The long term results of open antireflux surgery in a community-based health care center.

Abstract

There is no previous study concerning long term results of open Nissen fundoplication performed by general surgeons in a nonspecialized unit. Of 45 consecutive patients in a general provincial center, 39 were available for follow-up after a mean period of 78 months. All patients were interviewed using a standard questionnaire, and 35 of them consented to undergo endoscopy. Of the patients, 85% had no or only mild reflux symptoms. The figures for dysphagia, flatulence, and bloating were 31%, 67%, and 46%, respectively. Endoscopy showed defective fundic wrap in 37% of the patients and erosive esophagitis in 29%. Five patients (13%) with recurrent esophagitis were referred for H2-blocker or omeprazole medication, and five others (13%) were scheduled for repeat antireflux surgery. The results were somewhat worse in regard to prevalence of defective fundic wrap and recurrent esophagitis than in other reports, which were from specialized units.