[Gastroesophageal reflux (II). Surgical interventions: results and indications]

ANTIREFLUX SURGERY: Peri and postoperative morbidity is higher with Nissen fundoplication than with a 180 degrees posterior fundoplasty (Toupet procedure) which carries the risk of a compromised result with time. Although a 270 degrees posterior gastric valve may be the best technique, the surgeon's skill looks more important than the procedure used, especially for laparoscopic surgery. Its advantages include reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay and convalescent time.

Surgery must only be entertained in patients with severe GOR disease, especially those who require continuous PPI treatment. Excluding cases of esophagitis with deep ulcers and/or stenosis, severity criteria to be taken into account are mainly symptomatic and not anatomical. Age is an important decision-making factor.

Patients over 60 years of age or with any surgical risk and patients with associated severe motor disorders such as sclerodermia should be given drug therapy unless high-dose PPI are unsuccessful. Conversely, laparoscopic surgery performed by a skilled surgeon should be preferred in younger subjects, especially under 40. In the intermediate age range, patients should be informed about the advantages and drawbacks of the various methods as patient participation is essential in the decision making process.