Nissen fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: long-term results

Since its introduction by Rudolph Nissen in 1956, fundoplication has become the most commonly used antireflux procedure. Following fundoplication the majority (80 to 90%) of the patients become symptomfree or have only mild and occasional reflux symptoms in the long run. With a short and loose fundic wrap postoperative dysphagia is not a clinical problem, providing that preoperative manometry shows adequate peristalsis. Flatus is increased after fundoplication, but rarely to a disturbing extent. Patients who have problems with flatus preoperatively are also prone to have complaints postoperatively. Bloating is decreased rather than increased after fundoplication. At endoscopy as intact seen fundic wrap (the main determinant of the long-term outcome) is observed in 70% to 80% of the cases 10 to 20 years after the operation. Oesophageal 24-hour pH-recording is normal and oesophagitis cured in similar number of patients. In conclusion, Nissen fundoplication gives effective cure of symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and reliably corrects reflux oesophagitis. Postoperative adverse effects are rare and well tolerable and do not detract from the success of the operation in correctly selected patients.