Laparoscopic antireflux surgery at an outpatient surgery center.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) procedures have been shown to be safe and effective for the control of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Preliminary reports suggest that LF can be performed safely in an ambulatory surgery center. We report on our extensive experience with outpatient LF.


METHODS
Since May 1995, we have performed laparoscopic antireflux procedures in 557 consecutive patients at a freestanding outpatient surgery center. All patients had esophageal manometrics and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) within 1 year of their surgical procedure. This series included 16 patients with large paraesophageal hernias (mostly type III) and 22 patients with prior antireflux procedures. Most patients (n = 494) underwent Nissen fundoplication.


RESULTS
Patients were typically given clear liquids 6 hs postoperatively and discharged home in
Finley
C R
CR
Department of Surgery, Advanced Surgery Center of Georgia, 220 Hospital Rd., Canton, GA, 30114 USA. crfinley@mindspring.com
McKernan
J B
JB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D018662:Fundoplication / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged