Computed tomography roadmap for post-operative fundoplication imaging with a novel structured reporting checklist

With increasing numbers and acceptability of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS) procedures over long-term medical treatment in the past decade, it follows that the complications of fundoplication wrap are seen intermittently with recurrent symptoms of heartburn and dysphagia. Endoscopy and barium swallow are the initial investigations performed for suspected fundoplication wrap failures. However, with easy availability of multislice computed tomography (CT) and the multiplanar reconstructions along with reduction in familiarity with barium examinations, it would be prudent for the surgeons to familiarise themselves with various appearances of wrap failure. Currently, there is no accepted standard to report a fundoplication wrap failure. We did a thorough literature review on the use of CT scans for fundoplication wrap failure, created a multidisciplinary hernia team with prominent radiologists and surgeons and discussed the role of CT scans in the management of suspected wrap failure. After completing a pilot study with around 43 patients of wrap failure, we created a standard CT reporting format which helped us in the management of even the most complex cases. This standard reporting format can be used by trainees and surgeons worldwide. This would lead to uniformity in reporting, would help in decision-making and would also help create national and international primary wrap failure and redo fundoplication registry.

A total of 43 patients of wrap failure of multislice CT evaluation were analysed for type of failure along with factors responsible for the maintenance of integrity of the wrap. A novel checklist with structured reporting was used for the description of the post-operative imaging findings.

The demographic characteristics, post-operative imaging and intraoperative findings were described. The different types of wrap failure - Hinder types and associated pathologies were analysed for relative frequency in wrap failures. The novel structured reporting included wrap integrity and failure complications in post-operative patients of LARS.

Fundoplication wrap failure is not an uncommon complication seen after LARS. A novel structured report with checklist will help the surgeons to evaluate the post-operative patient with recurrent symptoms. Multislice CT is the ideal modality for imaging suspected wrap failures after primary endoscopic evaluation. Multiplanar imaging with coronal and sagittal reconstructions is useful for understanding the integrity of the wrap and its ability to detect failure/migration.