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Updated: Nov 19, 2025
Author Spotlight: Recent Advancements in Reoperative Foregut Surgery
Published on: September 22, 2023
Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) After Redo-Fundoplication
Antti J Kivelä1, Juha Kauppi2, Jari Räsänen2
1Department of GI Surgery, Abdominal Centre, Helsinki University Hospital and Helsinki University, Jorvi Hospital, Turuntie 150, P.O. Box 800, FI 00029, Espoo, Helsinki, HUS, Finland. antti.kivela@hus.fi.
Background:
We aim to shed light on long-term subjective outcomes after re-operations for failed fundoplication.
Methods:
1809 patients were operated on for hiatal hernia and/or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at the Helsinki University Hospital between 2000 and 2017. 111 (6%) of these had undergone a re-operation for a failed antireflux operation. Overall, HRQoL was assessed in 89 patients at the latest follow-up using the generic 15D© instrument. The results were compared to a sample of the general population, weighted to reflect the age and gender distribution of patients. Disease-specific HRQoL was assessed using the GERD-HRQoL questionnaire. We studied variation in the overall HRQoL with respect to disease-specific HRQoL and known patients' parameters using univariate and multivariable linear regression models.
Results:
The median postoperative follow-up period was 9.3 years. All patients were operated on laparoscopically (6% conversion rate), and 87% were satisfied with the re-operation. Postoperative complications were minimal (5%). Twelve patients (11%) underwent a second re-operation. The median GERD-HRQoL score was nine. In multivariable analysis, four variables were independently associated with the 15D score, suggesting a decrease in the 15D score with increasing GERD-HRQoL score, increasing Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the presence of chronic pain syndrome (CPS) and depression.
Conclusion:
Re-do LF is a safe procedure in experienced hands and may offer acceptable long-term alleviation in patients with recurring symptoms after antireflux surgery. Decreased HRQoL in the long run is related to recurring GERD and co-morbidities.
