Would you have laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication again? A patient satisfaction survey in a UK population

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) effectively reduces objective gastro-oesophageal reflux. It can however cause side effects which affect quality of life or fail to improve subjective reflux symptoms. This study aims to assess patient satisfaction following LNF by assessing whether patients would have the procedure again.

Telephone survey using a structured questionnaire. Participation was voluntary.

UK Foundation Trust (two university hospitals).

All patients who had LNF performed by a single surgeon between November 2008 and June 2012.

Primarily, current reflux symptoms, antiacid medication requirement and whether participants would choose to have the procedure again (should they still have their initial symptoms). Further measures were conversion to open procedure, need for redo or reversal, and mortality.

99 patients underwent LNF in the quoted period; 71 were contactable and willing to participate. Of the 99, two required redo operations (neither of whom was contactable), and one had a reversal (primary operation included). Median time since the operation was 33 months (range 5-48 months). Compared with preoperatively, 72% rated their current reflux-symptom severity as ≤2/10, 23% as 3-6/10 and 4% as 7-10/10. 75% were not taking any antiacid medication. 89% of patients said that they would have the procedure again.

This study provides supporting evidence that LNF improves reflux symptoms and decreases medication use at intermediate-term follow-up. These results will aid counselling and reassurance of patients regarding the risks and benefits of LNF as the majority of postoperative patients were sufficiently satisfied to choose the operation again.