Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux with partial fundoplication under coelioscopy

Objective To study the interest of partial fundoplication under laparoscopy , not only in terms of efficacy but also in the low rate of complications. Methods The study included all patients having undergone coelicscopic surge ry for gastroesophageal reflux from January 1995 to February. A ventral sem i-valve was created in all patients. Complications during surgery and post- surgical follow-up immediately after, six weeks later and then at distance were analyzed. Results The mean duration of surgery was 81 minutes (40-170 min.) and mean hospital stay 6.2 days (2-12 days). Twelve conversions were observed (9,6%) and post-surgical morbidity was of 9.7% after coelioscopy. At 6 weeks, 72 patients (63.7 %) were satisfied with the operation, 13 patients (11.5 %) c omplained of dysphagia and 5 (4.4 %) of bloating. At distance, after a mean of 3.2 years (0.5-5.5 years), 72 patients (73 No) were totally satisfied; 4 presented recurrent reflux (4.1 %) and 3 patients (3.1 %) complained of d ysphagia. Conclusion The results of laparoscopic surgery for gastroesophageal reflux with creation of a ventral semi-valve are encouraging. Pre-existing symptom atology is eradicated and post-surgical complications are clearly decreased .