Early robotic experience with paraesophageal hernia repair and Nissen fundoplication: short-term outcomes

The applications of robot-assisted surgery continue to expand. Several recent studies have examined the use of robotic Nissen fundoplication (RF) for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Our experience with RF has led us to introduce this technology for the treatment of paraesophageal hernias (PEH). There is little information about the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing robotic paraesophageal hernia repair (RPEH). The goal of our study was to summarize the short-term outcomes of patients who underwent either RF or RPEH. We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent RPEH and RF by a single surgeon between June, 2005 and August, 2006. Data collected included age, gender, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities and prior operations, and ASA class. Outcomes included operating times, length of stay, pain medication use, and perioperative complications. We performed a comparison of the two groups using the Mann–Whitney U test for statistical significance. Seven patients underwent RPEH, and 19 patients underwent RF alone. Four patients were excluded from the RF group. Patients in the RPEH group had a significantly higher BMI (33 vs. 26 kg/m², P = 0.007) and significantly more comorbidities (6 vs. 4, P = 0.004). There was no calculated statistical difference between the two groups in regards to age, ASA class, operating times, length of stay, or complications. Patients undergoing RPEH have similar short-term outcomes when compared to patients undergoing RF. The skills necessary for RF can be easily applied to RPEH, despite technical differences between the two operations. Similar morbidity can be anticipated between the two groups. Presented at the Minimally Invasive Robotic Association 2nd International Congress, January 2007, New York, NY, USA. Dr Dunnican has an unrelated research grant from the Natural Orifice Surgery Consortium for Assessment and Research.     

腹腔镜Nissen胃底折叠术治疗胃食管返流病的长期效果

目的:评价腹腔镜Nissen胃底折叠术(laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication,LNF)治疗胃食管返流病的长期效果。方法:从MEDLINE、EMBASE、中国生物医学数据库(CBM)及Cochrane试验注册中心检索纳入了1991年到2007年10月发表的LNF治疗返流性食管炎的随机对照实验,并对纳入研究的方法学质量(随机方法、分配隐藏、盲法)进行评价,最后用Rev-Man4.2.9软件进行分析。结果:纳入4个随机对照实验(RCT),包括440例患者,纳入随访研究共387例。术后主观结果如满意度[OR0.5095%CI(0.25,1.00)]、术后抑酸药物的使用[OR0.4595%CI(0.08,2.53)]、返酸和烧心症状差异无统计学意义,吞咽困难LNF发生率高于传统胃底折叠术(conventional Nissen fundoplicationm,CNF)[OR4.1695%CI(1.51,11.50)]。客观结果如再手术率[OR1.7795%CI0.78,4.72)]、食管测压和24h pH检测两组间差异无统计学意义。结论:本研究中LNF治疗胃食管返流病的长期效果和传统胃底折叠术差异无统计学意义,但LNF术后吞咽困难发生率可能较高。     

腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补术并胃底折叠术对患者生存质量的影响

目的:探讨腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补术并胃底折叠术对患者生存质量的影响。方法:采用消化病生存质量指数(gastrointestinal Lebens qualities index,GLQI)前瞻性地测定29例患者行腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补术和胃底折叠术前,术后2周、1个月、3个月、6个月的生存质量值,并进行临床分析。结果:术前患者GLQI指数平均(83.62±13.14),明显低于正常人群(121～125分);术后2周平均(86.76±10.16),较术前有所升高,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但患者精神、心理较术前改善(P<0.05);术后1个月、3个月平均为(106.83±8.40)及(113.35±8.54),较术前及术后2周明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后6个月平均(121.45±5.96),接近或达到正常水平。结论:腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补术和胃底折叠术可提高患者术后生存质量,使其生存质量接近或达到正常人水平。     

Short-term safety and symptomatic outcomes of transoral incisionless fundoplication with or without hiatal hernia repair in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background

A retrospective community-based study evaluated the safety and symptomatic outcomes of the transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) procedure with or without hiatal hernia repair (HHR) in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Materials and methods

Forty-eight patients underwent TIF using EsophyX (EndoGastric Solutions, Redmond, WA) in 3 community hospitals. Patients who presented with a hiatal hernia 3 cm or more in the greatest transverse diameter underwent laparoscopic HHR before TIF.

Results

Forty-two patients completed follow-up assessment at a median of 6 (range 1–11) months. Laparoscopic HHR was performed in 18 (43%) patients before TIF. There were no long-term postoperative complications. GERD-health related quality of life scores indicated heartburn elimination in 63% of patients. The need for daily proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy was eliminated in 76% of patients. Atypical symptom relief measured by the median reflux symptom index score reduction was significant (5 [0–47] vs 22 [2–42] on PPIs, P < .001).

Conclusions

Our results support the safety and symptomatic improvement of TIF with or without laparoscopic HHR. The patients' symptoms were significantly improved, and PPI use was significantly reduced.     

Clinical and radiologic assessment of laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair

Background: Unlike sliding hiatal hernias, paraesophageal hiatal hernias (PEH) present a risk of catastrophic complications and should be repaired. To assess laparoscopic repair of PEH, we prospectively evaluated the outcome of 38 consecutive patients with type II (20 patients) or III (18 patients) PEH treated laparoscopically. Methods: With the use of 5 or 6 ports, laparoscopic PEH reduction and repair was attempted. One patient (3%) was converted to an open procedure. In the first 12 patients, the hiatus was closed using varying techniques including the placement of prothestic mesh in 6 patients, and the hernia sac was not routinely excised. In the next 25 patients, the hernia sac always was excised and the hiatus routinely sutured posteriorly to the esophagus. Twenty-nine patients also underwent either a Nissen (n= 27) or Toupet (n= 2) fundoplication, which is now performed routinely. Sutured anterior gastropexy was performed selectively in 10 of the first 20 patients, then routinely, using T-fasteners in the last 17 patients. Barium swallow studies were performed on all patients at 3 to 5 months postoperatively. Results: Mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM) age was 67 ± 2 year (range, 39–92 years; 11 men, 27 women), and the American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) score was 2.5 ± 0.1. The operating time was 195 ± 10 min: 244 ± 15 min in the first 12 patients and 170 ± 11 min in the last 25 patients (p < 0.001). There were three (8%) intraoperation complications, which were treated without sequelae, and four (11%) grade II postoperation morbidities. Median discharge was 3 days, and return to full activity was 14 days. Two patients (5%) died of cardiovascular disease after discharge. Barium swallow revealed 2/35 (6%) PEH recurrences (1 reoperated), 3 (9%) intrathoracic wraps, and 3 (9%) small sliding hiatal hernias. At follow-up of 1 year or more, 6/28 (21%) patients noted mild symptoms of reflux or bloating, but only 1 patient (4%) required medication for these symptoms. Conclusions: Laparoscopic PEH repair offers a reasonable alternative to traditional surgery, especially for high-risk patients. Rapid recovery is achieved with acceptable morbidity and early outcome. Barium x-rays revealed hiatal abnormalities in a significant fraction of patients, many of whom were asymptomatic. Longer follow-up will be required to determine the ideal strategy for management of these patients. Received: 4 April 1998/Accepted: 9 December 1998     

腹腔镜胃底180°前折叠术治疗食管裂孔疝疗效分析

目的探讨腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补联合胃底180°前折叠术治疗食管裂孔疝疾病的可行性和安全性。方法回顾性分析了沧州市中西医结合医院与天津南开医院2008年9月至2013年6月采用腹腔镜技术治疗的180例食管裂孔疝患者资料,其中30例应用补片修补裂孔,剩余患者丝线缝合裂孔,均加做胃底180°前折叠（Dor手术）。结果手术顺利,无中转开腹者。术后随访3～60个月,手术效果满意率92.31％,术后3个月复查胃镜、上消化道造影等检查基本恢复正常。其中7例患者术后早期出现轻度反酸、烧心症状,均在4个月内通过保守治疗好转,无复发病例,无严重吞咽困难病例。结论腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补和胃底180°前折叠术治疗食管裂孔疝疾病有微创手术创伤小、恢复快、安全可行、疗效可靠等特点,值得临床广泛应用。     

Indications for the laparoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the indications and surgical techniques for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. METHODS: From 1998 through 2000, we performed gastroesophageal reflux surgery on 12 patients. Preoperative studies revealed third-degree esophagitis in most patients with no functional alterations of the esophagus itself. The patients underwent a laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication. No conversions to open laparotomy were necessary. The mean operative time was 180 minutes. RESULTS: No intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications occurred. The mean postoperative stay was 6.2 days. Transitory postoperative dysphagia was noted in 8 patients. In 5 patients, it was mild and regressed after 2 weeks; in 3 cases, it was severe and regressed over 2 months. CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic surgical approach is a satisfactory method for correcting gastroesophageal reflux disease. The efficacy of medical therapy has been well established. However, in the young person who may be required to take medication for many years or in those persons who are intolerant of standard medical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a surgical intervention is a satisfactory option. The success of medical therapy can be used as a predictive criterion of the success of laparoscopic Nissen-Rosetti fundoplication when normal motility of the esophageal corpus is present.     

Early results of the use of acellular dermal allograft in type III paraesophageal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Type III paraesophageal hernias are diaphragmatic defects with the risk of serious complications. High recurrence rates associated with primary suture repair are significantly improved with the use of a tension-free repair with prosthetic mesh. However, mesh in the hiatus is associated with multiple complications. A bio-engineered material from donated human tissue offers an attractive alternative material for hernia repair. This report is on the first series of laparoscopic type III paraesophageal hernia repairs with acellular dermal allografts (Allo-Derm, Lifecell Corporation, Branchburg, NJ) in 11 patients with follow-up evaluation. METHODS: From August 2003 to June 2004, 11 patients underwent laparoscopic repair of type III paraesophageal hernias with acellular dermal allografts. Patients were evaluated postoperatively with a symptoms questionnaire and barium esophagram. RESULTS: All patients were available for follow-up; however, 2 refused a barium esophagram. Average length of hospital stay was 3 days. Follow-up evaluation was at a mean interval of 1 year. Postoperatively, 9 of 11 patients reported no symptoms. Barium esophagram revealed one recurrence in an asymptomatic patient. CONCLUSION: Type III paraesophageal hernia can be laparoscopically repaired successfully with acellular dermal allografts.     

Evaluation of laparoscopic management of recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia: Long term results and evaluation of changing trends

Introduction

Recurrent gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) following fundoplication remains a common problem. This study evaluates a long-term experience with laparoscopic management of these cases.

Methods

From January 1994 to December 2012, 252 patients with recurrent GERD underwent a laparoscopic redo Nissen (LRN) fundoplication with average age of 6.8 years. Eighty-four had previous open fundoplications and 144 previous LNRs. Thirty-two had more than one previous fundoplication.

Results

All procedures were completed laparoscopically. The average operative time was 82 min. The intra-operative complication rate was 5.1%, the most common being a gastrostomy during the mobilization. The average time to full feeds was 1.4 days, and the average hospital stay was 1.6 days. The post-operative complication rate was 3.6%. The wrap failure rate was 6.2%. The most common cause of wrap failure was H/H, with increasing incidence of slipped wrap during the second half. The highest recurrence rate was in patients receiving their LNR before 4 months of age.

Conclusions

Redo Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is safe and effective, with the same benefits as a primary laparoscopic Nissen, with low morbidity and quick recovery. A change in the etiology of recurrence suggests that there is a failure to adequately identify and mobilize the GE junction in laparoscopic cases.     

腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补术联合胃底折叠术对胃食管反流病合并食管裂孔疝患者抗反流效果及生活质量的影响

目的探讨腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补术联合胃底折叠术对胃食管反流病（gastroesophageal reflux disease,GERD）合并食管裂孔疝（hiatus hernia,HH）患者抗反流效果及生活质量的影响。 方法选取新疆维吾尔自治区人民医院消化科住院部自2015年3月至2017年8月收治的78例GERD合并HH患者为研究对象,分为2组。观察组行腹腔镜HH修补术联合胃底折叠术（42例）,对照组行传统开腹术（36例）。随访观察2组患者手术情况、不良反应发生情况以及RDQ和GLQI评分。 结果观察组患者术中出血量和手术时间、术后住院时间、胃肠道功能恢复时间均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。术后3及6个月随访中,观察组的RDQ评分低于对照组,GLQI评分高于对照组（P<0.05）,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。观察组术后不良反应发生率为7.14%,对照组术后不良反应发生率为16.67%,但2组差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。 结论对于GERD合并HH患者,采用腹腔镜HH修补术联合胃底折叠术的手术方案,手术情况及抗反流效果更好,患者生活质量更高。     

Laparoscopic management of large paraesophageal hiatal hernia

Background: Large paraesophageal hernias (POHs) predominantly occur in the elderly population. Early repair is recommended to avoid the risks associated with gastric volvulus. Methods: Data were collected prospectively during an 8-year period. Laparoscopic repair of POHs initially included circumcision of the sac and mesh hiatal repair. Sac excision and suture hiatal repair were later adopted. A fundoplication was also included, initially as a selective procedure. Results: Fifty-three patients with large POHs were treated by one surgeon. All had attempted laparoscopic repair, with four conversions to an open procedure. Symptomatic hernia recurrence occurred in five patients (9%). The 21 patients who had sac excision, hiatal repair, and fundoplication have remained free of symptomatic recurrence. The postoperative morbidity rate was 13%, with one death. Conclusions: Laparoscopic repair of large POHs remains feasible. We advocate complete sac excision, hiatal repair, fundoplication, and gastropexy to prevent early recurrence.     

Long-term outcome of laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernia

Background

It has been reported that the laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernias is associated with higher complication and recurrence rates than the open methods of repair.

Methods

We identified 136 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of a paraesophageal hernia between 1993 and 1999. Patient demographics and symptom scores for regurgitation, heartburn, chest pain, and dysphagia at presentation and at last follow-up were recorded (0=none, 1=mild, 2=moderate, 3=severe). The operative records were reviewed, and early and late complications were noted. Only patients with a follow-up of 1 were included in the analysis.

Results

The median age was 64 years, and there was a female preponderance (1.8∶1). Most patients had some medical comorbidity; the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores were <2 in eight patients and ≥2 in 117 patients. Three laparoscopic operations were converted to open procedures. There were nine intraoperative complications, five early complications, and three related deaths (morbidity and mortality rates of 10.2% and 2.2%, respectively). Follow-up data were available for 83 patients (66%), and the mean follow-up time was 40 months (range, 12–82). The percentage of patients experiencing chest pain, dysphagia, heartburn, and regurgitation in the moderate to severe range dropped from a range of 34–47% to 5–7% (p<0.05). Three patients underwent repeat laparoscopic repair for symptomatic recurrence.

Conclusion

The laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernias provides excellent long-term symptomatic relief in the majority of patients and has a low rate of symptomatic recurrence. The complication and death rates may be related in part to the higher incidence of comorbidities in this somewhat elderly patient population.     

Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair with acellular dermal matrix cruroplasty

Background:

Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (LPEHR) has been shown to be both safe and efficacious. Compulsory operative steps include reduction of the stomach from the mediastinum, resection of the mediastinal hernia sac, ensuring an appropriate intraabdominal esophageal length, and crural closure. The use of mesh materials in the repair of hiatal hernias remains controversial. Synthetic mesh may reduce hernia recurrences, but may increase postoperative dysphagia and result in esophageal erosion. Human acellular dermal matrix (HADM) may reduce the incidence of hernia recurrence with reduced complications compared with synthetic mesh.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all cases of laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair using HADM from December 2008 through March 2010 at a single institution was performed evaluating demographic information, BMI, operative times, length of stay, and complications.

Discussion:

Forty-six LPEHRs with HADM were identified. The mean age of patients was 60.3 years (±13.9); BMI 30.3 (±5.3); operative time 182 minutes (±56); and length of stay 2.6 days (±1.9). Nine of 46 (19.6%) patients experienced perioperative complications, including subcutaneous emphysema without pneumothorax (n=2), urinary retention (n=1), COPD exacerbation (n=2), early dysphagia resolving before discharge (n=1), esophageal perforation (n=1), delayed gastric perforation occurring 30 days postoperatively associated with gas bloat syndrome (n=1), and PEG site abscess (n=1). There were 2 clinically recurrent hernias (4.3%). Radiographic recurrences occurred in 2 of 26 patients (7.7%). Six of 46 (13%) patients reported persistent dysphagia.

Conclusion:

LPEHR with HADM crural reinforcement is an effective method of repairing symptomatic paraesophageal hernias with low perioperative morbidity. Recurrences occur infrequently with this technique. No mesh-related complications were seen in this series.     

Short-term outcome of laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair

Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the morbidity, mortality, and short-term outcomes associated with laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (LPHR). Methods: A series of 58 consecutive LPHRs performed by the author were reviewed with an average 1-year follow-up. Morbidity and mortality rates were compared with historical series of open repairs. Anatomy and technical considerations pertinent to LPHR were reviewed. Results: There were no procedure-related or perioperative deaths in this series of patients undergoing LPHR. Four major complications occurred (7%), two of which required reoperation, all in urgently repaired patients. One patient required conversion to laparotomy (1.7%). Based on symptoms, there were no reherniations. No patients had long-term dysphagia worse than preoperatively. Preoperative symptoms of chest pain, esophageal obstruction, hemorrhage, and reflux were resolved in all patients. Conclusions: LPHR is safe, effective, and compares favorably to historical series of open paraesophageal hernia repair. Received: 24 July 1996/Accepted: 20 November 1996     

Mid term analysis of safety and quality of life after the laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hiatal hernia

Background Initial experience with the laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal and type III mixed hiatal hernias showed that it is safe and feasible, with excellent immediate and short-term results. However, after a longer follow-up, a recurrence rate of 40% has been demonstrated. Data related to the outcome of paraesophageal hernia repair and the recurrence rate are still lacking. Quality-of-life scores may offer a better means of assessing the impact of surgical treatment on the overall health status of patients. Therefore, we performed prospective evaluation of anatomic and/or symptomatic recurrences after paraesophageal or large hiatal hernia repair. In addition, we investigated the correlation between recurrence and the patients quality of life.Methods All patients after who had undergone repair of paraesophageal of mixed hiatal hernia were identified prospectively from a database consisting of all patients who had had laparoscopic operations for gastroesophageal pathology at our hospital between February 1998 and December 2002. The preoperative symptoms were taken from patients clinical files. In March 2003, all patients with 6 months of follow-up had a barium swallow and were examined for radiological and clinical signs of recurrence. Thereafter, the patients quality of life after surgery was evaluated using three standard questionnaires (Short Form 36 [SF-36], Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score [GDSS], and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index [GIQLI].Result During the study period, 46 patients had been operated on. The mean age was 63 years (range, 28–93). Thirty seven of them had a follow-up of 6 months. Eight patients (21%) had postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms. Barium swallow was performed in 30 patients (81%) and showed a recurrence in six of them (20%). According to SF-36 and GDSS, the patients postoperative quality of life reached normal values and did not differ significantly from the standard values for the Spanish population of similar age and with similar comorbidities. Successfully operated patients reached a GIQLI value comparable to the standard population. However, symptomatic patients had significantly lower GIQLI scores than the asymptomatic or the Rx-recurrent group.Conclusion The laparoscopic treatment of large paraesophageal and mixed hiatal hernias is not only feasible and safe but also offers a good quality of life on a midterm basis. However, the anatomic and functional recurrence rate is high. The next step is to identify the subset of patients who are at risk of failure and to establish technical alternatives that would ensure the durability of the repair.Presented in foster format at the 2003 scientific meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Los Angeles, CA, USA, March 2003, and as a free paper at the 10th congress of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EASES), Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, June 2003     

Risk factors for recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease after fundoplication in pediatric patients: a case-control study

Background/Purpose

Recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease (rGERD) is a common problem after fundoplication. Previous studies attempting to identify risk factors for rGERD have failed to control for confounding variables. The purpose of this study was to identify significant risk factors for rGERD after controlling for potential confounding variables.

Methods

A retrospective, matched case-control study was conducted at a tertiary children's hospital. Cases (n = 116) met 1 of these criteria: reoperation for rGERD, symptomatic rGERD (confirmed by upper gastrointestinal series, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or pH monitoring), or postoperative reinstitution of antireflux medication for more than 8 weeks. Controls (n = 209) were matched for surgeon, approach (laparoscopic/open), technique (partial/complete), and approximate operative date. Univariate and multivariable associations were analyzed by conditional logistic regression.

Results

Significant risk factors for rGERD were age of less than 6 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-7.5), preoperative hiatal hernia (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.4-7.3), postoperative retching (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 2.6-10.0), and postoperative esophageal dilatation (OR, 10.8; 95% CI, 1.8-65.4). Interestingly, significant association was not found between neurologic impairment and rGERD after controlling for potential confounding variables.

Conclusion

Age of less than 6 years, preoperative hiatal hernia, postoperative retching, and postoperative esophageal dilatation are independently associated with increased risk of rGERD. Neurologic impairment alone does not increase the risk of developing rGERD.     

Quality of life and predictors of long-term outcome in patients undergoing open Nissen fundoplication for chronic gastroesophageal reflux

BACKGROUND: Long-term outcome of antireflux operations as well as pre- and postoperative parameters able to predict their clinical results are still controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate long-term quality of life of patients undergoing open fundoplication for chronic GERD and to investigate pre- and early postoperative functional parameters possibly related to persistence or recurrence of symptoms. METHODS: A cohort of 25 patients who underwent open Nissen fundoplications was reviewed for an evaluation of long-term residual symptoms and quality of life at an average follow-up of more than 10 years. Clinical evaluation was performed by using a symptom-specific score (DeMeester's score), 3 health-related quality of life scores, a GERD-specific (GERD-HRQL score) score, and 2 generic scores (SF-36) evaluating physical and psychological well-being. Subjective satisfaction grade of the patients was also investigated. In addition, a univariate analysis is provided, according to the long-term presence or absence of residual symptoms (120.6-month follow-up), taking into account pre- and postoperative (6-month follow-up) data of endoscopy, 24-hour pH monitoring, stationary manometry, and gastric-emptying test. RESULTS: Persistence or recurrence of GERD-specific symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation) were reported by 8 patients (32%); 2 patients (8%) were reoperated on for persistent dysphagia, whereas 17 patients (68%) were asymptomatic. GERD-HRQL and SF-36 scores displayed significant postoperative improvement, which continued in long-term follow-up. Twenty patients (80%) had repeat fundoplication. Among tested parameters, only postoperative mean supine esophageal clearance and gastric emptying half-time, although on average improved significantly after the antireflux procedure, differed significantly in long-term asymptomatic and symptomatic subgroups. In long-term asymptomatic patients, postoperative (6 month) mean supine esophageal clearance was 0.8 +/- 0.3 minutes (P = .011) and 2.4 +/- 0.2 minutes in symptomatic patients. Postoperative (6 month) mean gastric emptying half-time of long-term asymptomatic patients was 93.3 +/- 8.9 minutes, whereas in symptomatic patients it was 127.5 +/- 14.3 minutes (P = .047). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing Nissen fundoplication had a satisfactory long-term quality of life. Clinical results did not deteriorate over time and showed to be related to postoperative esophageal clearance and gastric emptying, which could be regarded as early postoperative predictors of long-term clinical outcome.     

Outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease and paraesophageal hernia

Background: Laparoscopic fundoplication has become the standard for operative treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: We reviewed our experience with 1,000 consecutive patients receiving laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD (n = 882) or paraesophageal hernia (n = 118) between October 1991 and July 1999. Patients with achalasia and failed fundoplication were excluded from analysis. All the patients were evaluated preoperatively by upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and barium swallow. After 1994, 24-h pH monitoring was performed selectively in patients with extraesophageal symptoms and/or those without erosive esophagitis. There were 490 men 510 women in this review. Their mean age was 49 years. Procedures performed were 360° floppy fundoplication (n = 879), 360° fundoplication without fundus mobilization (Rossetti) (n = 22), 270° posterior fundoplication (n = 96), and anterior fundoplication (n = 2). Esophageal lengthening procedure (Collis gastroplasty) was performed in combination with fundoplication in 15 patients. In seven patients the treatment was converted to open fundoplication. Outcomes: The average length of hospitalization was 2.2 days, and 136 patients stayed longer than 2 days. Major complications occurred in 21 patients: esophageal perforation (n= 10), acute paraesophageal herniation (n = 4), splenic bleeding (n = 2), cardiac arrest (n = 1), pneumonia (n = 3), and testicular abscess (n = 1). Additional operations were required to manage the complications in 14 patients (70%): Four of these procedures were performed emergently, and 10 patients underwent reoperation between 6 h and 10 days. There were three deaths, all of which involved elderly patients with paraesophageal hernia. There were 35 late failures requiring reoperation for recurrence of GERD or development of new symptoms: The treatment of 32 patients was revised laparoscopically, and 4 patients required laparotomy. Beyond 1 year (median follow-up period, 27 months), 94% of the reviewed patients were satisfied with their surgical outcome. apd: 7 May 2001     

Minimal vs extensive esophageal mobilization during laparoscopic fundoplication: a prospective randomized trial

Purpose

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has been traditionally performed with extensive esophageal dissection to create 2 to 3 cm of intraabdominal esophagus. Retrospective data have suggested that minimal esophageal mobilization may reduce the risk of postoperative herniation of the wrap into the lower mediastinum. To compare complete esophageal dissection to leaving the phrenoesophageal attachment intact, we conducted a 2-center, prospective, randomized trial.

Methods

After obtaining permission/assent, patients were randomized to circumferential division of the phrenoesophageal attachments (MAX) or minimal mobilization with no violation of the phrenoesophageal membrane (MIN). A contrast study was performed at 1 year. The primary outcome variable was postoperative wrap herniation.

Results

One hundred seventy-seven patients were enrolled in the study (MIN, n = 90; MAX, n = 87) from February 2006 to May 2008. There were no differences in demographics or operative time. Contrast studies were performed in 64 MIN and 71 MAX patients, respectively. The transmigration rate was 30% in the MAX group compared with 7.8% in the MIN group (P = .002). The reoperation rate was 18.4% in the MAX group and 3.3% in the MIN group (P = .006)

Conclusions

Minimal esophageal mobilization during laparoscopic fundoplication decreases postoperative wrap transmigration and the need for a redo operation.     

腹腔镜食道裂孔疝修补联合胆囊切除术的临床应用探讨

目的探讨腹腔镜下食道裂孔疝修补联合胆囊切除手术的临床应用。方法回顾性分析24例腹腔镜食道裂孔疝修补联合胆囊切除术患者的临床资料。结果 24例均获成功,无并发症发生及中转开腹,术后4～7d痊愈出院。结论腹腔镜下食道裂孔疝修补联合胆囊切除术能安全有效的处理腹部多发病变,在掌握好手术适应证的条件下是安全可行的。