[The Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication: outcomes and lessons learned in 35 years experience with the same procedure]

The total fundoplication achieves most effective long-term control of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the different types of total fundoplication lead to heterogeneous outcomes. In 1972, we standardized a personally modified Nissen-Rossetti which includes the routine use of intraoperative manometry and endoscopy to calibrate and check the wrap. This paper aims to describe the technical details and the outcomes of this procedure adopted since 35 years without modifications as a unique procedure to treat all patients with GERD.

The study population consisted of all patients affected by GERD who underwent laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication by a single surgeon with one year minimum of follow-up. Technical details of the procedure and data from clinical and instrumental follow-up are described.

Clinical follow-up (median 83 months; range 1-13 years) was achieved in 96% of the patients. Ninety-two percent of the patients were satisfied of the procedure and would undergo the same operation. At 12 months, lower esophageal sphincter pressure increased to 27+/-5 mmHg (P<0.05), 24-h monitoring became negative in 91.6% of the patients (P<0.05). DeMeester score was 4.1+/-0.7 (P <0.05).

The laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication with the routine use of the intraoperative manometry and endoscopy, adopted as a unique procedure to treat all the patients with GERD, achieved long-term patient satisfaction in the great majority of the cases. Meticulous preoperative investigation together with a correct surgical technique are needed in securing these results.