Initial experience with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

In an effort to explore the utility of classic Nissen fundoplication performed laparoscopically, 16 adult patients with well documented gastroesophageal reflux underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. A full gastric fundal dissection was performed, with division of at least 2 short gastric vessels. The crura were approximated with 1-3 sutures, and a loose fundoplication was performed over an esophageal dilator (minimum 46 F) with three stitches, encompassing the esophageal wall (2.5 cm in length). All patients had symptoms of reflux refractory to medical therapy, and four had an esophageal stricture requiring preoperative dilatation. Fifteen of 16 procedures were completed laparoscopically; one patient required conversion to an open procedure to control bleeding from a posterior gastric vein. There were no other operative complications. The average operative time was 180 minutes (range 120-285). Clear liquids were begun at the passage of flatus (average 2.7 days postop), and patients were discharged an average of 4.1 days postoperatively. Postoperative complications included ileus (1 patient for 6 days), severe subcutaneous emphysema (1 patient), and dysphagia requiring dilatation (5 patients). In short follow-up (mean 4.43 mo., range 1-12 mo.) 14 of 15 patients had complete abolition of reflux symptoms, but one patient with persistent heartburn had reflux demonstrated on a postoperative upper GI series. Thirteen of 16 patients returned to full function within 14 days of surgery. We conclude that standard Nissen fundoplication is possible laparoscopically, and allows a rapid recovery from surgery. However, it is difficult, time consuming, and associated with a significant rate of recurrence in the short term (6%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)