title: Predictors of outcome in 100 consecutive laparoscopic antireflux procedures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Published success rates for surgical intervention in gastroesophageal reflux disease exceed 90%. The goal of this study was to determine if any preoperative factors could accurately predict postoperative symptom relief.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic antireflux surgery completed a detailed preoperative questionnaire, and underwent endoscopy, manometry, and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring. Two surgeons performed all procedures in a standardized fashion. At least 2 months following operative intervention, a single interviewer, blinded to all preoperative information and procedure performed, recorded Visick and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life scores for all patients. All follow-up was performed within 3 years of antireflux procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The surgical success rate, as defined by Visick scores of 1-2, was 91%. Three variables were predictive of postoperative success: age <50, presence of typical symptoms at presentation, and complete resolution of symptoms with acid suppression therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study shows that surgical strategies can reproducibly control gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms in more than 90% of patients. The optimal surgical candidate is a patient under the age of 50 whose typical symptoms completely resolve with acid suppression therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gleiber
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Askari
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Evans
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D010535:Laparoscopy; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome