Laparoscopic fundoplication - short- and long-term outcome

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is probably the most frequently occurring b enign functional disorder in the Western industrial countries. With the inc reasing popularity of laparoscopic anti-reflux procedures, issues on the ap propriate technique have been revitalized. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication a nd reflect on the perspective of an increasing frequency of performed opera tions. The data sampling is based on a literature review and a questionnair e. It can be summarized that reflux recurrence due to breakdown of the wrap or herniation of the wrap can also develop in later years after the primar y surgery and amount up to 8%. Persistent dysphagia is a severe problem in the first post-operative year, but usually decreases with time and is limit ed to rates of 3-5% on the long-term follow-up. Other functional problems, such as gas-bloat, meteorism and epigastric pain - the cause often cannot b e further detected or specified - limit the quality of life of patients aft er laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery in the long-term follow-up in up to 5% of cases. Side effects of laparoscopic antireflux procedures can be limited to 5 to 10%, but not totally avoided.