LAPAROSCOPIC CORRECTION OF RECURRENT GAST ROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX FOLLOWING LAPAROSCOPIC FUNDOPLICATION (4 CASES)

A series of 98 laparoscopic fundoplications, included 7 cases (7.1%) o f recurrent gastro-oesophageal reflux. Six of these cases occurred wit hin 12 months of surgery. Four were successfully treated by a second l aparoscopic procedure. The mean interval between the initial and corre ctive operations was 10 months. Factors related to failure were: techn ical errors, operative inexperience, obesity and the size of the hiatu s hernia (when crural closure was not performed). Laparoscopic reopera tion to was relatively easy and without mortality but had an increased risk of pleural effusions. The mean length of hospital stay for re-op erations was identical to that of initial operations (4 days). No furt her recurrences were noted after a mean followup or one year (280-475 days). We conclude that early failures following laparoscopic fundopli cation can be effectively dealt with laparoscopic surgery.