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Re-operation for failed anti-reflux surgery
J K Lim1, E Moisidis, W S Munro
1Department of Surgery, Concord, Strathfield Adventist Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
Background:
Between 1993 and 1995, 315 anti-reflux procedures were undertaken on our service. A previous antireflux procedure had been performed in 31 patients referred (10%). Previous surgery was, in the main (80%), a Nissen fundoplication.
Methods:
Pre-operative investigations in all patients were manometry, 24h pH monitoring, oesophagoscopy and barium radiology. On this basis the causes of failure of the previous surgery were established as hiatal failure in 20 (65%), unrecognized oesophageal dysmotility in three (10%) and fundoplication failure (slipped and disrupted) in eight (25%). Contrary to standard recommendations for re-operation most re-operative surgery was performed transabdominally (94%). Complications occurred in 16%.
Results:
Review was undertaken at a mean of 21 months following surgery, and 91% of patients reported a good to excellent symptomatic outcome.
Conclusions:
Transabdominal re-operative anti-reflux surgery has an acceptable complication rate and a surprisingly good symptomatic outcome in the medium term.