Tailoring Antireflux Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

A hypothesis has been formulated that mandates the adjustment of antireflux surgery to either a total or a partial wrap depending on the motor function of the esophagus to avoid dysphagia and other obstructive complaints. This hypothesis has been tested in a randomized, clinical trial where 106 chronic gastroesophageal reflux patients were allocated to either a total Nissen-Rossetti (n= 53) or a Toupet partial posterior (n= 53) fundoplication, irrespective of their preoperative esophageal motor function. All patients were followed at least 3 years, during which time none had a relapse of moderate to severe reflux symptoms. Motor dysfunctions defined as peristaltic amplitude ≤ 30 mmHg in the distal third and failed primary peristalsis with or without > 20% simultaneous contractions were noted in 67 patients preoperatively, but these patients did not have a specific symptom profile (e.g., dominated by obstructive symptoms) nor did seven patients with “aperistaltic esophagus.” The incidence of dysphagia decreased from 20% preoperatively to 8% (mild) at 3 years after the operation with no difference between the surgical procedures. We were unable to demonstrate a relation between preoperative manometric findings and postoperative symptoms when assessed in the total group or when subdivided by the type of fundoplication (r < 0.3). Flatulence occurred more frequently among those with a total fundic wrap (p < 0.01). When patients representing motor dysfunction (see above) were specifically analyzed, we again observed no difference in outcome between those having a total or a partial fundic wrap. In conclusion, the concept of tailoring antireflux surgery based on the preoperative motor function of the esophagus in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease was not supported by the results of this clinical trial.     

Laparoscopic repair of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Summary This report describes our preliminary experience with two surgical laparoscopic fundoplication procedures, the Nissen technique and the Toupet operation, in which the fundal wrap is reduced from 360° to 180–200°. Fourteen patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease who were refractory to pharmacologic and medical therapy underwent a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication; in an additional 14 patients, we performed a laparoscopic Toupet partial fundoplication. Our laparoscopic approach to the two procedures does not differ significantly from the traditional open methods and the effectiveness of the laparoscopic fundoplication procedures appears similar to that of the same conventional techniques. Oral feedings can be resumed on the first postoperative day and patients typically are discharged on the second day after surgery. Operative time for performing the Toupet procedure averaged just approximately 1.6 h and was shorter than that for the Nissen fundoplication, due to the use of a stapler to secure the fundal wrap. Confirming earlier observations, the laparoscopic Toupet 180–200° fundoplication was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative digestive complications, such as dysphagia, than was the laparoscopic Nissen operation. The laparoscopic fundoplication approach offers the advantages of clear visualization, adequate dissection and precise repair, along with the benefits associated with endoscopic surgery: diminished postoperative pain and discomfort, reduced hospitalization, and quicker return to normal activities. Our experience indicates that the Toupet fundoplication may be preferable to the Nissen technique for many patients requiring surgical treatment of their reflux disease.     

Influence of wrap length on the effectiveness of Nissen and Toupet fundoplication: a prospective randomized study

Background  Incontinence or hypercontinence of the fundic wrap depends primarily on the length of the valve or the type of procedure. Much less attention has been paid to the fundic wrap length. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two different wrap lengths among the patients undergoing partial or total fundoplication. Methods  For this study, 153 patients were randomized to either Nissen (1.5- or 3-cm wrap) or Toupet (1.5- or 3-cm wrap) laparoscopic fundoplication. The groups were compared according to intensity of dysphagia, esophageal manometry data, ambulatory 24-h pH monitoring data, postoperative esophagitis rate, and overall treatment failure rate. Results  In all the groups, the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter was significantly increased and the DeMeester score significantly decreased, reaching normal levels. At 6 months after surgery, the Toupet 1.5-cm group had significantly more cases of esophagitis than the 3-cm wrap group (24.2% vs 3.3%; p < 0.05). At 12 months after surgery, only one patient in the Nissen 3-cm group had moderate to severe dysphagia. In all cases, failures were associated with persistent erosive esophagitis. At the 12-month follow-up assessment, treatment failures were significantly more common in Toupet 1.5-cm group than in the Toupet 3-cm group (17.5% vs 2.7%; p < 0.05). However, such differences were not observed in the Nissen groups (7.8% for 1.5 cm and 15.6% for 3 cm; p > 0.05). Conclusions  Evaluation of the treatment results suggests that the wrap length is important in partial Toupet fundoplication to avoid treatment failures. The 3-cm wrap is superior to the 1.5-cm wrap in cases of partial posterior Toupet fundoplication. The influence of wrap length on treatment failure remains unconfirmed for the Nissen procedure.     

Impact of complete gastric fundus mobilization on outcome after laparoscopic total fundoplication

With the objective of further optimizing the outcome of antireflux surgery, we have studied the importance of dividing the short gastric vessels when performing a laparoscopic total fundoplication. Ninetynine consecutive patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were enrolled in the trial. Forty-seven patients (25 men, age 52 ±1.6 years [mean ± standard error]) were randomized to undergo a laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti total fundic wrap with intact short gastric vessels, whereas 52 patients (29 men, 48 ±1.4 years) had complete division of these vessels. Quality of life was assessed by means of the psychological general well-being and gastrointestinal symptom rating scale indices. The 6- and 12-month follow-up data are reported. Two patients were converted to open surgery. Mobilization of the fundus significantly prolonged the operative time (120 vs. 104 minutes, P = 0.05); otherwise the complication rates were similar in the two groups. Both procedures were equally effective in controlling gastroesophageal reflux at 6 and 12 months’ postoperatively. Division of the short gastric vessels had no significant impact on the point prevalence of postfundoplication complaints at the given follow-up time points. Quality of life was significantly improved by both operative procedures and remained “normal” throughout the followup period. Dividing all short gastric vessels had no impact on the functional outcome during the first year of recovery after a total laparoscopic fundoplication. Supported by grants from the Swedish Medical Research Council.     

The outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Long term results

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long term efficacy of laparoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). PATIENT AND METHODS: Between 1(st) January 1992 and 31 December 1996, 161 patients underwent complete or partial laparoscopic fundoplication for a symptomatic GERD. One hundred and twenty three patients were submitted to Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication, 26 patients to Nissen fundoplication and 12 patients to a partial posterior Toupet fundoplication.141 patients were evaluated at 3 months, 2-years and 5-years. Since undergoing the operation, four patients died of unrelated causes, 16 patients could not be contacted for follow up (10%). pH monitoring and oesophageal manometry were performed preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. The patients were evaluated 2 and 5-years after surgery by specific phone questionnaire. RESULTS: There was no mortality, the morbidity rate was 1.2% and the conversion rate was 5%. Incidence of dysphagia 3 months after surgery was 23.4%, and 5-years after 12%; 12% of patients had recurrent symptoms at 5 years. CONCLUSION: The overall satisfaction rate at 5 years was 91.4%. Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication seems to have better results at 5-years regarding postoperative dysphagia and symptoms recurrence.     

Laparoscopic toupet fundoplication is an inadequate procedure for patients with severe reflux disease

Recently we have shown that laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication is associated with a high degree of late failure when employed as a primary treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study defines preoperative risk factors that predispose patients to failure. Data from 48 patients with objective follow-up performed as part of a prospective long-term outcomes project (24-hour pH monitoring, manometry, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD] at 6 months, 3 years, and 6 years) was analyzed. Preoperative studies of patients with documented postoperative failure (n = 22), defined as an abnormal 24-hour pH study (DeMeester score >14.9), were compared to preoperative studies of patients with normal 24-hour pH studies (n = 26). Outcomes were assessed at a mean of 22 months (range 18 to 37 months) postoperatively. Of the 22 patients in the failure group, 16 (77%) were symptomatic and the majority (64%) had resumed proton pump inhibitor therapy. Preoperative indices of severe reflux were significantly more prevalent in the failure group including a very low or absent lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure on manometry, biopsy-proved Barrett’s metaplasia, presence of a stricture, grade III or greater esophagitis, and a DeMeester score greater than 50 with ambulatory 24-hour pH testing. Comparison of pre- and postoperative manometric analysis of the LES revealed adequate augmentation of the LES in both groups and there were no wrap disruptions documented by postoperative EGD or manometry, indicating that reflux was most likely occurring through an intact wrap in the failure group. Esophageal dysmotility was present before surgery in four of the nonrefluxing patients and in three of the failures. Intact wraps were noted to have herniated in eight patients, all of whom had postoperative reflux. Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication is associated with a high rate of failure both clinically and by objective testing. Surgery is more likely to fail in patients with severe GERD than in patients with uncomplicated or mild disease. A preoperative DeMeester score greater than 50 was 86% sensitive for predicting failure in our patient population. Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication should not be used as a standard antireflux procedure particularly in patients with severe or complicated reflux disease. Presented at the Thirty-Ninth Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, New Orleans, La., May 17–20, 1999.     

Laparoscopic Total Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. How I Do It

Introduction

A laparoscopic fundoplication is considered today the procedure of choice for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Discussion

Several eponyms are used in the literature to denote different antireflux operations: Nissen, Nissen-Rossetti, Toupet, Lind, Guarner, Hill, and Dor. We feel that it is more important to focus on the technical elements which make a fundoplication effective and long lasting. The type of fundoplication (total vs. partial) is tailored to the quality of esophageal peristalsis as documented by the preoperative manometry. In the USA, a partial fundoplication is chosen only for patients with very impaired or absent esophageal peristalsis.

Conclusion

This article describes the technique of laparoscopic total fundoplication for GERD. Partial fundoplication is performed following the same technical elements as the total fundoplication. A 240° to 270° wrap rather than a 360° wrap is performed.     

Long-term comparative outcome between laparoscopic total Nissen and Toupet fundoplication: Symptomatic relief,patient satisfaction and quality of life

Background Laparoscopic antireflux surgery has become an established method of treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. This study compares the long-term outcome of total (Nissen) and partial (Toupet) fundoplication, performed in a single institution, by evaluating symptoms and quality of life. Methods 266 patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen or Toupet fundoplication completed a preoperative reflux symptom questionnaire. Postsurgery symptom evaluation, patient satisfaction and quality of life in reflux and dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaires were sent to these patients in December 2004. The two groups were compared for each item nonparametrically. Results Completed questionnaires were received from 161 patients (61%) of whom 99 had a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and 62 laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication. Both procedures were equivalent in improving reflux symptom scores in the long term, 79/99 (80%) and 56/62 (90%) were either symptom free or had obtained significant symptomatic relief. Both groups had equivalent QoL scores on the QOLRAD questionnaire. An equivalent number of patients (86% and 83.9% after Nissen and Toupet, respectively) were sufficiently satisfied to recommend antireflux surgery to a friend or relative complaining of reflux symptoms. Conclusion In conclusion, in patients who have returned the questionnaire, long-term satisfaction, general symptom scores, and quality of life are equivalent after laparoscopic Nissen (complete) or Toupet (partial) fundoplication. There is however, a significant increased prevalence of persistent heartburn after laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication.     

Patterns of success and failure with laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication

Background: Advocates of the Toupet partial fundoplication claim that the procedure has a lower rate of the side effects of dysphagia and gas bloat than a complete Nissen fundoplication. However, there is increasing recognition that reflux control is not always as good with the Toupet procedure as with the Nissen. Therefore, we set out to evaluate the factors contributing to success and failure in patients who underwent laparoscopic modified Toupet fundoplication (LTF). Methods: A total of 143 patients undergoing LTF for documented gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were evaluated prospectively in regard to their outcomes over a 4-year period. All patients had preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and manometry; 24-h pH testing was used selectively. Esophageal manometry was requested of all patients 6 weeks postoperatively. Clinical follow-up was by office visit or questionnaire every 6 months after surgery; patients with significant problems were investigated further. Failure was defined as the development of recurrent reflux documented by endoscopy, 24-h pH test, or wrap disruption on barium swallow, or severe dysphagia persisting >3 months and requiring surgical revision. Results: At a mean follow-up of 30 months (range, 3–51), 21 of 143 patients failed LTF; two had dysphagia and 19 had recurrent reflux. Failure was associated with preoperative findings of a defective lower esophageal sphincter (LES) (14/21), complicated esophagitis (13/21), and failure to divide short gastric vessels (12/19) (chi-square p < 0.05). Defective esophageal body peristalsis, present in 14 patients, resulted in failure in six cases. Presence of either complicated esophagitis or a defective LES was associated with a 3-year 50% success rate, whereas presence of mild esophagitis and a normal LES was reflected in a 96% 3-year success rate. Conclusion: Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication should be reserved for milder cases of GERD, as assessed by manometry and endoscopy. Received: 29 June 1998/Accepted: 2 July 1999     

Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: retrospective study of functional results in 243 patients

STUDY AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the 38 month-results of laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred forty three consecutive patients were operated laparoscopically. The surgical procedures were complete fundoplication with division of short vessels (Nissen: 80 patients), without division of short vessels (Nissen-Rossetti: 68 patients) or partial fundoplication of 270 degrees (Toupet: 95 patients). The mean follow-up was 38 months. Functional results were evaluated in 225 patients (92.5%) using a questionnaire with visual analog scales. RESULTS: The morbidity rate was 5%, higher after Nissen procedure (6.5%). With a follow-up of 3 months: a dysphagia coted 5/10, a gas bloat syndrome coted 4/10 and colon distension present in 61% of patients, were significantly more frequent after Nissen procedure. GERD recurred early in 4.5% of patients. With a follow-up of 38 months: dysphagia rate (coted 1/10) was significantly higher after Nissen. Dysphagia still persisted in 8 patients (9%) after Nissen. Colon distension and flatulence were more present after Nissen fundoplication. GERD recurrence rate was 12%. Pyrosis was significantly higher after Toupet fundoplication. Continuous medical treatment was necessary in 19 patients (8%). The satisfaction of patients was coted 7.5/10 without difference between to the three types of fundoplication. CONCLUSION: The total laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD seems to be a safe and efficient operation. This procedure proves to be more effective than partial fundoplicature but with a grater morbidity. Whatever the type of fundoplicature, the satisfaction of patients was good.     

Résultats fonctionnels du traitement laparoscopique du reflux gastro-œsophagien (recul supérieur à 2 ans)

Study aimThe aim of this study was to evaluate functional results in 70 patients operated on for gastroesophageal reflux disease with a follow-up > 2 years, by means of a questionnaire sent to them.Patients and methodsFunctional results were evaluated in the 60 patients who answered the questionnaire. The fundoplication (Nissen = 27, Nissen-Rosseti = 21, Toupet (n = 12) was laparoscopically performed with a mean follow-up of 3.4 years (range: 2–6.6 years). A circular wrap (either Nissen or Nissen-Rossetti) had been systematically performed except in patients who had an esophageal motility disorder, who had a partial wrap according to Toupet.ResultsThree patients experienced recurrent symptoms of reflux (failure rate: 5%). Thirteen patients had mild dysphagia, requiring modification of the oral intake in two cases. No patient required dilatation. Fifty patients complained of postoperative side effects: flatulence (n = 40), meteorism (n = 24), abdominal pain (n = 16), diarrhea (n = 12), impossibility either to vomit (n = 16) or to belch (n = 20). Ten patients were symptom free and had neither symptoms of reflux nor side effects. Despite undesirable side effects, 46 patients (78%) were very satisfied with the operation, six (10%) were satisfied and five (8%) were disappointed.ConclusionRecurrent symptoms of reflux were rarely observed (5%) but postoperative side effects were frequent (67%). Side effects when present provide less discomfort than reflux itself. Patients must be aware of it prior to surgery. These results should be confirmed by further assessments.     

Late Complications after Antireflux Procedures Using Intraoperative Continuous Computer-Video Manometry Monitoring

Background: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common non-malignant gastrointestinal disease. The introduction of minimally invasive surgical techniques and the high costs of pharmacotherapy increased the number of patients subjected to surgical antireflux treatment. Furthermore, the use of advanced technique of mano-metry-including intraoperative video-assisted continuous pressure monitoring-made possible complicated but objective analysis of the pressure profile in the newly created area of gastroesophageal junction.

Material and method : The current study was conducted in 159 patients. A group consisted of 93 men and 66 women, mean age of 38 years (range 18–72), subjected to antireflux surgery with continuous intraoperative video-assisted manometry of pressure in the newly created gastroesophageal junction (fundoplication wrap). Surgical procedure was individually tailored in each case depending on the motility parameters and GERd etiology. Eighty seven patients (55%) underwent 360° Nissen fundoplication, 17 “floppy” Nissen procedure (11%), 22 Dor hemifundoplication (14%), and 33 Toupet hemifundoplication (21%).

Results : Out of the 159 patients subjected to antireflux procedures only 8 (5.0%) developed dysphagia, and 12 (7.5%) recurrent reflux disease. Recurrent reflux symptoms were most frequently caused by the dislocation of the fundoplication wrap. Dysphagia occurred in patients with too tight fundoplication wrap or because of its dislocation with subsequent rotation and angulation that impaired food passage. In some patients objective causes of dysphagia have not been found. In these patients no abnormalities were detected by the postoperative visualising examinations, and mean pressure in the fundoplication wrap did not exceed critical values. In these cases, dysphagia was caused probably by impaired gastric motility. Conclusions :

1. GERD with multifactor etiology requires individually tailored surgery based on the results of motility studies.

2. Final result depends on appropriate calculations of the intraoperative pressure in the newly created fundoplication wrap.

3. Appropriate fixing of the fundoplication wrap to the diaphragm is very important in order to decrease the rate of GERD recurrences due to wrap dislocation.     

Influence of wrap length on the effectiveness of Nissen and Toupet fundoplications: 5-year results of prospective, randomized study

Background

Long-term results in antireflux surgery may depend on fundoplication type and wrap length. We compared the outcome of two different wrap lengths among the patients undergoing partial or total fundoplications. This study is the next part of a prospective 5-year follow-up assessment.

Methods

A total of 153 patients were randomized to Nissen or Toupet 1.5- or 3-cm wrap laparoscopic fundoplication. The primary endpoint—treatment failure rate was defined as a recurrent GERD or persistent dysphagia. Intensity of heartburn, dysphagia, gas-bloating, presence of esophagitis were assessed as a secondary outcome at 1-year and 5-year follow-up.

Results

At 5-year follow-up, data were collected from 129 (85 %) patients. At 1-year follow-up, 17 (11 %) treatment failures were detected. At the end of the fifth year, the numbers reached 23 (15 %). The failures were more common in the 1.5-cm Toupet (25 %) and the 3-cm Nissen group (18.2 %). The significant difference in failure rates was found between 1.5-cm and 3-cm Toupet groups (P < 0.05). Dysphagia remained low during the follow-up in all of the groups. The prevalence of higher scores of heartburn after 5 years was detected in Nissen 1.5-cm group (20.8 %). The lowest scores were observed in Toupet 3-cm group. Bloating symptoms were more prevalent among Nissen and Toupet 3-cm group patients at 5-year follow-up. At the end of the fifth year, the prevalence of esophagitis was lower in Nissen 1.5-cm (19.3 %) and Toupet 3-cm (13.3 %) groups. The highest prevalence of esophagitis—32.4 %—was found in Toupet 1.5-cm group.

Conclusions

Nissen and Toupet fundoplication achieved sufficient control of reflux with success rate of 85 % at 5-year follow-up. There were no significant differences in the postoperative dysphagia, esophagitis, and bloating rates. However, the distribution of treatment failures leads us to conclude that 1.5-cm wrap length is insufficient in cases of posterior partial fundoplication.     

Five-year results of laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication as the primary surgical repair in GERD patients: Is it durable?

Introduction Most surgeons operate on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients using the concept of “tailored approach,” which depends on esophageal motility. We have abandoned this concept and performed laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication in all patients suffering from GERD, independent of their esophageal motility. Methods In a prospective trial we have assessed and evaluated our 5-year results of the first 100 consecutive patients treated with laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication. All patients were evaluated preoperatively by endoscopy and 24-h pH manometry. The patients were followed up clinically 1, 2, 6, 12 and 60 months postoperatively. The course of clinical DeMeester score, appearance and treatment of wrap-related side-effects as well as long-term outcome and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Results The 5-year follow-up rate was 87%. Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication achieved a 5-year healing rate of GERD in 85%. Of all operated patients, 3.5% had to be reinstalled on a regular PPI treatment because of postoperative GERD reappearance. The median clinical DeMeester score decreased from 4.27 ± 1.5 points preoperatively to 0.47 ± 0.9 points 5 years postoperatively (p < 0.0005). Because of persistent postoperative dysphagia, 5% of the patients required endoscopic dilatation therapy. Persistent postoperative gas-bloat syndrome occurred in 1.1%. Wrap dislocation was identified in 3.4% of patients. Reoperation rate was 5%. Total morbidity rate was 19.5% and operative related mortality rate was 0%. Overall, 96.6% of patients were pleased with their outcome at late follow-up, and 95.4% of patients stated they would consider undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication again if necessary. Conclusion Our long-term results showing a low recurrence and morbidity rate of laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication encourage us to continue to perform this procedure as the primary surgical repair in all GERD patients, independent of their esophageal motility. Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication has proven to be a safe and successful therapeutic option in GERD patients.     

Laparoscopic partial fundoplication vs laparoscopic Nissen-Rosetti fundoplication

Background: Since 1992, all patients at our institution who have met standard accepted criteria for surgical intervention for complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease have been entered into a prospective sequential clinical study to evaluate outcomes of the laparoscopic approach to the Nissen-Rosetti procedure and a modified Toupet procedure. Methods: A standardized workup with upper GI series, esophagography, and endoscopy was used in all patients. Manometry, pH testing, and other special tests were used selectively. A measuring technique was used to determine wrap size without the use of dilators. The short gastric vessels were left intact in all patients. A cosurgeon approach was used, with technical factors described herein. Results: Some 226 of 231 cases were completed laparoscopically (98%)—125 patients in the Nissen-Rosetti group and 101 in the partial fundoplication group. There were no clinical failures in either group. The partial fundoplication group performed better than the Nissen-Rosetti group in all categories of comparison. Return to normal eating habits was much earlier in the partial wrap group (p < 0.0001). Postop distal esophageal sphincter pressures in the two groups were equal at 15 mmHg. Eight patients suffered significant dysphagia requiring endoscopy and dilatation, all in the Nissen-Rosetti group (p < 0.01). Minor complications occurred in 12% of the total group. There was a total surgical revision rate of 3%. There were no gastric or esophageal perforations. Average operative time was 30 min. Average hospital stay was 1.4 days. Hospital charges for the laparoscopic approach averaged $6,000 dollars compared to $12,000 for the open approach. Conclusion: Laparoscopic partial fundoplication is as effective as laparoscopic Nissen-Rosetti fundoplication, with a higher satisfaction rate and fewer side effects. Measuring for wrap and hiatus size eliminates the need for and risk of using stiff dilators. By utilizing cosurgeons and currently available technology, cost, operative time, hospital time, and complications can be reduced to a finite minimum. Received: 12 December 1995/Accepted: 12 August 1996     

Clinical and manometric results of laparoscopic partial (Toupet) and complete (Rosetti-Nissen) fundoplication

It is unclear whether a partial or complete gastric fundoplication done laparoscopically will offer the best control of reflux with the fewest side effects. Prospective evaluation of laparoscopic Rosetti-Nissen (360) and Toupet (180) fundoplication was performed with assessment of clinical and manometric data. Methods: Patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux referred for surgical correction underwent preoperative motility and upper endoscopy. A Rosetti-Nissen or Toupet fundoplication was then performed laparoscopically. Short gastrics were not divided. No bougie was used in the Toupet, which was sutured intracorporeally. A 2-cm, loose, floppy wrap about a 50-Fr bougie was performed in the Nissen. Eleven patients underwent Rosetti-Nissen and 11 Toupet fundoplication. Mean ages, duration symptoms, weight, and baseline LES, were not different. Preop esophagitis grades were similar, as were Visick Scores and presence of dysphagia. Results: Visick scores at 6 months were better in the Toupet group than the Rosetti-Nissen (P=0.07). Persistent Dysphagia in four, Gas-Bloat in two, and Odynophagia in one within the Rosetti-Nissen group accounted for the difference, and were not seen in Toupets. LES pressures differed significantly pre and postop (P<0.001). The change in LES pressure was significantly different between Toupet and Rosetti-Nissen (chart). Seven patients had postop 24-h pH tests; all had no reflux. Three Rosettis have required revision to Toupet, with resolution of their symptoms. Conclusions: In patients with severe GERD, laparoscopic Toupet and Rosetti-Nissen control symptoms and esophageal pH similarly. LES pressures are higher postop in the Rosetti-Nissen. Dysphagia and gas-bloat are more prevalent in the Nissen group. Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication may be superior to Rosetti-Nissen in reducing the frequency of side effects frequently associated with antireflux surgery, yet with equal control of reflux. {ie724-1}     

A randomized, prospective comparison of the Nissen fundoplication versus the Toupet fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

OBJECTIVE: A prospective, randomized trial was performed to determine which of two antireflux procedures, a complete wrap (Nissen) or a 200N wrap (Toupet), was more effective with fewer sequelae. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Laparoscopic procedures for gastroesophageal reflux disease appear to be as effective as those done by open laparotomy. The Nissen fundoplication is used most frequently, but postoperative bloating, inability to belch, and dysphagia occur. The partial wrap has been said to be as effective with less unfavorable postoperative symptoms. METHODS: Patients with reflux esophagitis were approached laparoscopically using a six-port technique. After division of the short gastric vessels and dissection of the terminal esophagus and fundus of the stomach to allow performance of either procedure, patients randomly were assigned one of the procedures by a card drawn in the operating room. RESULTS: Forty patients underwent operation, but 1 was excluded when an open procedure became necessary. Twenty-three patients received a complete wrap and 16 received a partial wrap. The average operating time was 155 minutes for the Nissen procedures and 162 minutes for the Toupet procedures. The postoperative stay averaged 2.7 days for the Nissen procedures and 2.5 days for the Toupet procedures. There were no deaths. Including the patient converted to an open procedure, three patients had operative complications. At follow-up, Visick scores after the complete wraps were I-13, II-8, III-2 and after the partial wrap were I-12 and II-3. Two patients indicated they would not have the operation again. CONCLUSIONS: A partial or a complete wrap after division of the short gastric vessel offers effective therapy for reflux esophagitis with > 90% patient satisfaction. The authors' study shows no clear advantage of one wrap (partial or complete) over the other.     

Outcome of laparoscopic anterior 180-degree partial fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Although Nissen fundoplication controls gastroesophageal reflux disease effectively, it is associated with an incidence of side effects. For this reason we have investigated the use of a laparoscopic 180-degree anterior fundoplication as a technique that has the potential to control reflux, but with less associated post-operative dysphagia and fewer gas-related side effects. Good short-term (6-month) outcomes have been previously reported within the context of a randomized trial. This report details the technique we used and describes the outcome of this procedure with longer follow-up in a much larger group of patients. The outcome for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease who underwent a laparoscopic anterior 180-hemifundoplication was determined. Clinical follow-up was carried out prospectively by an independent scientist who applied a standardized questionnaire yearly following surgery. This questionnaire evaluated symptoms of reflux, postoperative problems including dysphagia, gas bloat, ability to belch, and overall satisfaction with clinical outcome. From July 1995 to May 1999, a total of 107 patients underwent a laparoscopic anterior hemifundoplication. Four patients underwent further surgery for recurrent heartburn, and persistent troublesome dysphagia occurred in one. At 1 year 89% of patients remained free of reflux symptoms, and at 3 years 84% remained symptom free. Of those with symptoms of reflux, approximately half of them had only mild symptoms. The overall incidence and severity of dysphagia for liquids and solids was not altered by partial fundoplication. Epigastric bloating that could not be relieved by belching was uncommon, and only 11 % of the patients at 1 year and 10% at 3 years following surgery were unable to belch normally. Overall satisfaction with the outcome of surgery remained high at 3 years’ follow-up. Laparoscopic anterior partial fundoplication is an effective operation for gastroesophageal reflux, with a low incidence of side effects and a good overall outcome.     

Postoperative gastrointestinal complaints after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 80% of patients complain of various symptoms immediately after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. These symptoms typically are treated medically without an extensive evaluation to identify the cause. We reviewed our experience of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication to determine the course of postoperative symptomatology in our patient population, and present a rational approach to this problem. METHODS: Over a 10-year period, 628 patients underwent primary laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease; patients were evaluated with a standard set of questions for postoperative gastrointestinal complaints. Three- and 6-month follow-up data were compared by using the chi square test. RESULTS: One-year follow-up data were available for 615 patients (98%). All of these patients had symptoms during the first 3 postoperative months. Early satiety (88%), bloating/flatulence (64%), and dysphagia (34%) were the most common; however, 94% of patients had resolution of their symptoms by the 1-year follow-up visit, and most had resolved after 3 months. Patients with persistent reflux or dysphagia after 3 months typically had an anatomic failure of the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients who have undergone laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease will have gastrointestinal complaints during the initial 3 postoperative months. Nearly all of these patients will have resolved their symptomatology after 3 months. Those with persistent symptoms after 3 months warrant evaluation for operative failure.     

Quality of Life Comparing Dor and Toupet After Heller Myotomy for Achalasia

Background:

Laparoscopic Heller cardiomyotomy (LHC) is standard therapy for achalasia. Traditionally, an antireflux procedure has accompanied the myotomy. This study was undertaken to compare quality-of-life outcomes between patients undergoing myotomy with Toupet versus Dor fundoplication. In addition, we investigated overall patient satisfaction after LHC in the treatment of achalasia.

Methods:

One hundred thirty-five patients who underwent LHC over a 13-year period were identified for inclusion. Symptoms queried included dysphagia, heartburn, and bloating using the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease–Health-Related Quality of Life Scale and a second published scale for the assessment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and dysphagia symptoms. The patients'' overall satisfaction after surgery was also rated. Data were compared on the basis of type of fundoplication. Symptom scores were analyzed using chi-square tests and Fisher''s exact tests.

Results:

Sixty-three patients completed the survey (47%). There were no perioperative deaths or reoperations. The mean length of stay was 2.8 days. The mean operative time for LHC with Toupet fundoplication was 137.3 ± 30.91 minutes and for LHC with Dor fundoplication was 111.5 ± 32.44 minutes (P = .006). There was no difference with respect to the incidence or severity of postoperative heartburn, dysphagia, or bloating. Overall satisfaction with Toupet fundoplication was 87.5% and with Dor fundoplication was 93.8% (P > .999).

Conclusions:

LHC with either Toupet or Dor fundoplication gave excellent patient satisfaction. Postoperative symptoms of heartburn and dysphagia were equivalent when comparing LHC with either antireflux procedure. Dor and Toupet fundoplication were found to have equivalent outcomes in the short term. We prefer Dor to Toupet fundoplication because of its decreased need for extensive dissection and better mucosal protection.