LAPAROSCOPIC ANTIREFLUX SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH EXTRA ESOPHAGEAL SYMPTOMS RELATED TO ASTHMA

Background

Asthma, laryngitis and chronic cough are atypical symptoms of the gastroesophagealreflux disease.

Aim

To analyze the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in the remission ofextra-esophageal symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux, related toasthma.

Methods

Were reviewed the medical records of 400 patients with gastroesophageal refluxdisease submitted to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication from 1994 to 2006, andidentified 30 patients with extra-esophageal symptoms related to asthma. Thevariables considered were: gender, age, gastroesophageal symptoms (heartburn, acidreflux and dysphagia), time of reflux disease, treatment with proton pumpinhibitor, use of specific medications, treatment and evolution, number of attacksand degree of esophagitis. Data were subjected to statistical analysis, comparingthe pre- and post-surgical findings.

Results

The comparative analysis before surgery (T1) and six months after surgery (T2)showed a significant reduction on heartburn and reflux symptoms. Apart from that,there was a significant difference between the patients with daily crises ofasthma (T1 versus T2, 45.83% to 16.67%, p=0.0002) and continuous crises (T1,41.67% versus T2, 8.33%, p=0.0002).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was effective in improving symptoms that aretypical of reflux disease and clinical manifestations of asthma.