[Laparoscopic correction of recurrent gastro-esophageal reflux following laparoscopic fundoplication (4 cases)]

A series of 98 laparoscopic fundoplications, included 7 cases (7.1%) of recurrent gastro-oesophageal reflux. Six of these cases occurred within 12 months of surgery. Four were successfully treated by a second laparoscopic procedure. The mean interval between the initial and corrective operations was 10 months. Factors related to failure were: technical errors, operative inexperience, obesity and the size of the hiatus hernia (when crural closure was not performed). Laparoscopic re-operation to was relatively easy and without mortality but had an increased risk of pleural effusions. The mean length of hospital stay for re-operations was identical to that of initial operations (4 days). No further recurrences were noted after a mean follow-up of one year (280-475 days). We conclude that early failures following laparoscopic fundoplication can be effectively dealt with laparoscopic surgery.