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Abstract [en]
Background: The study started in 1994 after over 50 laparoscopic 360o fundoplications had been performed by the surgeons involved. Complete mobilization of the fundus with posterior crural repair was used where a short floppy total fundoplication was constructed using three non-absorbable sutures, two of them including the esophageal wall. Initial experience in the first 50 consecutive patients operated laparoscopically in this center demonstrated 90% good reflux control.
Methods: Adult patients with uncomplicated reflux disease during the years 1994-1998 were included in this prospective ranomized clincal trial between laparoscopic and open total fundoplication. Patients with long segment Barrett's esophagus, strictures, unhealed severe esophagitis or paraesophageal hernia were excluded, as were patients with previous esophagus or stomach operations, those with weak peristalsis or suspected short esophagus. Two senior surgeons well trained in laparoscopic antireflux surgery performed the 45 laparoscopic operations. Forty-eight patients underwent open surgery performed and supervised by two other senior surgeons well trained in gastroesophageal surgery. One of the latter recruited all patients. Manometry and 24-h esophageal pH monitoring were performed before operation and half a year postoperatively. Manometry also included a short-term reflux test, an acid clearing test and an acid perfusion test. Symptom evaluation (modified DeMeester score) was performed before operation, half a year after and at long-term follow-up (33-79 months postoperatively). Long-term follow-up also included endoscopy.
Results: Half a year after laparoscopy four patients had disabling dysphagia. No patient had disabling dysphagia after laparotomy. Four patients had mild heartburn six mouths after laparoscopy and two patients after laparotomy. Between six months follow-up and long-term follow up six patients were reoperated in the laparoscopy group and two patients in the laparotomy group. Three patients operated with laparotomy had died in intercurrent diseases. After laparoscopy, at long-term follow-up, 62% (28/45) were satisfied compared to 91% ( 41145) after laparotomy. The difference was significant (p<0.01).
Conclusions: Early postoperative reflux control was similar for laparoscopic and conventional fundoplication. At long-term follow-up significantly more patients were satisfied after laparotomy than after laparoscopy.
National Category
Medical and Health Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-84500 (URN)
2012-10-102012-10-102012-10-10Bibliographically approved