[Functional results of the laparoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux (followup greater than 2 years)].

STUDY AIM: The of this study was to evaluate functional results in 70 patients operated on for gastroesophageal reflux disease with a follow-up > 2 years, by means of a questionnaire sent to them.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Functional results were evaluated in the 60 patients who answered the questionnaire. The fundoplication (Nissen = 27, Nissen-Rosseti = 21, Toupet (n = 12) was laparoscopically performed with a mean follow-up of 3.4 years (range: 2-6.6 years). A circular wrap (either Nissen or Nissen-Rossetti) had been systematically performed except in patients who had an esophageal motility disorder, who had a partial wrap according to Toupet.

RESULTS: Three patients experienced recurrent symptoms of reflux (failure rate: 5%). Thirteen patients had mild dysphagia, requiring modification of the oral intake in two cases. No patient required dilatation. Fifty patients complained of postoperative side effects: flatulence (n = 40), meteorism (n = 24), abdominal pain (n = 16), diarrhea (n = 12), impossibility either to vomit (n = 16) or to belch (n = 20). Ten patients were symptom free and had neither symptoms of reflux nor side effects. Despite undesirable side effects, 46 patients (78%) were very satisfied with the operation, six (10%) were satisfied and five (8%) were disappointed.

CONCLUSION: Recurrent symptoms of reflux were rarely observed (5%) but postoperative side effects were frequent (67%). Side effects when present provide less discomfort than reflux itself. Patients must be aware of it prior to surgery. These results should be confirmed by further assessments.