Long-term results of redo gastro-esophageal reflux disease surgery

To review the long-term results of redo gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) surgery with special emphasis on residual acid-suppressing medications, pH monitoring results, and quality of life.

Retrospective analysis of 52 patients (24 males) who underwent redo GERD surgery between 1986 and 2006 through a transthoracic (n=14), or a transabdominal (n=38) approach. Indications were recurrent GERD in 41 patients, and complication of the initial surgery in 11. Quality of life was evaluated by telephone enquiry using a validated French questionnaire (reflux quality score, RQS).

Postoperative complications occurred in 18 patients (35%), resulting in one death (2%). Reoperation was required in seven patients. At 1 year, 26 patients (51%) had 24h pH monitoring, among whom 2 (8%) were proved to have recurrence of GERD. RQS values were calculated in 38 patients with a mean follow-up of 113 months. Fifty percent of this subgroup had a RQS value beyond 26/32, indicating an excellent quality of life. Among these 38 patients, 20 (53%) had acid-suppressing medications whatever their RQS values. Patients who underwent transthoracic GERD surgery had the highest RQS values (p=0.02), a lower rate of complications (p=0.06) and a lower rate of reoperation (p=0.04).

Our experience confirms that selection of candidates for redo GERD surgery is a challenging issue. A transthoracic approach seems to produce better results and lower rates of complications.