Antireflux mechanism in nissen fundoplication—An experimental study

The antireflux mechanism of the Nissen fundoplication was investigated in 15 mongrel dogs by esophageal manometry. Nissen fundoplication increased the lower esophageal resting pressure for 2 weeks after operation; however, by 4 weeks it had decreased to a level which did not differ significantly from the preoperative value. Thus, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) length, unlike LES pressure, was maintained for a long period. These results suggest that restorayion of competence at the gastroesophageal junction after Nissen fundoplication depends on an adequate length of LES as well as increased LES pressure. The gastrin-stimulated LES pressure 1, 2 and 4 weeks after operation was significantly higher than the preoperative stimulation pressure. Therefore, it seems that the antireflux mechanism is associated not only with the mechanical aspect of the wrapping but also with creation of a new muscular sphincter substitute that reacts sufficiently to gastrin stimulation.     

Evaluation of the Angelchik Antireflux Prosthesis Using a Model for Esophageal Reflux in Rhesus Monkeys

Minimal data are available about the Angelchik antireflux prosthesis although it has been inserted in more than 14,000 patients. The present animal study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and mechanism of action of this prosthesis. A reproducible model of esophageal reflux in primates was created using a double myotomy. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and reflux score were improved significantly in animals by insertion of an Angelchik antireflux prosthesis, a modified antireflux prosthesis, or a Nissen fundoplication. Manometrically determined LES length was increased after insertion of an Angelchik antireflux prosthesis but not by a Nissen fundoplication or sham operation. Complications after insertion of the modified prosthesis included intraluminal erosion, fibrous stricture, and slippage of the device over the stomach.     

Functional results of laparoscopic antireflux surgery and causes of postoperative dysphagia]

Results of functional examination of 176 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease are presented. 94 patients were were followed up from 1 month to 4 years after laparoscopic antireflux operation (82--by Nissen and Nissen--Rossetty, 6--by Dor, 6--by Toupet). After Nissen operation the pressure in the region of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) increased more than after partial fundoplication and remained the same during 4 years of follow-up (p < 0.05). Postoperative dysphagia in the majority of cases was associated with excessive increase of pressure and length of LES region, decrease of it capacity to relaxation during swallowing (p < 0.05). 360 degrees-fundoplication can not be recommended only in complete loss of contractile capacity of the esophagus.     

Tailored Antireflux Surgery for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Effectiveness and Risk of Postoperative Dysphagia

p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction of dysphagia following the Toupet fundoplication. Both procedures increased the resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) significantly, which was more pronounced following the Nissen fundoplication. Relaxation of the LES was significantly better following the Toupet than after the Nissen fundoplication. There was significant improvement of esophageal peristalsis following the Toupet fundoplication. Tailored antireflux surgery is an effective strategy for treatment of GERD. The incidence of postoperative dysphagia is low owing to improvement of impaired esophageal peristalsis following the Toupet fundoplication. It may be due to the fact that the Toupet fundoplication causes less esophageal outflow resistance than the Nissen fundoplication.     

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

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

The effect of total and anterior partial fundoplication on antireflux mechanisms of the gastroesophageal junction

BACKGROUND: The effect of total (Nissen) and anterior partial fundoplication (APF) for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on the motor behavior of the esophagogastric axis has not been fully assessed. The purpose of this study was to assess any alterations in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and gastric fundus motor parameters in GERD patients after Nissen or APF fundoplication. METHODS: Twenty four patients with documented GERD underwent either laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (n = 12) or laparoscopic APF (n = 12). Preoperative and postoperative stationary esophageal manometry included assessment of LES resting and postdeglutition relaxation pressures, intragastric pressure, and LES transient relaxations in the left lateral and upright positions and after gastric distension. RESULTS: Both types of fundoplication resulted in significant increases in LES resting (P <0.001) and postdeglutition relaxation pressure (P <0.001) in both positions and after gastric distention. Intragastric pressure increased only after Nissen fundoplication in the postgastric distention state (P = 0.01). Transient LES relaxations were equally abolished after both procedures. All postoperative changes were to a similar level after either procedure with the exception of intragastric pressure after gastric distention, which was significantly higher after total than after partial fundoplication (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Both procedures equally increase LES resting and postdeglutition relaxation pressures and abolish transient LES relaxations at all states. The significantly higher intragastric pressure at the postgastric distention state after Nissen fundoplication could possibly explain the higher incidence of epigastric fullness and discomfort after this type of antireflux surgery.     

Static and dynamic function of the lower esophageal sphincter before and after laparoscopic nissen fundoplication

The means by which fundoplication protects against reflux is disputed. We studied the resting and dynamic features of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and 24-hour pH monitoring in 26 patients before and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Resting features were LES pressure, abdominal length, and total length. Dynamic function was assessed by the residual pressure in the LES during a swallow measured as the bolus flowed though the LES. All patients experienced near-total relief of heartburn and all but one had normal postoperative acid scores. Resting LES characteristics were restored to normal. Mean residual pressure on swallowing was 7.1±3.2 mm Hg in the patients postoperatively compared with 1.2±1 mm Hg preoperatively and 4.0±2.4 mm Hg in normal subjects. Eighteen of 26 patients had residual LES pressure within the normal range (<8.2 mm Hg). There was a tendency for residual pressures to be lower as experience with the procedure was gained. Incomplete LES relaxation is not necessary for effective functioning of a Nissen fundoplication. In construction of a Nissen fundoplication, creating a large retroesophageal window and deliberate dissection of the back of the posterior fundus from the left crus allows the creation of an effective antireflux procedure with restoration of static LES parameters to normal and minimal limitation of LES relaxation.     

Nissen fundoplication has a vagolytic effect on the lower esophageal sphincter

Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is an increasingly utilized option for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, many questions remain as to the mechanism by which this operation prevents GERD in those without hiatal hernias or incompetent lower esophageal sphincters (LES). It is known that these patients experience reflux due to excess transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESR), inappropriate and short-lived relaxation of the LES and crural diaphragm. The purpose of this study was to determine if Nissen fundoplication affects the neural pathways involved in the TLESR reflex. Methods: Five dogs were anesthetized and intubated. Both vagal nerves and the right phrenic nerve were isolated. A continuous water perfusion manometric catheter was situated at the LES. The nerves were then electrically stimulated and the resultant pressure at the LES measured at baseline, and during and after an open Nissen fundoplication. Results: The mean LES pressures before dissection, after esophago-gastric mobilization, and after fundoplication were 47 ± 13 mmHg, 21 ± 9 mmHg, and 14 ± 4 mmHg, respectively. All differences were significant. There was no change noted in LES pressure with stimulation of either or both of the phrenic nerves without concomitant vagal stimulation. Conclusion: Nissen fundoplication may prevent GERD in those without a hiatal hernia or incompetent LES by disrupting the efferent vagal fibers to the LES. Such fibers mediate TLESR which are responsible for GERD in these patients.     

Effect of Laparoscopic Fundoplication on Hypertensive Lower Esophageal Sphincter Associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux

For hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter with dysphagia and chest pain, a laparoscopic cardiomyotomy is recommended. Recently, the role of gastroesophageal reflux in this abnormality has been recognized. A prospective study on six patients with manometrically proven hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter was performed. Laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication was performed in all cases. The first follow up was performed 6 weeks after the operation. The mean follow up time was 56 months (range 50–61). Before the operation, all patients had abnormal esophageal acid exposure. Mean DeMeester score was 41.7 (range 16.7–86). Average LES pressure before the operation was 50.5 mmHg (range 35.6–81.3). Six weeks after operation, all patients were symptom free. DeMeester score returned to a normal level of 2.9. Furthermore, a marked decrease in the lower esophageal sphincter pressure (24.7 mmHg) was detected. At late follow up, all patients were symptom-free, and only two patients agreed to undergo functional testing. The mean DeMeester score of this two patients was 1.2. The pressure remained at normal value (15.7 mmHg). In our study, an antireflux operation normalized lower esophageal sphincter pressure suggesting that abnormal esophageal acid exposure may be an etiologic factor in the development of hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter.     

Impact of laparoscopic nissen fundoplication with prosthetic hiatal closure on esophageal body motility: Results of a prospective randomized trial

HYPOTHESIS: Prosthetic crural closure does not adversely influence esophageal body motility. In most patients, postoperative increased dysphagia resolves spontaneously during the first months after surgery. DESIGN: Prospective randomized trial. We compared patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with simple sutured hiatal closure and those who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with prosthetic hiatal closure. SETTING: University-affiliated community hospital. PATIENTS: Forty consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease. INTERVENTIONS: A 360 degrees Nissen fundoplication with simple sutured crura (n = 20; nonmesh group) vs the same procedure with posterior 1 x 3-cm polypropylene onlay mesh prosthesis (n = 20; mesh group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Recurrences; postoperative dysphagia rate; localization, length, and pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES); results of 24-hour pH monitoring; esophageal body motility; peristalsis; and esophageal amplitude of contraction and interrupted waves. RESULTS: Preoperatively, both groups had pathological LES pressure and DeMeester scores. These values improved significantly (P < .01) after surgery and remained stable at 1 year after surgery. Patients in the nonmesh group had a significantly lower LES pressure 1 year after surgery compared with those in the mesh group. There were no significant differences in postoperative mean LES length (4.1 vs 3.8 cm), LES relaxation (93.4% vs 92.4%), and intra-abdominal LES length (2.1 vs 2.1 cm). Patients in the mesh group had fewer simultaneous waves and interrupted waves 1 year after surgery, but the difference between groups was not significant. There were no significant differences in interrupted waves and amplitude of contraction between groups 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with prosthetic crural closure does not impair postoperative esophageal body motility compared with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with simple suture hiatal closure, although it is associated with a higher rate of short-term dysphagia.     

Computerized axial manometry of the esophagus. A new method for the assessment of antireflux operations.

This is a presentation of a new manometric parameter of the mechanical competence of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the lower esophageal sphincter vector volume (LESVV). It is determined by computer analysis of continuous-pressure measurements during constant speed pullback of a radially oriented 4- 6- or 8-channel manometry catheter across the LES. Patients were studied with this method both before aggressive medical therapy for esophagitis and before and after Nissen fundoplication. LESVV accurately predicted failure of medical therapy and success of the fundoplication. In patients with successful fundoplication, LESVV demonstrated a 100-fold increase in mechanical competence of the LES, even in the absence of increased LES pressure or length, increasing from 113 +/- 63 mm3 to 11357 +/- 3733 mm3.     

Abnormal preoperative and postoperative esophageal peristalsis in gastroesophageal reflux

Extended 24-hour pH monitoring and esophageal manometry before and 6 months after Nissen fundoplication in a group of 14 children with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux (GER), of whom 12 had esophagitis, have shown that all patients were clinically cured and their initially abnormal pH-monitoring parameters significantly decreased to normal values after operation. Whereas lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) was not modified by surgery, lower esophageal sphincter length (LESL) was significantly increased. The percentage of tertiary, nonpropulsive esophageal waves, that was very high in basal conditions (74.9 +/- 34.5%) and following instillation of acid into the esophagus (79.8 +/- 20.2%) remained high (58 +/- 23.2% and 72.1 +/- 18.2% respectively) several months postoperatively. The persistence of abnormal peristalsis after surgical cure of GER suggests that severe symptoms in this group of patients resulted from the simultaneous failure of both components of the antireflux mechanism (LES and esophageal peristaltic "pump"), which led to increased acid exposure. The good results of surgical establishment of an effective valve-like barrier alone illustrate the possibility of compensation by only one of the components when the other fails. According to this interpretation, whereas patients with good peristalsis would tolerate GER fairly well, those with GER and bad peristalsis would have increased acid exposure and, consequently, esophageal damage.     

Does laparoscopic antireflux surgery prevent the occurrence of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation?

Background: Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) is the most common mechanism underlying gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), causing 70% to 100% of the reflux episodes in normal subjects and 63% to 74% of the reflux episodes in patients with reflux disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication on TLESR in patients with proven GERD. Methods: We prospectively followed 73 consecutive patients (13 men and 60 women; mean age, 43.7 ± 1.72 years) with proven diagnosis of GERD and reported TLESRs found during a 40-min esophageal manometric study. These patients had repeat testing 6 months after undergoing laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Results: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication increased the basal and nadir lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and significantly reduced the number of TLESRs during the manometric study. No patients after surgery exhibited TLESR with nadir less than 2 mmHg. However, 8 of the 73 patients (11%) exhibited TLESR to a nadir exceeding 50% of basal pressure (mean nadir, 5.0 ± 1.07 mmHg). Conclusions: The number of TLESRs is reduced significantly by antireflux surgery. Even accounting for increased basal and nadir pressures, the incidence of TLESR is reduced, suggesting that there may be additional mechanisms involved in this process.     

An experimental study of the effectiveness of various antireflux operations.

After a hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter was created in cats by circular myectomy of the distal esophagus, a comparative study was performed of the sphincter-enhancing operations currently in use: the Nissen fundoplication, the Belsey Mark IV, and the Hill posterior gastropexy. Subdiaphragmatic transposition of the myectomized segment was included to assess the effectiveness of intraabdominal positioning on lower esophageal sphincter competence.The mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure after Nissen fundoplication (21.7 ± 1.5 cm H₂O) did not differ significantly from control values (24.3 $pL 1.8 cm H₂O), whereas significantly lower pressures were recorded after the Belsey Mark IV (11.7 ± 1.5 cm H₂O), Hill posterior gastropexy (9.0 ± 1.5 cm H₂O), and subdiaphragmatic transposition (4.0 ± 1.5 cm H₂O) procedures. The adaptive response of the lower esophageal sphincter to increased intragastric pressure was restored to near normal levels by both the Nissen and Belsey procedures, whereas the Hill posterior gastropexy and subdiaphragmatic transposition were less effective. In addition, pH reflux testing clearly indicated that the Nissen fundoplication afforded maximum protection against acid reflux.The experimental evidence suggests that optimum results in the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux are achieved when the resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure and the adaptive response are restored to normal levels. The Nissen fundoplication accomplishes these objectives more effectively than the alternative antireflux procedures.     

Normal Lower Esophageal Sphincter Pressure and Length Does Not Impact Outcome After Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication

Intuitively, a manometrically normal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) will promote dysphagia after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. This study was undertaken to compare outcomes after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for patients who had normal and manometrically inadequate LES preoperatively. Before fundoplication, the length and resting pressures of LES were determined manometrically in 59 patients with documented gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Twenty-nine patients had a manometrically normal LES, with resting pressures >10 mm Hg and length >2 cm. Thirty patients had resting pressures of ≤10 mm Hg and length of ≤2 cm. Before and after fundoplication, patients graded the frequency and severity of symptoms of GERD utilizing a Likert scale (0 = never/not bothersome to 10 = always/very bothersome). DeMeester scores and symptom scores before and after fundoplication were compared. Before fundoplication, the manometric character of the LES did not impact the elevation of DeMeester scores or the frequency/severity of reflux symptoms. All symptoms improved significantly with fundoplication independent of LES pressure/length. Prefundoplication, manometric character of the LES did not impact the frequency or severity of reflux symptoms after fundoplication. Preoperative manometric character of the LES does not impact the presentation of GERD or the outcome after fundoplication. Symptoms globally and significantly improve after fundoplication, independent of manometric LES character. Normal LES manometry does not impact outcome and, specifically, does not promote dysphagia, after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Presented at the 47th Annual Meeting for the Society of Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Los Angeles, CA May 20 to 24 2006     

食管肌层切开术联合胃底折叠术治疗食管运动功能障碍性疾病的远期疗效

目的 比较食管肌层切开术加不同胃底折叠术式治疗贲门失弛缓症或弥漫性食管痉挛的远期效果.方法 1978年1月至1998年10月,共64例贲门失弛缓症或弥漫性食管痉挛患者经左胸行Heller手术+抗反流手术.其中21例加行Nissen全胃底折叠术(Nissen组),43例加行BelseyⅣ式部分胃底折叠术(Belsey组).患者于手术前后行影像学、食管核素排空、食管压力测定和内窥镜检查及24 h pH值监测.结果 全组无手术死亡及严重并发症.术后6年随访,Nissen组吞咽困难(P=0.025)及核素潴留(P=0.044)的发生率高于Belsey组.两种术式均可降低食管下括约肌的压力梯度.Nissen组术后食管直径较术前增加(P=0.012),而Belsey组增加不明显(P=0.695).两组烧心与反酸症状均少见.Nissen组有8例患者、Belsey组有1例患者因复发性吞咽困难需行二次手术(P＜0.01).结论 在治疗贲门失弛缓症或弥漫性食管痉挛患者时,加行全胃底折叠术可能并不适宜,而部分胃底折叠术可以提供满意的抗反流效果,且不会显著影响食管排空功能.     

Efficacy of a 90° anterior fundoplication vs a total fundoplication in an experimental model

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has improved greatly, so that excellent long-term control of symptoms can now be achieved. At present, the gold standard for treatment is the Nissen fundoplication. However, this procedure produces side effects in some patients, including persistent dysphagia, epigastric bloating, and excessive flatulence. As a result, some surgeons who have recommended the use of a partial fundoplication to lessen the occurrence of these side effects. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a laparoscopically constructed 90 degree anterior fundoplication and to compare this method with the Nissen fundoplication. METHODS: Twelve domestic white pigs underwent initial esophageal myotomy to ensure an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter. These animals were then randomized to undergo either a total fundoplication or a 90 degree wrap. All procedures were completed laparoscopically. Resting lower esophageal sphincter pressures were measured immediately and at 2 weeks postoperatively with a water-perfused esophageal manometry catheter incorporating a Dent sleeve. The efficacy of the antireflux barrier was determined at 2 weeks after surgery by fundoplication yield studies. RESULTS: Both the total fundoplication and the 90 degree wrap produced an increase in resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure and restored adequate competence to the gastroesophageal junction in the early postoperative period. CONCLUSION: A laparoscopically completed 90 degree anterior fundoplication restores lower esophageal sphincter competence in the early postoperative period. Clinical studies examining the long-term results and significant side effects of this procedure are required to establish the place for this procedure in the antireflux surgery armamentarium.     

Outcome after laparoscopic fundoplication is not dependent on a structurally defective lower esophageal sphincter

With the advent of laparoscopic surgery and the recognition that gastroesophageal reflux disease often requires lifelong medication, patients with normal resting sphincter characteristics are now being considered for surgery. The outcome of these patients after fundoplication is unknown and formed the basis of this study. The study population consisted of 123 patients undergoing laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication between 1992 and 1996. All patients had increased esophageal acid exposure on 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring. Patients were divided into those with a normal (n = 36) and those with a structurally defective (n = 87) lower esophageal sphincter (LES), based on LES resting pressure (normal >6 mm Hg), overall length (normal >2 cm), and abdominal length (normal > 1 cm), and their outcomes were assessed. Each group was subsequently divided into patients presenting with a primary symptom that was "typical" (heartburn, regurgitation, or dysphagia) or "atypical" (gastric, respiratory, or chest pain) of gastroesophageal reflux, and outcome was assessed. Median duration of follow-up was 18 months after surgery. Overall, laparoscopic fundoplication was successful in relieving symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in 90% of patients. Patients with a typical primary symptom had an excellent outcome irrespective of the resting status of the LES (95% and 97%, respectively). Atypical primary symptoms were significantly more common in patients with a normal LES (29%) than in those with a structurally defective LES (10%; P <0.05), and these symptoms were less likely (50%) to be relieved by antireflux surgery. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is highly successful and not dependent on the status of the resting LES in patients with increased esophageal acid exposure and primary symptoms "typical" of gastroesophageal reflux. Antireflux surgery should be applied cautiously in patients with atypical primary symptoms. Presented in part at the Thirty-Eighth Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Washington, D.C., May 11–14,1997.     

Effect of laparoscopic antireflux operation on esophageal manometry, 24 hours pH-metry and quality of life in gastroesophageal reflux disease

It has been suggested that laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is an effective procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Twenty-six patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease underwent laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication. 24 hours pH-metry, manometry and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaire were done preoperatively, six-month and one year after the operation. The six weeks control investigation was limited to 24 pH-metry and GIQLI interview. Adequate reflux control was obtained in all patients, with reduction in acid reflux variables at six weeks, six months as well as at one year after the operation. Preoperative reflux index and DeMeester score was significantly higher than those we found postoperatively at both time period. Preoperative lower esophageal sphincter tone and length was abnormal on average. Both parameters increased significantly at six-month and one year after the operation. GIQLI also showed characteristic changes. Compared to preoperative values we found significantly higher GIQLI at both six-month and one year following surgery. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication provides an excellent symptomatic and physiologic outcome in patients with esophageal reflux disease.     

Laparoskopische Fundoplicatio nach Nissen und Toupet bei Patienten mit gastroösophagealer Refluxkrankheit und Motilitätsstörung des distalen Ösophagus

INTRODUCTION: A Nissen fundoplication for gastrooesophageal reflux disease may more often lead to persistent dysphagia than a Toupet fundoplication. The aim of this study was to assess the results of laparoscopic Nissen versus Toupet fundoplication in patients with reflux disease and impaired distal esophageal motility. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 15 patients a laparoscopic Nissen and in 17 a laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication was carried out. Criteria for an impaired motility of the distal esophagus were a mean amplitude of < 30 mm Hg of swallow-induced contractions, or > 33% non-propulsive or non-transmitted contraction waves. Before surgery, heartburn, dysphagia, regurgitation and other symptoms were scored and endoscopic, manometric and 24 hour pH-metric investigations performed. Patients were reinvestigated 3 to 30 (median 15) months after Nissen and 3 to 42 (median 7) months after Toupet fundoplication. RESULTS: After Nissen as well as after Toupet fundoplication heartburn was significantly less frequent, whereas dysphagia and all other symptom-scores remained unchanged. In the 26 patients reinvestigated manometrically, the resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter was significantly higher following both operations and the residual sphincter pressure upon swallowing higher only after Nissen fundoplication. The amplitude of swallow-induced contractions and the percentages of non-propulsive and non-transmitted contraction waves were not significantly changed after either operation. In the 23 patients restudied pH-metrically, reflux activity was significantly reduced after both Nissen and Toupet fundoplication. CONCLUSION: In patients with reflux disease and impaired distal esophageal motility, laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplication both yielded satisfactory results and neither operation led to increased dysphagia.