[Long-term functional outcome of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery].

BACKGROUND: Medical treatment of gastro esophageal reflux is associated with relapse in 30% of cases. In these patients, the best therapeutic option is surgical treatment, performed laparoscopically.However, there are few data on long-term functional outcome.

AIM: To determine long-term results of laparoscopic antireflux surgery the mechanisms involved in patients with worse results.

METHODS: We studied patients operated for reflux disease. They had either total or partial laparoscopic fundoplication. These patients were contacted to assess postoperative improvement, satisfaction and asked about the occurrence or not of a persistent postoperative dysphagia.

RESULTS: Seventy one patients were included (Nissen in 61% of the cases and Toupet in 39%). After an average period of 52.4 months,80 % of patients were satisfied. 58% were completely improved,while 31% were partially improved after surgery. Persistent reflux symptoms reflux were observed in 8 patients and postoperative dysphagia was reported by 11 patients. Gastroesophageal reflux revealed by chronic cough was the only independent parameter associated with bad functional results in our patients.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic anti reflux surgery is associated with a high frequency of satisfaction. However, patients with chronic cough respond less better to surgery. Strict selection of the patients before surgery must be done, to improve the functional results after anti reflux surgery.