Study on functional cardiorespiratory changes after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Area of Science:

• Cardiopulmonary function
• Surgical outcomes
• Gastrointestinal surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is a common surgical procedure for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• Understanding the impact of LNF on cardiopulmonary function is crucial for patient recovery.
• Postoperative recovery of respiratory and exercise capacity requires detailed analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the behavior of cardiopulmonary function in patients undergoing laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.
• To assess the short-term and medium-term recovery of respiratory and exercise parameters after LNF surgery.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-two patients (59% female, mean age 44.4 ± 10.9 years) were evaluated.
• Pulmonary volumes, respiratory pressures, and exercise tests (6-minute walk, stair-climbing) were measured preoperatively and at multiple postoperative time points (PO1, PO2, PO5, PO30).

Main Results:

• Significant decreases in lung volumes were observed at PO1 and PO2, returning to preoperative levels by PO5.
• Respiratory pressures were altered only at PO1.
• Exercise capacity, measured by the 6-minute walk test and stair-climbing test, showed significant reductions/increases at PO2, with recovery by PO5.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication surgery leads to a transient decrease in cardiorespiratory function in the early postoperative period.
• Cardiopulmonary function generally returns to preoperative baseline levels by postoperative day 5.
• Early postoperative monitoring and rehabilitation are important for patients after LNF surgery.