Outcome of erosive reflux esophagitis after Nissen fundoplication

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the utilization of health care resources and long term outcome of erosive esophagitis in patients treated with and without open Nissen fundoplication. METHODS: A population of 35,725 patients with erosive esophagitis was extracted from the computerized database of the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Subjects were stratified by severity of disease into erosive esophagitis alone versus erosive esophagitis complicated by esophageal ulcers or peptic strictures. During a mean follow-up period of 4.2 yr (range 1-12 yr), the consumption of health care resources, except for medications, was compared between case and control subjects treated with and without fundoplication, respectively. RESULTS: Among patients with complicated erosive esophagitis, 5,064 control subjects were treated without, and 542 case subjects were treated with, fundoplication. Cases incurred less recurrence of esophageal erosions (controls: 56% vs cases: 46%), esophageal ulcers (38% vs 33%), and peptic strictures (43% vs 32%) during follow-up. Among patients with erosive esophagitis but no complications, 29,514 control subjects were treated without, and 605 case subjects were treated with, fundoplication. Cases did not experience any change in the recurrence of esophageal erosions (controls: 25% vs cases: 24%). Irrespective of treatment type, none of the case or control subjects with erosive esophagitis alone developed esophageal ulcers or peptic strictures during follow-up. Compared with controls, however, after fundoplication in erosive esophagitis alone, cases incurred more dysphagia (2.6% vs 4.6%), postsurgical syndromes (0.8% vs 1.7%), as well as more outpatient visits (34 vs 40 visits/patient) and outpatient procedures (2.7 vs 4.3 procedures/patient). CONCLUSIONS: Fundoplication improves the clinical outcome of erosive esophagitis in patients with concomitant esophageal ulcers and strictures, but not in patients without such complications. Fundoplication does not reduce the consumption of health care resources.     

Long-term results after 'floppy' Nissen/Rossetti fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Eighty-two patients (median age, 51 years; range, 27-87 years) with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) underwent floppy Nissen/Rossetti fundoplication during the period 1980 to 1990. The median postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (3-16). Median follow-up was 72 months and included endoscopy and a clinical and a questionnaire assessment. Subjective symptoms of reflux were abolished in 98%, and 96% of the patients were satisfied with the results. Endoscopy showed healing of the esophagitis in 98%. There had been no disruption of the fundoplication. Twenty patients complained of gaseous distention and increased flatulence; only two of them had severe problems. Three patients were unable to belch. In conclusion, the floppy fundoplication has been an effective operation with no deaths, a low incidence of morbidity and adverse side effects, and without a tendency for late failure.     

Dysphagia after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency and severity of dysphagia during the first 8 weeks after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. So far, there have been no studies reporting data on day-to-day occurrence of dysphagia after laparoscopic fundoplication in a consecutive series of patients. This may explain why the frequency of dysphagia varies greatly in the literature (4-100%). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty consecutive patients, undergoing elective laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, completed a standard dysphagia registration diary each day during the first 8 weeks after surgery. Patients who preoperatively had suffered from dysphagia were excluded. Thus, none of the patients had dysphagia in the 2-month period before surgery. Ten patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy served as controls. Data were quantified, and a score value of 4 or more was considered bothersome. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (93%) experienced some degree of dysphagia during the observation period. Sixteen patients (44%) had at least one day with annoying dysphagia. The dysphagia started 1-2 days after surgery, was most prominent during the first few weeks, and subsided in nearly all cases after 5-6 weeks. Two patients with persistent dysphagia were treated once with balloon dilatation. None of the patients in the control group had dysphagia. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly all patients experience some degree of dysphagia after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, and in nearly half of the patients it is considered annoying. However, even severe dysphagia usually disappears within 5-6 weeks. These results suggest a conservative attitude for the first 1-2 months after surgery. The data may also serve as a background for preoperative information to the patients.     

Dysphagia after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Objective. To investigate the frequency and severity of dysphagia during the first 8 weeks after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. So far, there have been no studies reporting data on day-to-day occurrence of dysphagia after laparoscopic fundoplication in a consecutive series of patients. This may explain why the frequency of dysphagia varies greatly in the literature (4–100%). Material andmethods. Forty consecutive patients, undergoing elective laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, completed a standard dysphagia registration diary each day during the first 8 weeks after surgery. Patients who preoperatively had suffered from dysphagia were excluded. Thus, none of the patients had dysphagia in the 2-month period before surgery. Ten patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy served as controls. Data were quantified, and a score value of 4 or more was considered bothersome. Results. Thirty-seven patients (93%) experienced some degree of dysphagia during the observation period. Sixteen patients (44%) had at least one day with annoying dysphagia. The dysphagia started 1–2 days after surgery, was most prominent during the first few weeks, and subsided in nearly all cases after 5–6 weeks. Two patients with persistent dysphagia were treated once with balloon dilatation. None of the patients in the control group had dysphagia. Conclusions. Nearly all patients experience some degree of dysphagia after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, and in nearly half of the patients it is considered annoying. However, even severe dysphagia usually disappears within 5–6 weeks. These results suggest a conservative attitude for the first 1–2 months after surgery. The data may also serve as a background for preoperative information to the patients.     

Outcomes after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication are not influenced by the pattern of reflux

SUMMARY.  The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients with different types of gastroesophageal reflux disease (upright, supine, or bipositional) after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and determine if patients with upright reflux have worse outcomes. Two hundred and twenty-five patients with reflux confirmed by 24-h pH monitoring were divided into three groups based on the type of reflux present. Patients were questioned pre- and post-fundoplication regarding the presence and duration of symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, cough and chest pain). Symptoms were scored using a 5-point scale, ranging from 0 (no symptom) to 4 (disabling symptom). Esophageal manometry and pH results were also compared. There was no statistically significant difference in lower esophageal sphincter length, pressure or function between the three groups. There was no significant difference in any of the postoperative symptom categories between the three groups. The type of reflux identified preoperatively does not have an adverse effect on postoperative outcomes after Nissen fundoplication and should not discourage physicians from offering antireflux surgery to patients with upright reflux.     

Impact of reflux esophagitis on the esophageal function before and after laparoscopic fundoplication

Background

High-resolution manometry (HRM), which is breakthrough testing equipment to evaluate esophageal motor function, was developed in Europe and United State and has garnered attention. Moreover, multichannel intraluminal impedance pH (MII-pH) testing has allowed us to grasp all liquid/gas reflux including not only acid but also non-acid reflux. We examined the impact of the presence of reflux esophagitis (RE) on esophageal motor function before and after laparoscopic fundoplication.

Materials and methods

The subjects included 100 patients (male: 63 patients, mean age: 54.1?±?15.8) among 145 patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD associated diseases during a 4-year period from October 2012 to September 2016, excluding 6 patients who underwent further surgery, 32 patients on whom HRM was not performed, 3 patients who had technical errors during testing, and 4 patients for whom the status of RE was unknown. Regarding HRM, Mano Scan from Given Imaging Ltd. was used, and for the analysis, Mano View version 3.0 from the same company was used, after which data was calculated based on the Chicago Classification advocated by Pandolfino et al. Moreover, for the MII-pH testing, Sleuth manufactured by Sandhill Scientific. Inc. was used and automatic analysis was conducted by a computer. Postoperative assessments were conducted 3 months following surgery for all. Data was described in the median value and inter-quartile range, with a statistically significant difference defined as p?<?0.05 by Chi square, Mann–Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests.

Results

RE+?group (Los Angeles classification A:B:C:D?=?7:9:16:12 patients) included 44 patients (44%), of older age compared to the RE? group (62 vs. 50 years, p?=?0.012) and a higher Body Mass Index value (24.0 vs. 22.5, p?=?0.045); however, no differences were observed in terms of gender and duration of symptoms. In the preoperative findings on MII-pH, the RE+?group demonstrated significantly longer acid reflux time (4.7 vs. 1.3%, p?=?0.005), while in the HRM findings, the RE? group demonstrated a significantly longer abdominal esophagus (0 vs. 0.4 cm, p?=?0.049) and maintained esophageal body motor function (DCI: 1054 vs. 1407 mmHg s cm, p?=?0.021, Intact peristalsis ratio: 90 vs. 100%, p?=?0.037). As to the comparison of the treatment effect before and after laparoscopic fundoplication (Toupet fundoplication for all), significant improvements were observed in both groups in various parameters regarding reflux including acid reflux time, total number of liquid reflux episodes and total number of reflux episodes. Moreover, for both groups, the total length of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) (RE+?group: 2.7 vs. 3.2 cm, p?=?0.001, RE? group: 3.0 vs. 3.4 cm, p?=?0.003) and the total length of the abdominal esophagus (RE+?group: 0 vs. 1.6 cm, p?<?0.001, RE? group: 0 vs. 1.8 cm, p?=?0.001) were significantly extended following surgery; however, no change was observed in DCI before and after surgery.

Conclusions

Regardless of the presence of RE, cardiac function and LES function were improved following laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication, but no changes were observed in esophageal body motor function.

     

Fatal portal thrombosis after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis is a very uncommon complication of laparoscopic surgery, especially after anti-reflux procedures. We report the case of a twenty-year-old man with a history of alcohol and cocaine consumption. A Nissen fundoplication was performed. The patient received a single 20-mg dose of enoxaparin (Clexane, Aventis Pharma, Spain) two hours before surgery for antithrombotic prophylaxis. On the seventh postoperative day the patient had a portal and mesenteric venous thrombosis, which was confirmed at laparotomy, with both extensive small-intestine necrosis and partial colon necrosis. Despite anticoagulant therapy, the patient died 24 hours later. Surgical findings were confirmed at necropsy. Portal and mesenteric venous thrombosis is an uncommon but severe and even fatal complication after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery. When other pro-thrombotic, predisposing conditions such as laparoscopic surgery and cocaine consumption are present, the usual prophylactic doses of low molecular weight heparin might not be sufficient to protect against this life-threatening complication.     

The lower esophageal sphincter strength in patients with gastroesophageal reflux before and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) and sphincter strength (LESS) were measured before and after short and floppy laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in 38 patients with severe gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). These patients were compared with a control group of 23 healthy volunteers. GERD was assessed by stationary manometry, 24-h pH recordings and endoscopy. LESS was verified by motorized pull-back of an air-filled balloon catheter from the stomach into the esophagus. The catheter assembly was well tolerated by all study participants. LESP increased significantly after operation from 8 mmHg to 14 mmHg (75% of normal values; P < 0.0001), but compared to the control group, LESP (22 mmHg) decreased significantly (P < 0.002). In the control group and in patients with GERD, LESP and LESS showed excellent correlation (r = 0.97, r = 0.94, respectively). After LNF, LESS increased significantly from 0.6 to 1.6 N (P < 0.0001), about 166%. We conclude that the measurement of LESS is able to explain the discrepancy between satisfactory NF operation and the distinct increase of postoperative LESP. The evaluation of LESS is a helpful tool in assessing functional understanding of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with a short and floppy wrap.     

Long-term results of nissen fundoplication in reflux esophagitis without strictures

The present paper evaluates the efficiency of Nissen fundoplication as an antireflux technique in a series of 51 patients with different grades of esophagitis. Follow-up time averaged 6.6 years. The evaluation includes a clinical assessment, endoscopic study, and 24-hr pH monitoring. The results reveal an acceptable rate of recurrences, with clinical (9.8%) being less frequent than endoscopic (13.7%) or pH-metric (19.6%) recurrences. Side effects appeared in 37.3% of the patients (mainly inability to belch or vomit, and postprandial fullness), which were mild and transitory in most cases. Nissen fundoplication proved effective in controlling long-term gastroesophageal reflux, as over 80% of the patients presented an excellent-to-good clinical situation, without or with minimal digestive consequences.     

Motor and sensory function of the proximal stomach in reflux disease and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

OBJECTIVE: After Nissen fundoplication, dyspeptic symptoms such as fullness and early satiety develop in >30% of patients. These symptoms may result from alterations in proximal gastric motor and sensory function. METHODS: We have evaluated proximal gastric motor and sensory function using an electronic barostat in 12 patients after successful laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications (median follow-up; 12 months). Twelve age- and gender-matched patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and 12 healthy volunteers served as controls. Studies were performed in the fasting state and after meal ingestion. Gastric emptying tests were performed in all patients. Vagus nerve integrity was measured by the response of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) to insulin hypoglycemia. RESULTS: Minimal distending pressure and proximal gastric compliance were not significantly different between post-Nissen patients, GERD patients, and healthy controls. Postprandial relaxation of the stomach, however, was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced post-Nissen (267 +/- 34 ml), compared with controls (400 +/- 30 ml) and GERD (448 +/- 30 ml). Postprandial relaxation was significantly (p < 0.01) prolonged in GERD patients. Postprandial relaxation of the stomach correlated with gastric emptying of solids (r = 0.62; p = 0.01). Gastric emptying of solids became significantly (p < 0.05) faster after fundoplication. Postprandial fullness was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the operated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Post-Nissen patients have a significantly reduced postprandial gastric relaxation and significantly accelerated gastric emptying, which may explain postoperative dyspeptic symptoms. The abnormalities result from fundoplication and not from vagus nerve injury or reflux per se, because in reflux patients gastric relaxation and gastric emptying are prolonged.     

Long-term outcome is worse after laparoscopic than after conventional Nissen fundoplication

Objective. No long-term studies of laparoscopic and open fundoplication were available in 1994. The aim of this study was to compare reflux control and side effects after laparoscopic and open fundoplication. Material and methods. Adult patients with uncomplicated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were included in this prospective randomized clinical trial between laparoscopic and open 360° fundoplication. Patients with uncomplicated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were included with the exception of those with weak peristalsis or suspected short oesophagus. Two senior surgeons, well trained in laparoscopic antireflux surgery, performed the 45 laparoscopic operations. Forty-eight patients underwent open surgery performed or supervised by two other senior surgeons, also well trained in gastro-oesophageal surgery. One of the latter recruited all the patients. Manometry and 24-h oesophageal pH monitoring were performed before operation and 6 months postoperatively. Manometry also included a short-term reflux test, an acid clearing test and an acid perfusion test. Symptom evaluation was performed before surgery, 6 moths after and at long-term follow-up (33–79 months postoperatively) by the same surgeon. Long-term follow-up also included endoscopy. Results. Six months after laparoscopy 4 patients had disabling dysphagia. None of the patient had disabling dysphagia after laparotomy. Four patients had mild heartburn 6 months after laparoscopy and 2 patients after laparotomy. Between 6 months’ follow-up and long-term follow-up, 6 patients were reoperated on in the laparoscopy group and 2 patients in the laparotomy group. Three patients operated on with laparotomy had died of intercurrent diseases. After laparoscopy, at long-term follow-up, 62% of patients (28/45) were satisfied compared with 91% (41/45) after laparotomy. The difference was significant (p<0.01). Conclusions. Early postoperative reflux control was similar for laparoscopic and conventional fundoplication. At long-term follow-up significantly more patients were satisfied after laparotomy than after laparoscopy.     

Nissen fundoplication vs proton pump inhibitors for laryngopharyngeal reflux based on p H-monitoring and symptom-scale

AIM To compare the outcomes between laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication(LNF)and proton pump inhibitors(PPIs)therapy in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR)and typeⅠhiatal hernia diagnosed by oropharyngeal p H-monitoring and symptom-scale assessment.METHODS From February 2014 to January 2015,70 patients who were diagnosed with LPR and type I hiatal hernia and referred for symptomatic assessment,oropharyngeal p H-monitoring,manometry,and gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled in this study.All of the patients met the inclusion criteria.All of the patients underwent LNF or PPIs administration,and completed a2-year follow-up.Patients’baseline characteristics and primary outcome measures,including comprehensive and single symptoms of LPR,PPIs independence,and satisfaction,and postoperative complications were assessed.The outcomes of LNF and PPIs therapy were analyzed and compared. RESULTS There were 31 patients in the LNF group and 39patients in the PPI group.Fifty-three patients(25 in the LNF group and 28 in the PPI group)completed reviews and follow-up.Oropharyngeal p H-monitoring parameters were all abnormal with high acid exposure,a large amount of reflux,and a high Ryan score,associated reflux symptom index(RSI)score.There was a significant improvement in the RSI and LPR symptom scores after the 2-year follow-up in both groups(P0.05),as well as typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Improvement in the RSI(P0.005)and symptom scores of cough(P=0.032),mucus(P=0.011),and throat clearing(P=0.022)was significantly superior in the LNF group to that in the PPI group.After LNF and PPIs therapy,13 and 53 patients achieved independence from PPIs therapy(LNF:44.0%vs PPI:7.14%,P0.001)during follow-up,respectively.Patients in the LNF group were more satisfied with their quality of life than those in the PPI group(LNF:62.49±28.68 vs PPI:44.36±32.77,P=0.004).Body mass index was significantly lower in the LNF group than in the PPI group(LNF:22.2±3.1kg/m~2 vs PPI:25.1±2.9 kg/m~2,P=0.001).CONCLUSION Diagnosis of LPR should be assessed with oropharyngeal p H-monitoring,manometry,and the symptom-scale.LNF achieves better improvement than PPIs for LPR with type I hiatal hernia.     

Long-term outcome is worse after laparoscopic than after conventional Nissen fundoplication

OBJECTIVE: No long-term studies of laparoscopic and open fundoplication were available in 1994. The aim of this study was to compare reflux control and side effects after laparoscopic and open fundoplication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adult patients with uncomplicated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were included in this prospective randomized clinical trial between laparoscopic and open 360-degree fundoplication. Patients with uncomplicated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were included with the exception of those with weak peristalsis or suspected short oesophagus. Two senior surgeons, well trained in laparoscopic antireflux surgery, performed the 45 laparoscopic operations. Forty-eight patients underwent open surgery performed or supervised by two other senior surgeons, also well trained in gastro-oesophageal surgery. One of the latter recruited all the patients. Manometry and 24-h oesophageal pH monitoring were performed before operation and 6 months postoperatively. Manometry also included a short-term reflux test, an acid clearing test and an acid perfusion test. Symptom evaluation was performed before surgery, 6 months after and at long-term follow-up (33-79 months postoperatively) by the same surgeon. Long-term follow-up also included endoscopy. RESULTS: Six months after laparoscopy 4 patients had disabling dysphagia. None of the patient had disabling dysphagia after laparotomy. Four patients had mild heartburn 6 months after laparoscopy and 2 patients after laparotomy. Between 6 months' follow-up and long-term follow-up, 6 patients were reoperated on in the laparoscopy group and 2 patients in the laparotomy group. Three patients operated on with laparotomy had died of intercurrent diseases. After laparoscopy, at long-term follow-up, 62% of patients (28/45) were satisfied compared with 91% (41/45) after laparotomy. The difference was significant (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Early postoperative reflux control was similar for laparoscopic and conventional fundoplication. At long-term follow-up significantly more patients were satisfied after laparotomy than after laparoscopy.