Recurrence after laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication

Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication as treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults has a reported recurrence rate of 2–17%. We investigated the rates and mechanisms of failure after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in children. Methods: All patients who underwent a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for GERD and who subsequently required a redo Nissen were reviewed (n = 15). The control group consisted of the most recent 15 patients who developed recurrent GER after an open Nissen, fundoplication. Results: Between 1994 and 2000, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was performed in 179 patients. Fifteen patients (8.7%) underwent revision. The mechanisms of failure were herniation in four patients, wrap dehiscence in four, a too-short wrap in three, a loosened wrap in two, and other reasons in two. The reoperation was performed laparoscopically in five patients (33%). The failure mechanisms were different in the open patients: eight were due to slipped wraps; three to dehiscences; and two to herniations. Conclusion: The failure rate after laparoscopic Nissen is acceptably low. A redo laparoscopic Nissen can be performed safely after an initial laparoscopic approach.     

Nissen fundoplication improves gastric myoelectrical activity characteristics and symptoms in gastroesophageal reflux patients: evaluation in transcutaneous electrogastrography

Background Gastric myoelectrical activity disorders play an essential role in the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), although little is known about gastric motility following surgical treatment of the disease. The aim of present study was to analyze the impact of Nissen fundoplication on both gastric myoelectrical activity, measured using the transcutaneous electrogastrography technique (EGG), and change in digestive symptoms. Methods In 43 patients with GERD, EGG was recorded before and after the Nissen procedure and compared with the EGG obtained in eight healthy volunteers. Symptoms of epigastric pain, belching, regurgitation, heartburn, postprandial abdominal distension, and early satiety were recorded. At a three-week and a one-year postoperative follow-up, these tests were repeated. Results In fasted patients before the operation, the slow-wave frequency distribution (normogastria, 53.7%; bradygastria, 44.2%; dysrhythmia, 47.1%) was significantly different compared with that of controls (89.2%, 7.0%, and 10.4%, respectively). No major changes in slow-wave frequency distribution were observed after a meal in examined patients, besides a significant rise in tachygastria (12.4%). Three weeks following the Nissen fundoplication, the fasting slow-wave frequency distribution did not change significantly compared with the preoperative period, being 58.1% for normogastria, 43.2% for bradygastria, and 12.0% for tachygastria. The abnormal distribution of slow waves (bradygastria + tachygastria) was not significantly affected by Nissen fundoplication, being 47.1% before and 44.9% after the operation, respectively. At the same time and still one year after operation there was a significant improvement in all clinical symptoms measured. Conclusion EGG showed that Nissen fundoplication influenced and might improve the slow-wave generation in gastric pacemaker. Dyspeptic symptoms were also improved up to one year postoperatively.     

Gastric volvulus after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with gastrostomy

The authors present the case report of a 13-year-old boy in whom organoaxial gastric volvulus developed four months after a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and placement of gastrostomy. Intraoperative findings were significant for volvulus about an axis defined by 2 fixation points, one at the fundoplication site and the other in the area of the gastrostomy tube, positioned close to the pylorus. Of the 142 pediatric cases of gastric volvulus reported to date, only 7 describe it as a complication subsequent to gastric surgery, and just one case has been reported after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. This case shows that fundoplication and gastrostomy, a recommended treatment for gastric volvulus, does not always preclude its development. Increasing numbers of pediatric surgeons are performing laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication procedures. The authors advise surgeons to consider this potentially fatal complication, both intraoperatively when selecting a location for gastrostomy and postoperatively when evaluating complaints.     

Standard technique for laparoscopic Nissen and laparoscopic toupet fundoplication

Summary   Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication are helpful procedures to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. Methods: Patients with an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter and an unwillingness or failure of medical treatment are optimal candidates for surgery. Careful evaluation of the patient with manometry, 24-hour pH monitoring and endoscopy is important. Results: The feasibility and the short term outcome of the laparoscopic procedure are established. There is a steep learning curve, but in the hand of experienced surgeons the mortality and morbidity is low compared to the open procedure. There is an overall satisfaction rate of 87 % to 100 %. The most frequent complications after surgery are dysphagia, which occurs in 5.5 % after fundoplication, and recurrent reflux which occurs in 3.4 %. The latter is more common after the laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication. Conclusions: Laparoscopic antireflux procedures appear to be superior to medical treatment in patients with severe reflux disease. Long term follow up data is awaited.      

Surgical treatment of therapy-resistant reflux after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A case series of the modified Nissen fundoplication

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with intractable reflux after RYGB have limited treatment options. Here a modified Nissen fundoplication (MNF) as described by N. Kawahara might be the answer.

Methods: In this retrospective case study we identified six patients with therapy-resistant GERD after RYGB. All six were treated with a MNF, using the remnant stomach to construct the fundoplication. Short term follow-up 1 month and 6–12 months postoperatively was conducted to inquire about GERD symptoms.

Results: Six patients underwent a MNF. Three out of six patients had had a gastric band in their medical history. Upper GI barium swallow test revealed herniation of the gastric pouch in 4/6 patients. After surgery all patients were symptom free and 4/6 completely stopped PPI treatment.

Discussion: Mechanisms of new onset or deteriorating GERD after RYGB are herniation of gastric pouch and destruction of the lower esophageal sphincter after banding. Both problems are tackled when constructing a MNF.

Conclusion: Complete symptom relief was seen 1 month after MNF. The procedure seems safe, feasible and effective. The study is limited by small sample size and short follow-up yet shows clear improvement of symptoms. Larger trials are needed to establish validity of the MNF.     

Complete fundoplication is not associated with increased dysphagia in patients with abnormal esophageal motility

Abnormal esophageal motility is a relative contraindication to complete (360-degree) fundoplication because of a purported risk of postoperative dysphagia. Partial fimdoplication, however, may be associated with increased postoperative esophageal acid exposure. Our aim was to determine if complete fundoplication is associated with increased postoperative dysphagia in patients with abnormal esophageal motor function. Medical records of 140 patients (79 females; mean age 48 ±1.1 years) who underwent fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were reviewed retrospectively to document demographic data, symptoms, and diagnostic test results. Of the 126 patients who underwent complete fundoplication, 25 met manometric criteria for abnormal esophageal motility (≤30 mm Hg mean distal esophageal body pressure or ≤80% peristalsis), 68 had normal esophageal function, and 33 had incomplete manometric data and were therefore excluded from analysis. Of the 11 patients who underwent partial fundoplication, eight met criteria for abnormal esophageal motility, two had normal esophageal function, and one had incomplete data and was therefore excluded. After a median follow-up of 2 years (range 0.5 to 5 years), patients were asked to report heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and overall satisfaction using a standardized scoring scale. Complete responses were obtained in 72%. Sixty-five patients who underwent complete fundoplication and had manometric data available responded (46 normal manometry; 19 abnormal manometry). Outcomes were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. After complete fundoplication, similar postoperative heartburn, swallowing, and overall satisfaction were reported by patients with normal and abnormal esophageal motility. Likewise, similar outcomes were reported after partial fundoplication. This retrospective study found equally low dysphagia rates regardless of baseline esophageal motility; therefore a randomized trial comparing complete versus partial fundoplication in patients with abnormal esophageal motility is warranted. Presented at the Forty-First Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Diego, Calif., May 2l–24, 2000 (poster presentation).     

Severely disordered esophageal peristalsis is not a contraindication to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Background Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is the preferred operation for the control of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The use of a full fundoplication for patients with esophageal dysmotility is controversial. Although LNF is known to be superior to a partial wrap for patients with weak peristalsis, its efficacy for patients with severe dysmotility is unknown. We hypothesized that LNF is also acceptable for patients with severe esophageal dysmotility. Methods A multicenter retrospective review of consecutive patients with severe esophageal dysmotility who underwent an LNF was performed. Severe dysmotility was defined by manometry showing an esophageal amplitude of 30 mmHg or less and/or 70% or more nonperistaltic esophageal body contractions. Results In this study, 48 patients with severe esophageal dysmotility underwent LNF. All the patients presented with symptoms of GERD, and 19 (39%) had preoperative dysphagia. A total of 10 patients had impaired esophageal body contractions, whereas 32 patients had an abnormal esophageal amplitude, and 6 patients had both. The average abnormal esophageal amplitude was 24.9 ± 5.2 mmHg (range, 6.0–30 mmHg). The mean percentage of nonperistaltic esophageal body contractions was 79.4% ± 8.3% (range, 70–100%). There were no intraoperative complications and no conversions. Postoperatively, early dysphagia occurred in 35 patients (73%). Five patients were treated with esophageal dilation, which was successful in three cases. One patient required a reoperative fundoplication. Overall, persistent dysphagia was found in two patients (4.2%), including one patient with severe preoperative dysphagia, which improved postoperatively. Abnormal peristalsis and/or distal amplitude improved postoperatively in 12 (80%) of retested patients. There were no cases of Barrett’s progression to dysplasia or carcinoma. During an average follow-up period of 25.4 months (range, 1–46 months), eight patients (16%) were receiving antireflux medications, with six of these showing normal esophageal pH study results. Conclusion The LNF procedure provides low rates of reflux recurrence with little long-term postoperative dysphagia experienced by patients with severely disordered esophageal peristalsis. Effective fundoplication improved esophageal motility for most of the patients. A 360° fundoplication should not be contraindicated for patients with severe esophageal dysmotility.     

Causes of long-term dysphagia after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic fundoplication has revolutionized the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Despite improvements in the technique of fundoplication, persistent dysphagia remains a significant cause of postoperative morbidity. METHOD: Causes of persistent postoperative dysphagia were analyzed in a consecutive series of 167 patients after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Short gastric vessel division and its effect on postoperative dysphagia were analyzed. RESULTS: Follow-up was possible in 139 patients (83%). The mean follow-up period was 27 +/- 21 months. Nine patients (6%) had persistent (moderate to severe) dysphagia, and 33 patients (24%) had mild dysphagia. The satisfaction score among patients with persistent dysphagia was significantly lower than that in patients with mild dysphagia (P < 0.0002). On the other hand, the satisfaction rate among patients with mild dysphagia and those who are asymptomatic was similar. Manometry, performed in 7 of 9 persistent dysphagia patients revealed no difference in postoperative lower esophagus sphincter (LES) pressure and relaxation as compared with that in the control group (n = 52). Six of 9 patients with persistent dysphagia underwent a re-do antireflux procedure. Dysphagia as related to fundic mobilization (complete vs. partial) or bougie size (< 58 Fr. vs. > or = 58 Fr.) revealed no difference in the dysphagia ratings. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic short Nissen fundoplication with or without fundic mobilization achieved an acceptable long-term dysphagia rate. Careful patient selection, identification of the short esophagus, and accurate construction of the fundoplication can lead to a decrease in the incidence of persistent postoperative dysphagia.     

The respiratory advantage of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Background/purpose

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is replacing the open approach in the treatment of children with gastroesophageal reflux. The postoperative respiratory advantages seem obvious but remain unproven. The authors hypothesized that laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication provides postoperative respiratory advantages in neurologically normal children as well as those with mental retardation or profound neurologic impairment.

Methods

The charts of all laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications over a 4-year period were reviewed. Sixty-one laparoscopic procedures were compared with the most recent 61 consecutive open Nissen fundoplications. The following variables were reviewed: age, weight, gender, preexisting comorbidities, operating time, postoperative pulmonary complications, and length of stay. Categorical data were compared for significance utilizing χ² cross tabulation. Variables representing numerical data were compared by t test.

Results

Although there appeared to be a trend toward sicker patients in the open group, the laparoscopic group showed significantly improved rates of extubation, shorter recovery room stays, shorter durations of chest physiotherapy, fewer intensive care unit admissions, more rapid resumption of baseline feedings, and overall decreased length of stay (P < 0.05). Pulmonary benefits also were noted in the neurologically impaired population when analyzed separately.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication confers a definable benefit with a significant pulmonary advantage in both neurologically normal children and those with neurologic impairment.     

Nissen fundoplication: three causes of failure (video)

Background Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) has become the most commonly performed antireflux procedure for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The rate of failure following fundoplication varies from 2% to 30%, and revision is required in many of the patients who have recurrent or new foregut symptoms. Common causes of failure include hiatal hernia, wrap disruption, slipped wrap, and misplaced wrap. Methods This video depicts three different causes of failure of LNF, each demonstrated while perfoming a redo fundoplication. The first case shows a common cause of failure, a misplaced wrap. Less common causes of failure are seen in the second and third cases: a retained foreign body and fundus herniation through the retroesophageal space. In the first two cases, following the dissection of the original wrap, the proper construction of a Nissen fundoplication is shown. Results The first patient developed recurrent reflux symptoms that can be explained by the misplaced wrap. In case two, the patient’s dysphagia was a result of a retained foreign body from the initial procedure creating a fibrotic reaction and esophageal stricture. The final case shows how chronic failure can sometimes have an acute presentation. We see the patient’s gastric fundus has herniated through the retroesophageal space and it has become incarcerated and volvulized, creating a closed loop obstruction and acute distention. Conclusions The surgeon watching this video can appreciate the identification of various causes of LNF failure, the approach to dissection of the old wraps, and the important steps in the creation of a Nissen fundoplication. This article contains a supplementary video.     

Fever after redo Nissen fundoplication with hiatal hernia repair

Background

Fevers often arise after redo fundoplication with hiatal hernia repair. We reviewed our experience to evaluate the yield of a fever work-up in this population.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of children undergoing redo Nissen fundoplication with hiatal hernia repair between December 2001 and September 2012. Temperatures and fever evaluations of those children receiving a mesh repair were compared with those without mesh. A fever defined as temperature ≥38.4°C.

Results

Fifty one children received 46 laparoscopic, 4 open, and 1 laparoscopic converted to open procedures. Biosynthetic mesh was used in 25 children whereas 26 underwent repair without mesh. A fever occurred in 56% of those repaired with mesh compared with 23.1% without mesh (P = 0.02). A fever evaluation was conducted in 32% of those with mesh compared with 11.5% without mesh (P = 0.52). A urinary tract infection was identified in one child after mesh use and an infection was identified in two children without mesh, one pneumonia and one wound infection (P = 1). In those repaired with mesh, there was no significant difference in maximum temperature.

Conclusions

Fever is common after redo Nissen fundoplication with hiatal hernia repair and occurs more frequently, and with higher temperatures in those with mesh. Fever work-up in these patients is unlikely to yield an infectious source and is attributed to the extensive dissection during the redo procedure.     

腹腔镜Nissen胃底折叠术对胃食管反流病患者食管动力学的影响

目的通过食管高分辨率测压（high resolution manometry,HRM）对比胃食管反流病（gastroesophageal reflux disease,GERD）患者腹腔镜下Nissen胃底折叠术（laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication,LNF）前后食管动力学的改变情况,探讨手术的抗反流原理。 方法选取2014年6月至2016年7月,火箭军总医院73例连续住院的GERD患者,LNF术前1周内行包括HRM在内一系列术前评估,术后GERD症状明显缓解且吞咽困难等并发症已经消失时复查HRM。对手术前后2次HRM的9个食管动力学参数进行对比分析,并按术前是否存在食管裂孔疝进一步分组分析。 结果术后患者食管长度平均延长了（0.43±1.72）cm,腹腔内下食管括约肌长度平均延长了（1.20± 0.94）cm,术后患者下食管括约肌静息压平均增加了（5.99±7.79）mmHg（1 mmHg=0.133 kPa）,综合松弛压平均增加了（3.41±5.43）mmHg;远端收缩分数平均增加了（157.26±596.01）mmHg·s·cm,远端收缩延迟时间平均增加了（0.93±2.30）s;上述6个动力学参数与术前比较差异均有统计学意义（P=0.04,<0.01,<0.01,<0.01,0.03,<0.01）。而术后下食管括约肌长度、食管上括约肌压力和收缩前沿速度与术前相比差异无统计学意义（P=0.83,0.43,0.73）。食管长度、下食管括约肌长度和远端收缩分数在食管裂孔疝患者中较无食管裂孔疝患者改善更为显著（P<0.01,<0.01,<0.01）。 结论LNF主要通过延长腹腔内食管长度,增强下食管括约压力,增强食管的廓清功能,从而到达有效的抗反流作用。其中合并食管裂孔疝的患者较无食管裂孔疝患者术后上述食管动力学改善更为显著。     

Postoperative esophageal physiology studies may help to predict long-term symptoms following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Background Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is an established treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Postoperative improvement in esophageal physiology can be indicative of successful surgery, but the degree to which it correlates with symptom control remains questionable. We have performed this study to assess the utility of postoperative esophageal physiology studies in predicting long-term symptomatic outcome. Methods Between August 1997 and August 2003, 145 patients with symptomatic GERD underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication as part of a randomized trial. Four months after surgery patients were invited to have postoperative esophageal physiology studies. In November 2005, a postal questionnaire was sent to all patients in order to assess reflux symptomatology (DeMeester symptom score). Results Completed symptom questionnaires were returned by 108 patients (74%) after a median of 5.7 years postoperatively. Linear regression of manometry data showed a significant correlation between the level of postoperative neosphincter pressure either above or below the median and long-term scores for heartburn (p = 0.03), dysphagia (p = 0.02), regurgitation (p = 0.01), and total symptom score (p = 0.002). In contrast, there was no evidence of a significant correlation between results of postoperative esophageal pH studies and symptom scores. Conclusion Postoperative physiology studies, particularly manometry, may be predictive of long-term symptoms following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Presented as an oral abstract on 20 April 2007 at SAGES 2007, Las Vegas, USA     

Effects of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication on esophageal motility

Background This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication on esophageal motility in patients with preoperative esophageal dysmotility. Methods This study prospectively followed 580 patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication between 1992 and 1999. Esophageal manometry, 24-h pH monitoring, and symptom score assessment were performed before surgery, then 6 months, 2 years, and 5 years after surgery. Preoperatively, 533 of the patients (93.5%) had normal esophageal contractile pressure (group 1), whereas 38 of the patients (6.5%) had reduced contractile pressure (<30 mmHg) (group 2). Results Esophageal contractile pressures increased significantly in the patients with low preoperative values, whereas it remained unchanged in the patients with normal preoperative contractile pressures. Both groups reported a significant reduction in the dysphagia symptom score after surgery. Conclusion Nissen fundoplication produces a significant long-lasting increase in esophageal contractile pressures in patients with preoperative esophageal dysmotility (i.e., contractile pressure lower than 30 mmHg). Preoperative esophageal dysmotility is therefore not a contraindication to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Presented at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) meeting, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 13–16 April 2005     

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in children

Laparoscopic surgery for the definitive treatment of gastroesophageal reflux (GOR) has become an accepted alternative to conventional techniques in adults. Although relatively rare, GOR in children represents an important clinical entity with symptoms including failure to thrive, nocturnal dyspnea, and vomiting. This paper details our experience in eight children who have undergone a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for failed medical treatment of severe GOR. Particular attention is paid to technical aspects of the procedure and the differences between adult and pediatric techniques are emphasized. The preliminary results suggest that a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a safe procedure which significantly improves reflux symptoms in children and that these results are comparable to those obtained with conventional surgery.     

Hospital admissions for respiratory symptoms and failure to thrive before and after Nissen fundoplication

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine whether Nissen fundoplication decreases hospital admissions for respiratory symptoms and failure to thrive (FTT).

Methods

A retrospective study using discharge abstract data from Southern California Kaiser Permanente hospitals during the last decade was done. Three hundred forty-two pediatric patients had at least one Nissen fundoplication. Hospital admissions for aspiration and other pneumonia, respiratory distress/apnea, and FTT were determined before and after Nissen fundoplication. Age and associated neurologic disorders were also studied. Statistical analysis was determined by χ² analysis, Poisson regression analysis, and relative risk.

Results

The number of patients requiring hospital admission for aspiration and other pneumonia, respiratory distress/apnea, and FTT was similar before and after Nissen fundoplication. The proportion of readmission within 1 year after Nissen fundoplication for aspiration pneumonia was 0.1250 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0266-0.3236); other pneumonia, 0.5465 (95% CI, 0.4355-0.6542); respiratory distress/apnea, 0.5039 (95% CI, 0.4145-0.5931); and FTT, 0.5669 (95% CI, 0.4761-0.6545). Associated neurologic disorders independently increased hospital admissions for aspiration and other pneumonia, respiratory distress/apnea, and FTT. Age was inversely related to hospital admissions for respiratory distress and FTT.

Conclusion

Nissen fundoplication did not improve hospital admissions for pneumonia, respiratory distress/apnea, and FTT. Associated neurologic disorders increased readmissions for pneumonia, respiratory distress/apnea, and FTT, whereas increasing age decreased readmission for respiratory distress and FTT.     

Effectiveness of alimemazine in controlling retching after Nissen fundoplication

Background

Retching, an early component of the emetic reflex, is a common and distressing symptom in children after Nissen fundoplication. Alimemazine (trimeprazine, Vallergan; Castlemead, Herts, UK) is a phenothiazine derivative histamine₁ antagonist, which anecdotally relieves the retching symptoms.

Material and Methods

A prospective, double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study of 15 neurologically impaired children with retching after Nissen fundoplication over a period of 1 year (December 2002-December 2003). Patients were randomly allocated to receive 1 week each of alimemazine and placebo with crossover. A diary was maintained of retching episodes 1 week before, during, and 1 week after the trial. Dosage of alimemazine used was 0.25 mg/kg 3 times a day (maximum, 2.5 mg per dose). Statistical analysis was done using a paired Student's t test, where P value of less than .05 was considered significant. Results are presented as mean ± SD.

Results

Twelve parents completed the diaries (9 open, 3 laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication). Median age of the child was 36 months (8-180 months), median duration of retching was 4.5 months (1-52 months), and mean number of retching episodes per week was 60 ± 29.40. Mean number of retching episodes with alimemazine was 10.42 ± 9.48 vs 47.67 ± 27.79 with a placebo (P < .0001). No adverse effects were reported in those cases that completed the study.

Conclusion

At low dose, alimemazine (Vallergan) is a safe and effective drug in the management of retching after Nissen fundoplication.     

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.     

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in children: a single surgeon's experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adult laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has been steadily growing since its introduction to the United States in the 1990s. Its advantage over the traditional open approach is manifold. Application of laparoscopic fundoplication to children is slowly but surely following this trend. This study evaluates our initial experience with pediatric laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 25 consecutive laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications performed by a single surgeon (GS) at our institution in the past three years. The patient ages ranged from 7 months to 18 years (mean, 7 years). All patients had documented gastroesophageal reflux disease. Complications from the reflux included vomiting in 15 patients, failure to thrive in nine, esophagitis in nine, and pulmonary symptoms in six. RESULTS: All Nissen fundoplications were performed laparoscopically without need for conversion to open technique. Blood loss was less than 50 cc in all cases. A tube gastrostomy was concurrently performed in 17. Mean operative time in all cases was 221 minutes. Average postoperative day on which feedings were begun was day 2, with an average resumption of regular feedings on postoperative day 3.5. Average date of discharge was postoperative day 6.8. Complications included difficulty controlling glucose in an insulin-dependent diabetic, and a lost needle, which added an additional hour to the operative time. There were eight admissions to the pediatric intensive care unit, all for observation secondary to their underlying medical problems. There was one postoperative death due to an underlying medical condition. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a safe and effective treatment option for children suffering from significant reflux. Time to regular feeding, analgesia requirements and hospital stay are decreased when compared to traditional procedures. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication may well become the procedure of choice for pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease.     

Significant weight loss after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Background Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) has evolved as a gold standard in antireflux surgery. However, the association between body weight and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is still unclear, and no data are available concerning the effect of fundoplication on body weight. We present the first report elucidating the impact of LNF on body weight in GERD patients with special emphasis on patients quality of life.Methods From July 2000 to March 2003, LNF was carried out in 213 patients (85 women and 128 men) after thorough preoperative examination including clinical interview with standardized assessment of symptoms and quality of life (QoL), endosocopy, barium swallow, 24-h pH-metry, and manometry. Follow-up investigations were performed 3 and 12 months after LNF obtainable from 209 patients (98.1%) and 154 patients (72.3%), respectively.Results The mean body mass index (BMI) decreased significantly after LNF (27.6 ± 5.6 kg/m² before LNF vs 26.0 ± 3.8 kg/m² after LNF, p < 0.001). Twelve months after LNF, neither a tendency toward a renewed increase nor a further decrease in BMI was observable. The average body weight loss was 3.9 kg. BMI reduction was higher in women than in men (p < 0.002), and obese patients lost more weight than lean patients (p < 0.001). There was no association between BMI reduction and dysphagia. Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not change after LNF. The mean general score of the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index markedly improved (90.1 ± 21.3 before LNF vs 118.0 ± 16.2 after LNF, p < 0.01), as did the GERD-Health Related Quality of Life Index (21.9 ± 6.4 before LNF vs 3.5 ± 2.7 after LNF, p < 0.001). However, there was no association between changes in BMI and QoL.Conclusion LNF leads to significant and persistent body weight loss.