Supradiaphragmatic fundoplication. Long-term follow-up and analysis of complications

Supradiaphragmatic fundoplication has been useful in patients with an acquired short esophagus since the inception of the Nissen technique. Recent reports documenting a large number of life-threatening complications in relatively small groups of patients prompted us to review the records of all patients with supradiaphragmatic fundoplication. Forty-four supradiaphragmatic Nissen fundoplications were performed, with an average follow-up of 42 months. Operative mortality was 7 percent. Acceptable results were obtained in 82 percent (88 percent of patients not lost to follow-up). Poor results were obtained in 5 percent (one patient with scleroderma and one with diaphragmatic hernia). In another 5 percent, postoperative diaphragmatic hernia developed. In two patients, ulceration of the antrum developed that appeared unrelated to the operation. Sixteen patients have been followed for longer than 5 years, with no long-term complications. The wide variation in the incidence of these complications between our patients and those of others is probably related to varying details of operative technique. Supradiaphragmatic fundoplication provides uniformly effective protection against gastroesophageal reflux with an acceptable morbidity and low mortality.