Complications and frequency of redo antireflux surgery in Denmark: a nationwide study, 1997-2005

Outcomes after redo fundoplication (RF) in recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are debatable, and they may include lower success rates with higher postoperative morbidity and mortality than outcomes after primary fundoplication (PF). However, data from large, nationwide studies are not available. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to evaluate nationwide Danish data on RF in a nine-year period.

Data in the period from 1997 through 2005 were extracted from the National Patient Register. The following information was procured: frequency of RF, rate of conversion to open surgery, rate of complications requiring reoperation, and 30-day mortality. Data for RF were compared to PF.

A total of 2589 fundoplications were performed in 2465 patients. Thus, 113 patients underwent a total of 124 RF (RF rate = 5.0%). Most RF (84.7%) were performed at high-volume departments. Patients who underwent RF were converted to open surgery more often (16.1% vs. 6.1% in PF) (P < 0.0001). The median postoperative hospital stay was 3 days after RF and 2 days after PF (P = 0.96). Following RF 1.6% of the patients had complications requiring surgery compared with 1.3% after PF (P = 0.79), and 30-day mortality was 0.81% after RF compared with 0.45% after PF (P = 0.57).

This nationwide Danish study showed a low rate of redo fundoplication and a similar morbidity and mortality rate after redo surgery compared with that of primary surgery.