Laparoscopic or conventional Nissen fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: randomised clinical trial

Background For the surgical treatment of gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GORD), laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has largely replaced the open procedure. Retrospective and prospective non-randomized studies have shown similar results after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication compared with the open procedure. Methods in a multicentre randomised trial candidates for surgical treatment of GORD were randomly assigned to either laparoscopic or open 360 degrees Nissen fundoplication. Primary endpoints were dysphagia, recurrent GORD, and intrathoracic hernia. Secondary endpoints were effectiveness and quality of life. This planned interim analysis focuses on endpoints and complications and in-hospital costs. Findings At the time of interim analysis 11 patients in the laparoscopic group and one in the conventional group had reached a primary endpoint (p=0.01; relative risk=8.8, 95% CI 1.2-66.3). This difference was caused mainly by whether or not patients hd dysphagia (seven patients in the laparoscopic group and none in the conventional group p=0.016). Interpretation Although laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was as effective as the open procedure in controlling reflux, the significantly higher risk of reaching a primary endpoint in the laparoscopic group led us to stop the study.