Persistent dysphagia is a rare problem after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Innovation
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects many patients inadequately managed by medication.
• Surgical intervention for GERD is underutilized due to concerns about long-term adverse effects.
• Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is a common anti-reflux surgical procedure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate common side effects of anti-reflux surgery.
• To assess long-term outcomes following standardized laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF).
• To establish a benchmark for new anti-reflux surgical procedures.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a prospective database of 350 patients undergoing standardized LNF.
• Median follow-up of 4 years.
• Standardized interviews assessing postoperative symptoms, PPI use, GERD-HRQL, and patient satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Low rates of persistent dysphagia (2%) and gas-bloat syndrome (12.7%) were observed.
• Significant reduction in GERD-Health-Related-Quality-of-Life (GERD-HRQL) scores.
• 83% of patients achieved heartburn relief and were free from proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is a safe and effective treatment for GERD.
• Standardized surgical technique minimizes long-term complications such as dysphagia.
• LNF provides efficient symptom relief and should serve as a benchmark for evaluating new anti-reflux surgeries.