Establishing a laparoscopic antireflux program: a private practice experience

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is an exciting new option in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Establishing a successful antireflux program depends on obtaining proper education as well as generating a suitable flow of patients. Being outside a university-based referral center presents the surgeon in private practice with a unique challenge as to how to meet these goals effectively. A personal account of education, training, and patient recruitment methods is presented. Different modalities for stimulating interest in both the medical and lay communities, including methods for direct patient contact, such as advertising are described. This is followed by a review of a series of 57 antireflux procedures performed during the first year of this program in a private practice in a retirement community setting.