Long-term results after Nissen fundoplication: a 5-15-year review

In a study of 154 consecutive patients who had a Nissen fundoplication performed by 12 surgeons over a 10-year period, 117 (76%) were available for review of symptoms 5-15 years after the procedure. Heartburn, the most common presenting symptom, was abolished in 85.5% and epigastric pain in 84.6% of patients. Fifteen patients (12.8%) considered the operation a failure because of dysphagia (17%), bloating (17%), pain (13%), heartburn (13%) or diarrhoea (6%). Comparison of possible risk factors between successes and failures showed no difference between these two groups in terms of age, sex, rank of surgeon, smoking, or accompanying crural repair. Prior response to H2-receptor antagonists did not influence outcome. Nissen fundoplication is successful in some 85% of patients over a period of 5-15 years after operation.