Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for improved gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life

The purpose of this study was to establish baseline data for a procedure that has yet to be defined within a Caribbean population. Using a specifically designed postoperative questionnaire, symptomatology and quality of life were assessed before and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Twenty-three consecutive patients of the same surgeon were identified. The questionnaires measured the symptoms and social and emotional functioning, assigning each a score for comparative purposes. The cumulative score was considered the ultimate index of overall quality of life. Wilcoxon matched pairs test was used to analyse the data.

The mean age of the patients was 47.5 years. There were 21females and 2 males. Heartburn (78.3%) and regurgitation (60.8%) were the main symptoms. Postoperatively, these decreased to 17.3% and 4.3% respectively, with significant declines in other complaints such as dysphagia and nausea. The social and emotional functioning score had an average of 13.2 preoperatively; this increased to 18.3, postoperatively, out of a possible maximum of 20. None of the procedures had to be converted to open laparotomy and mean operating time was 108 minutes. Mean follow-up time was 9.7 months.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication does provide significant improvement in overall quality of life among patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and can be performed effectively within a Caribbean setting.