiences. This study aims to evaluate the reoperation rate of laparoscopic fundoplication in a large population database. A longitudinal version of the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database from 1995 to 2010 was used. Inclusion criteria were patients who received a laparoscopic fundoplication for uncomplicated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or hiatal hernia. Patients were excluded if they had complications of GERD, esophageal or gastric cancer, prior esophageal or gastric surgery, vagotomy, esophageal dysmotility, and diaphragmatic hernia with gangrene or obstruction. The outcome was reoperation, specified as another fundoplication or reversal. Analysis was carried out via a Kaplan-Meier plot, hazard curve, and multivariate analysis adjusting for age, race, gender, comorbidities, insurance status, hospital teaching status, and year of procedure. 13,050 patients were included in the study. The 5 and 10-year cumulative reoperation rates were 5.2 % (95 % CI 4.8-5.7%) and 6.9 % (95 % CI 6.1-7.9%), respectively. Of these reoperations, 30 % were performed at a different hospital from that of the initial fundoplication. Reoperation rate was highest at 1 year post-operatively (1.7 % per year), and steadily declined until 4 years post-operatively, after which it remained at approximately 0.5 % per year. Multivariate analysis demonstrated significantly higher rates of reoperation among younger patients (HR = 3.56 for <30yo; HR = 1.89 for 30-50yo; HR = 1.65 for 50-65yo) and female patients (HR = 1.35). Nearly one third of reoperations after failed laparoscopic fundoplication occur at a hospital different from the initial operation, which raises concern that existing literature does not reflect the true reoperation rate. The reoperation rate is highest in the first year postoperatively. The reasons for the higher rate of reoperation in females and younger patients remain unclear and warrant further study.

Efficacy and Feasibility of Laparoscopic Redo Fundoplication

Nearly 15% of patients who undergo anti-reflux surgery report recurrent symptoms on long-term follow-up and may be candidates for redo anti-reflux surgery (redo-ARS). In the last 10years, several studies have evaluated the feasibility and short-term results of redo-ARS. The purpose of the present study was to critically review our experience with 102 redo fundoplications with short- to medium-term follow-up and special emphasis on subjective outcomes for redo-ARS. A retrospective chart analysis was done on consecutive 102 redo fundoplications performed between December 2003 and March 2008. The patients were divided into two groups, the open group (group A) and the laparoscopic (group B). Subjective symptom analysis was performed on an annual basis using a standard questionnaire. There was no significant difference in mean age, body mass index (BMI), or time since first surgery between the two groups. Significant differences were noted between operative time, estimated blood loss, and median hospital stay between the two groups. A total of 16 patients were found to have short esophagus and underwent Collis gastroplasty. Complications included 11 hollow viscus injuries seen in group A and 13 such injuries in group B. There was significant improvement in all symptom scores in the two groups, along with a significant decrease in the use of acid suppression therapy. In the open group 58% of patients rated their satisfaction as excellent compared to 90% in the laparoscopic group. This study clearly establishes the safety and efficacy of redo laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery with excellent outcomes after short- to medium-term follow-up.

Reoperative Antireflux Surgery for Failed Fundoplication: An Analysis of Outcomes in 275 Patients

With an increase in the performance of laparoscopic antireflux procedures, more patients with a failed primary antireflux operation are being referred to thoracic surgeons for complex redo procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate our results of redo antireflux surgery. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent redo surgery for failed fundoplication. The primary endpoint was failure of the redo operation; other endpoints included gastroesophageal reflux disease-health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after redo fundoplication. A total of 275 patients (median age, 52 years; range, 17 to 88 years; men 82, women 193) underwent redo antireflux surgery. The most common pattern of failure of the initial operation was transmediastinal migration-recurrent hernia in 177 patients (64%). Redo surgery included Nissen fundoplication in 200 (73%), Collis gastroplasty in 119 (43%), and partial fundoplication in 41 (15%). There was no perioperative mortality. At a median follow-up of 39.6 months, 31 patients (11.2%) had a failure of the redo surgery, requiring reoperation. The two-year estimated probability of freedom from failure was 93% (95% confidence interval 89% to 96%). The HRQOL scores, available for 186 patients, were excellent to satisfactory in 85.5%, and poor in 14.5%. Redo antireflux surgery can be performed safely in experienced centers with outcomes that are similar to published open results. Complete takedown and reestablishment of the normal anatomy, recognition of a short esophagus, and proper placement of the wrap are essential components of the procedure. Thoracic surgeons with significant laparoscopic and open esophageal surgical experience can perform minimally invasive, complex redo esophageal antireflux procedures safely with good results.

Reflux esophageal stricture—a review of 30 years' experience in children

Purpose Strictures of the esophagus in children may have multiple etiologies including congenital, inflammatory, infectious, caustic ingestion, and gastroesophageal reflux (peptic stricture [PS]). Current literature lacks good data documenting long-term outcomes in children. This makes it difficult to counsel some patients about realistic treatment expectations. The objective of this study is to evaluate our institutional experience and define the natural history and treatment outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of clinical data obtained from children who underwent dilation for PS was performed. Results Over the past 30 years, 114 children and adolescents received 486 dilations. The most common indications for stricture dilation were PS (42%) and esophageal atresia (38%). Other lesser indications included congenital, foreign body, corrosive, cancer, radiation, allergic, and infectious. This review focuses on the 48 children with PS. Of the children with PS, a congenital anomaly was identified in 23 children; and 12 had neurologic impairment. Average age at presentation was 10.2 years (range, 0.5-18.3 years). Most patients had had symptoms for many months before diagnosis. Peptic stricture was most common in the lower esophagus (n = 39). However, middle (n = 8) and upper (n = 1) strictures were occasionally identified. Noncompliance with medical therapy was a challenge in 12% (n = 5) of children. Children with a PS received a median of 3 dilations, but a subset of 5 patients with severe strictures underwent up to 48 dilations (range, 1-48). Repeated dilations were required for a median of 20 months (range, 1-242 months). Among patients receiving esophageal dilation for PS, 94% required an antireflux procedure (19% required a second antireflux surgery). A subgroup of patients (n = 10) was identified who required extended dilations, multiple surgeries, and esophageal resection. This subgroup had a significantly longer period of symptomatic disease and increased risk of esophageal resection compared with those patients requiring fewer dilations. Surgical resection of the esophageal stricture was ultimately required in 3 children with PS after failure of more conservative measures. Conclusion Children and adolescents presenting with reflux esophageal stricture (PS) frequently require antireflux surgery, redo antireflux surgery, and multiple dilations for recurrent symptoms. We hope that these data will be of use to the clinician attempting to counsel patients and parents about treatment expectations in this challenging patient population.

Reoperative antireflux surgery for dysphagia

Troublesome dysphagia is a common indication for redo antireflux surgery (Re-ARS). This study is aimed to analyze the efficacy of Re-ARS in resolving dysphagia and to identify risk factors for persistent or new-onset dysphagia after Re-ARS. A prospectively maintained database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients after Re-ARS. Dysphagia severity was graded on a scale of 0 to 3 before and after Re-ARS based on responses to a standardized questionnaire. Patients reporting grade 2 or 3 symptoms were considered to have significant dysphagia. Satisfaction was graded using a 10-point analog scale. Between December 2003 and July 2008, 106 patients underwent Re-ARS. Significant preoperative dysphagia was reported by 54 patients, and impaired esophageal motility was noted in 31 patients. Remedial surgery included redo fundoplication (n = 87), Collis gastroplasty with redo fundoplication (n = 16), and takedown of the fundoplication or hiatal closure alone (n = 3). At least 1 year follow-up period (mean 21.8 months) was available for 92 patients. For patients with significant preoperative dysphagia (n = 46), the mean symptom score declined from 2.35 to 0.78 (p < 0.0001). Persistent dysphagia was reported by 13 patients and new-onset dysphagia by 4 patients. No patients reported grade 3 dysphagia after Re-ARS. Dilations were used to treat 11 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified Collis gastroplasty (p = 0.03; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.74) and preoperative dysphagia (p = 0.01; adjusted OR, 6.80) as risk factors for significant postoperative dysphagia. The overall satisfaction score was 8.3, but certain subsets had significantly lower satisfaction scores. These subsets included patients with esophageal dysmotility (7.1; p = 0.04), patients who required Collis gastroplasty (7.0; p = 0.09), and patients with esophageal dysmotility who required Collis gastroplasty (5.0; p < 0.01). Although dysphagia is a common symptom among patients requiring Re-ARS, intervention provides a significant benefit. Patients with preoperative dysphagia, especially those requiring Collis gastroplasty, are at increased risk for persistent dysphagia and decreased satisfaction after Re-ARS.

Minimally Invasive Redo Antireflux Surgery: Lessons Learned

Reoperative antireflux procedures are traditionally approached through an open technique. However, with increasing experience in minimally invasive antireflux procedures, more reoperative procedures are being performed laparoscopically. The success rate for reoperative surgery, either open or laparoscopic, does not equal that of primary antireflux operations. Redo antireflux surgery is a complex operation and a thorough evaluation prior to treatment is essential. There are several options for failed primary antireflux surgery including reconstructive options, such as redo fundoplication and Roux-en Y near esophagojejunostomy. In some cases of anatomic disruption, esophagectomy is required. In this article, we discuss the following: clinical presentation; the evaluation of patients; causes of failure; and choice of operation with a focus on reconstructive options, and technical aspects of minimally invasive redo antireflux surgery. We describe our experience and summarize the lessons learned.

Laparoscopic Revision of Failed Fundoplication and Hiatal Herniorraphy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms of failure after laparoscopic fundoplication and the results of revision laparoscopic fundoplication. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has become the most commonly performed antireflux procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, with success rates from 90 to 95%. Persistent or new symptoms often warrant endoscopic and radiographic studies to find the cause of surgical failure. In experienced hands, reoperative antireflux surgery can be done laparoscopically. We performed a retrospective analysis of all laparoscopic revision of failed fundoplications done by the principle author and the respective fellow within the laparoscopic fellowship from 1992 to 2006. A review was performed on patients who underwent laparoscopic revision of a failed primary laparoscopic fundoplication. Laparoscopic revision of failed fundoplication was performed on 68 patients between 1992 and 2006. The success rate of the laparoscopic redo Nissen fundoplication was 86%. Symptoms prior to the revision procedure included heartburn (69%), dysphagia (8.8%), or both (11.7%). Preoperative evaluation revealed esophagitis in 41%, hiatal hernia with esophagitis in 36%, hiatal hernia without esophagitis in 7.3%, stenosis in 11.74%, and dysmotility in 2.4%. The main laparoscopic revisions included fundoplication alone (41%) or fundoplication with hiatal hernia repair (50%). Four gastric perforations occurred; these were repaired primarily without further incident. An open conversion was performed in 1 patient. Length of stay was 2.5 +/- 1.0 days. Mean follow-up was 22 months (range, 6-42), during which failure of the redo procedure was noted in 9 patients (13.23%). Laparoscopic redo antireflux surgery, performed in a laparoscopic fellowship program, produces excellent results that approach the success rates of primary operations.

Complications and frequency of redo antireflux surgery in Denmark: a nationwide study, 1997–2005

Outcomes after redo fundoplication (RF) in recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are debatable, and they may include lower success rates with higher postoperative morbidity and mortality than outcomes after primary fundoplication (PF). However, data from large, nationwide studies are not available. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to evaluate nationwide Danish data on RF in a nine-year period. Data in the period from 1997 through 2005 were extracted from the National Patient Register. The following information was procured: frequency of RF, rate of conversion to open surgery, rate of complications requiring reoperation, and 30-day mortality. Data for RF were compared to PF. A total of 2589 fundoplications were performed in 2465 patients. Thus, 113 patients underwent a total of 124 RF (RF rate = 5.0%). Most RF (84.7%) were performed at high-volume departments. Patients who underwent RF were converted to open surgery more often (16.1% vs. 6.1% in PF) (P < 0.0001). The median postoperative hospital stay was 3 days after RF and 2 days after PF (P = 0.96). Following RF 1.6% of the patients had complications requiring surgery compared with 1.3% after PF (P = 0.79), and 30-day mortality was 0.81% after RF compared with 0.45% after PF (P = 0.57). This nationwide Danish study showed a low rate of redo fundoplication and a similar morbidity and mortality rate after redo surgery compared with that of primary surgery.

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.