Quality of life before and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder in the Western world. The acute disease can usually be managed by medical ther apy. To prevent relapse, many patients require lifelong medication. In thes e patients, laparoscopic antireflux surgery offers a good alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative results and compare pre - and postoperative quality of life after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplicatio n. Methods: Clinical investigations, including esophageal manometry pH monitor ing, and endoscopy, and a previously Validated Quality of Life Index, were. performed before and a median of 41 month after antireflux surgery in 75 p atients. Results: After laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, the percentage of total time with pH <4 decreased from 10.4% to 3.2% on 24-h pH monitoring, The mea n pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter improved from 8.1 to 12.3 mmHg . Esophagitis healed in 63 of 66 patients in whom it was present prior to s urgery. The overall Quality of Life Index improved significantly from 86 +/ - 16 to 116 +/- 16. Conclusion: Laparoscopic fundoplication provides effective and durable reli ef of reflux in patients with GERD. The Quality of Life Index showed signif icant improvement after surgery.