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Published on: September 22, 2023
Long-term outcome of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in a regional hospital setting
Dimitrios Prassas1, Andreas Krieg2, Thomas-Marten Rolfs1
1Katholisches Klinikum Oberhausen, Department of Surgery, Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany.
Background:
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is considered to be the standard approach for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Various trials have assessed the outcome of the operation performed in high-volume centers, but the existing evidence regarding peripheral, low-volume hospitals is scarce. The purpose of this study is to investigate the late outcome of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with regard to symptom control and postoperative quality of life in a community-hospital setting.
Methods:
376 patients underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in our hospital during the period of 1997-2012. Patients were asked to subjectively; assess the pre- and postoperative severity of their symptoms and quality of life. Follow-up was conducted by means of a mailed questionnaire.
Results:
Respondents had a median follow-up of 8.8 years (range: 1.4-17). 60.8% (101/166) patients reported complete control of heartburn. Ten patients (6%) had undergone revisional surgery. 31 respondents (18.6%) reported a new-onset dysphagia postoperatively. 85% (138/166) of the respondents would have; the operation again, if necessary. 73.6% (120/166) reported a lasting improvement of their overall quality of life.
Conclusion:
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a safe method with significant long-term efficacy in terms of symptom control and quality of life, even when; performed in a low-volume, community-hospital setting.
