title: Outcomes of minimally invasive antireflux operations in the elderly: a comparative review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of age following laparoscopic fundoplication (LF).
  
  
  METHODS
  From March 1993 to November 1998, 193 patients underwent LF. Patients comprised 150 young individuals (age<60; median 41) and 43 older individuals (age>60; median 68). Follow-up included heartburn scores, dysphagia scores, and quality of life determined by the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF36).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Older patients had more cardiac disease, psychiatric disorders, prior cancers, and upper abdominal operations (P<0.05). DeMeester scores were similar (young 70/older 69). Complications occurred in 13 (8.7%) of the young and 5 (11.6%) of the older patients (P=0.142). No perioperative deaths occurred. Length of stay was longer (P<0.000) in older patients (2.9 versus 1.6 days); resumption of oral intake (young-1.2; older-1.3 days) and return to normal activity (young-3.6; older-4.4 weeks) were similar. Follow-up was available in 102 young (median 17 months) and 35 older (median 18 months) patients. Heartburn and dysphagia scores were excellent in both groups. SF36 scores were similar in both groups. Only 6 (5.9%) of the young group and 1 (2.9%) of the older group were dissatisfied (P=0.652).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite differences in comorbid disease, outcomes were similar in both groups. LF should be considered a therapeutic option in the older patient with reflux.
authors: Division of Thoracic and Foregut Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3221, USA. fernandohc@msx.upmc.edu
authors: Hiran C
authors: HC
authors: Fernando
authors: Philip R
authors: PR
authors: Schauer
authors: Percival O
authors: PO
authors: Buenaventura
authors: Neil A
authors: NA
authors: Christie
authors: John M
authors: JM
authors: Close
authors: James D
authors: JD
authors: Luketich
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D018662:Fundoplication / Q000379:methods*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome