title: Late subjective results and symptomatic outcome after laparoscopic fundoplication.
abstract: Laparoscopic fundoplication is generally accepted as a routine surgical approach in the treatment of moderate or severe gastro-esophageal reflux disease. However, there are few reports on the long-term results after this procedure. Between 1996 and 2001, 468 patients underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication of which 464 patients were available for follow-up. The follow-up data were collected both from the hospital records and by a structured questionnaire, which were completed by 441 patients (95%). Eighty-nine percent (n=394) of the patients regarded the result of their surgery excellent, good, or satisfactory at a median follow-up of 51 months. With the benefit of hindsight 83% of the patients would again choose surgical treatment. Eighty-seven percent of the patients had no significant reflux symptoms. Bloating or increased flatulence were the most common side-effects. One hundred thirty-two patients (30%) had started to use antireflux medications postoperatively, but only 51 of them used it daily. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication provides a good and effective alternative to a life-long use of antireflux medication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Turku University Central Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520 Turku, Finland. paulina.salminen@tyks.fi
authors.forename: Paulina T P
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Salminen
authors.forename: Simo O
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Laine
authors.forename: Jari T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Ovaska
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018662:Fundoplication / Q000379:methods*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome