[Laparoscopic Toupet partial fundoplication as general surgical therapy of gastroesophageal reflux. 1-year results of a 5-year prospective long-term study].
BACKGROUND
A variety of laparoscopic antireflux operations exist for patients with gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD). Most surgeons operate using the concept of "tailored approach", which depends on esophageal motility. We have abandoned this concept because of the relatively high incidence of wrap-related complications in patients treated with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication compared with patients treated with partial fundoplication. It is our policy to perform laparoscopic Toupet partial fundoplication in all patients suffering from GERD, independent of their esophageal motility.


METHODS
In a prospective trial we have assessed and evaluated our 1-year results of the first 100 consecutive patients treated with Toupet partial fundoplication. All patients underwent esophagogastroscopy and 24-h pH manometry before operation. One third of patients (n = 34) underwent control manometry 8 weeks postoperatively. The patients were followed up clinically 1, 2, 6 and 12 months postoperatively.


RESULTS
In this study group we achieved a healing rate in GERD of 97%. In 3% of patients GERD recurred. The median clinical DeMeester score decreased from 4.27 +/- 1.5 points preoperatively to 0.25 +/- 0.5 points 1 year postoperatively (P < 0.0005). The median fractional time with pH < 4 decreased from 17.8% +/- 12.5% preoperatively to 0.9% +/- 1.2% 8 weeks postoperatively (P < 0.0005). Because of persistent dysphagia 5% of our patients required postoperative dilatation therapy. The rate of reoperation and mortality was 0%. The total morbidity rate was 18%. In 50% of patients with preoperatively recorded esophageal motility disorder, an improvement of esophageal motility was found postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Our 1-year results encourage us to continue to perform laparoscopic Toupet partial fundoplication as the primary repair in all GERD patients, independent of their esophageal motility. Laparoscopic Toupet partial fundoplication has proven to be a safe and highly successful therapeutic option in these patients.
Chirurgische Abteilung, Spital Aarberg, Schweiz.
F
F
Holzinger
M
M
Banz
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GG
Tscharner
H
H
Merki
E
E
Müller
C
C
Klaiber
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015154:Esophageal Motility Disorders / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018662:Fundoplication; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D012008:Recurrence; D013536:Suture Techniques