A randomized, prospective comparison of the Nissen fundoplication versus the Toupet fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Objective A prospective, randomized trial was performed to determine which of two antireflux procedures, a complete wrap (Nissen) or a 200(N) wrap (Toupet), was more effective with fewer sequelae. Summary Background Data Laparoscopic procedures for gastroesophageal reflux disease appear to be as effective as those done by open laparotomy, The Nissen fundoplication is used most frequently but postoperative bloating, inability to belch, and dysphagia occur. The partial wrap has been said to be as effective with less unfavorable postoperative symptoms. Methods Patients with reflux esophagitis were approached laparoscopically using a six-port technique. After division of the short gastric vessels and dissection of the terminal esophagus and fundus of the stomach to allow performance of either procedure, patients randomly were assigned one of the procedures by a card drawn in the operating room. Results Forty patients underwent operation, but 1 was excluded when an open procedure became necessary. Twenty-three patients received a complete wrap and 16 received a partial wrap. The average operating time was 155 minutes for the Nissen procedures and 162 minutes for the Toupet procedures. The postoperative stay averaged 2.7 days for the Nissen procedures and 2.5 days for the Toupet procedures. There were no deaths. Including the patient converted to an open procedure, three patients had operative complications. At follow-up, Visick scores after the complete wraps were I-13, II-8, III-2 and after the partial wrap were I-12 and II-3. Two patients indicated they would not have the operation again. Conclusions A partial or a complete wrap after division of the short gastric vessel offers effective therapy far reflux esophagitis with >90% patient satisfaction. The authors' study shows no clear advantage of one wrap (partial or complete) over the other.