Late outcomes after laparoscopic surgery for gastroesophageal reflux.
OBJECTIVE
Patients still have symptoms following laparoscopic antireflux surgery and require ongoing treatment.


METHODS
Mailed survey.


METHODS
Academic tertiary care center.


METHODS
Of 247 consecutive adults, 197 (80% response) who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease in the prior 1 to 5 years.


METHODS
Gastrointestinal symptoms (frequency and bother), actions taken to treat these symptoms (medications and dietary and lifestyle changes), and assessment of surgery.


RESULTS
The mean age of the respondents was 51.1 years, and 52% were men. The median time since surgery was 2.6 years. Overall, 28% reported typical reflux symptoms (heartburn or regurgitation), but only 5% were bothered "a lot" or "terribly" by them. While 65% reported other gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating or dysphagia) that may be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease or to surgery, only 19% were bothered a lot or terribly by them. About half of the respondents reported taking at least 1 of the following actions for their symptoms: 6% take frequent over-the-counter medications, 13% take daily prescription acid-reducing medications, 41% make lifestyle changes (eg, eating smaller meals), and 44% avoid certain foods (eg, carbonated beverages). Nevertheless, 90% believed their surgery was working well.


CONCLUSIONS
In 1 to 5 years after laparoscopic antireflux surgery, many patients report gastrointestinal symptoms and take action to control these symptoms. Most, however, believe their surgical treatment is working well.
Liu
Jean Y
JY
Department of Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.
Woloshin
Steven
S
Laycock
William S
WS
Schwartz
Lisa M
LM
D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome