PHYSIOLOGICAL AND SYMPTOMATIC OUTCOME AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC GASTRIC FUNDOPLICATION

The complications of open antireflux operations may be reduced by laparoscopic techniques. Fifteen patients of median age 42 (range 16-79) years with gastro-oesophageal reflux underwent laparoscopic fundoplication. Preoperative and postoperative assessment was by clinical scoring, oesophageal pH measurement and manometry. Median (range) operating time was 115 (60-210) min and hospital stay 3 (1-6) days, with no conversions to open operation and only one minor wound infection. Four patients had occasional reflux symptoms on postoperative assessment at a median of 7 weeks and nine had occasional dysphagia. Median DeMeester symptom scores improved from 4 to 1.5 (P=0.001). There were significant increases in both lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and length. The nocturnal proportion of time at pH<4 decreased from 9.6 to 0.05 per cent (P=0.02), although the drop in total proportion of time at pH<4 (10.4 to 2.2 per cent) was not statistically significant (P=0.08). Early objective results of laparoscopic fundoplication show improved symptoms, decreased acid reflux and altered lower sphincter function. The procedure combines the benefits of early mobilization and reduced morbidity with the efficacy of the traditional open operation.