Laparoscopic antireflux surgery - long-term results

Method and Material: Between 1995 and 2005 a number of 98 antireflux laparoscopic procedures have been performed. The patients have answered to a 7 point questionnaire regarding the disappearance of specific gastro-esophaeal symptoms, the necessity of medical adjuvant treatment as well as regarding the measure in which surgery brought a real subjective improvement. The average follow-up was 57 months (4,7 years). Results: 43 laparoscopic patients have answered the questions. 10 patients had dysphagia, most of which had a spontaneous remission. Only 3 of those patients needed an endoscopic dilatation. Bloating was still possible for 33 of the patients. Retrosternal pain remained present for 14 patients. Intestinal transit disorders have showed up in 11 cases. Reflux persisted at a variable degree in 12 patients. Only 7 patients continue to follow a systematic drug treatment. 35 patients consider that the surgery has brought an improvement of their disease.