Laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication provides excellent intermediate results in GERD patients With impaired esophageal peristalsis

Background. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently associated with impaired esophageal peristalsis, and many authorities consider this c ondition not suitable for Nissen fundoplication. Methods. To investigate the outcome of antireflux surgery in the presence o f impaired esophageal peristalsis, 78 consecutive GERD patients with poor e sophageal contractility who underwent laparoscopic partial posterior fundop lication were studied. A standardized questionnaire, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-hour pH monitoring were performed preoperatively and at a median of 31 months (range 6-57 months) postoperati vely. Esophageal motility was analyzed for contraction amplitudes in the di stal true thirds of the esophagus, frequency of peristaltic, simultaneous, and interrupted waves, and the total number of defective propagations. In a ddition, parameters defining the function of the lower esophageal sphincter were evaluated. Results. After antireflux surgery, 76 patients (97%) were free of heartburn and regurgitation and had no esophagitis on endoscopy. The rate of dysphag ia decrease from 49% preoperatively to 10% postoperatively (P <.001). Featu res defining impaired esophageal body motility improved significantly after antireflux surgery. The median DeMeester score on 24-hour esophageal pH mo nitoring decreased from 33.3 to 1.1 (P <.001). Conclusions. Partial posterior fundoplication provides an effective antiref lux barrier in patients with impaired esophageal body motility. Postoperati ve dysphagia is diminished, probably because of improved esophageal body fu nction.