A 5-year prospective review of posterior partial fundoplication in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Introduction: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the most common surgical procedure performed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It is however associated with a number of mechanical complications with as many as one in three patients experiencing troublesome dysphagia or gas bloat. Partial fundoplication, either posterior or anterior, has been advocated in an attempt to reduce these problems. Our aim was to prospectively evaluate laparoscopic posterior partial (Toupet) fundoplication as the primary surgical treatment for GORD.

Method: Outcomes following Toupet fundoplication performed between October 2002 and October 2007 were recorded prospectively. All patients underwent a 270 degrees posterior partial fundoplication with routine crural repair. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Pre-operative investigations included endoscopy, pH studies/manometry and contrast studies. DeMeester acidity scores, percentage reflux time and oesophageal motility were recorded. Pre- and post-operative DeMeester symptom scores (0-9, DSS) and Visick grading were used to assess the outcomes of surgery.

Results: 101 Patients were studied. Ages ranged from 17 to 69 years. The median pre-operative DSS of 5 fell to a median of 0 post-operatively. Scores decreased following surgery in all cases. 91 (91%) patients were discharged on the 2nd post-operative day or sooner. 5 (4.9%) patients had prolonged dysphagia (>3 months), and 8 (7.9%) had mild prolonged gas bloat. A single patient had a recurrence of reflux at 2 years and required re-do laparoscopic surgery. There were no conversions to open surgery.

Conclusions: Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication provides excellent relief of GORD symptoms with a low incidence of post-operative mechanical complications. We would recommend it as the operation of choice for GORD.