Anxiety disorder after laparoscopic refundoplication as a cause of dysphagia

Side effects of laparoscopic antireflux surgery doubtless have a negative effect on patients' satisfaction with surgical outcome and quality of life. Until now, side effects of laparoscopic antireflux surgery such as dysphagia have not been reported as associated with the origin of psychiatric disorders. We report the case of a 71-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic refundoplication because of a "slipping" Nissen 2 years after primary intervention. After operation, the patient suffered from severe dysphagia and required pneumatic dilation. In this patient, severe dysphagia has caused panic disorder. Complete relief of dysphagia was achieved by single dilation. In contrast, panic symptoms in relation to daily ingestion continued for at least 6 weeks after surgery. A mild level of anxiety without panic symptoms existed for the first 3 months after reoperation.