Respiratory function after laparoscopic and open fundoplication.
OBJECTIVE
To compare respiratory function in the immediate postoperative period in patients undergoing open or laparoscopic fundoplication.


METHODS
Prospective non-randomised open study.


METHODS
University hospital, Sweden.


METHODS
A consecutive series of 32 patients who underwent a conventional open fundoplication and a further 25 consecutive patients who had a similar procedure done laparoscopically.


METHODS
Respiratory function, oxygen saturation, body temperature, analgesic consumption, rate of mobilisation, and postoperative stay in hospital.


RESULTS
In the early postoperative period the respiratory function deteriorated less in the laparoscopy group as reflected by higher oxygen saturation (mean (SEM) 95.8 (0.6)% compared with 94.0 (0.6)%) on the first postoperative day (p < 0.05) and less reduction in forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow (2.3 (0.2) L compared with 1.8 (0.1) L and 279.8 (19.7) L/min compared with 207 (19.8) L/min respectively) (p < 0.05). Patients had significantly less fever after the laparoscopic procedure (37.5 (0.1) C degrees compared with 38.0 (0.1) C degrees) (p < 0.001) and left hospital earlier (median 2 (range 1-5) days compared with 6 (3-9) (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
All fundoplication procedures impair respiratory function but significantly less if the procedure is done laparoscopically.
Olsén
M F
MF
Department of Physiotherapy, Sahlgren's University Hospital, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Josefson
K
K
Dalenbäck
J
J
Lundell
L
L
Lönroth
H
H
D005260:Female; D018662:Fundoplication / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012119:Respiration; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014797:Vital Capacity