THORACOSCOPIC FUNDOPLICATION

Thoracoscopic fundoplication and hiatoplasty were performed by a video assisted technique in a patient with longstanding pathologic gastro-oe sophageal reflux, reflux oesophagitis and hiatal hernia. Ten months la ter the patient was asymptomatic and had normal findings by oesophagea l endoscopy and 24-hour pH-monitoring. Thoracoscopic fundoplication ma y be useful in patients with intra-abdominal adhesions due to previous abdominal surgery. Also obese patients with large hiatal hernias and perioesophageal adhesions may benefit from the thoracoscopic approach.