LAPAROSCOPIC ANTIREFLUX SURGERY

To a close observer, there is an apparent increase in the number of an tireflux procedures performed in the United States since the developme nt of laparoscopic fundoplication. This has occurred because the resul ts of short floppy fundoplication (open or laparoscopic) generally pro vide a lifelong cure for gastroesophageal reflux. When combined with t he shorter hospital stay, diminished pain, improved cosmetic results, and rapid rehabilitation associated with laparoscopic surgery, laparos copic fundoplication is an attractive alternative to a lifetime of med ical therapy. The Nissen and Toupet fundoplications have been accepted as the procedures of choice to perform laparoscopically because of th eir reproducibility and good performance in early studies.