The effects of laparoscopic antireflux surgery on GERD patients with concomitant anxiety disorders.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Anxiety Disorders↗
Biomedical subjects
T Bammer
Publications and source records attributed to T Bammer.
Austrian experiences of antireflux surgery.
BACKGROUND: Antireflux surgery (ARS) is a well established treatment for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The present study gives an overview of experience in Austria regarding the frequency of open and laparoscopic ARS and how Austrian departments meet the requirements for surgery. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 115 surgical departments in Austria to evaluate in how many institutions antireflux surgery (open and/or laparoscopically) was performed since 1990, and which pre- and postoperative tests were obligatory, optional, or not performed. Units were divided into specialized and nonspecialized. RESULTS: The laparoscopic approach has gained in importance by about 300% in the past 5 years in the few hospitals performing this procedure. Esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring were rarely done in nonspecialized units, despite the fact that GERD is mainly a functional disorder of the esophagus and stomach. In contrast to the nonspecialized units, the specialized unit performed upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry and 24-h esophageal pH monitoring as obligatory tests. CONCLUSIONS: ARS, both open and laparoscopic, is not commonly performed in surgical departments in Austria but the frequency has significantly increased in recent years. Laparoscopic ARS is a safe procedure in hospitals performing this frequently. Laparoscopic ARS should only be performed in specialized units with significant experience in gastroesophageal diseases, where functional testing of the esophagus can be done.
Fundoplication↗
Redo laparoscopic surgery for achalasia.
BACKGROUND: Operative treatment of achalasia can fail in 10% to 15% of patients. No information is available on the outcome of laparoscopic reoperation for achalasia. METHODS: Data from patients undergoing redo surgery for achalasia were prospectively collected. The data were analyzed, and a questionnaire was sent to all the patients. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent redo procedures at our institution between 1994 and 1998. The reasons for failure of the initial operations were incomplete myotomy (n = 5), incorrect diagnosis (n = 2), and new onset of reflux symptoms (n = 1). All the redo procedures were performed laparoscopically. All the patients except one had excellent or good results. The average symptom severity score for dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, cough, and heartburn all improved after redo procedures. The average quality of life score improved from poor to good. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic reoperation for achalasia is safe and feasible. It results in symptom improvement for most patients. Surgeon experience and recognition of the cause for failure of the original operation are most important in predicting the outcome.
Adult↗
Dysphagia and quality of life after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in patients with and without prosthetic reinforcement of the hiatal crura.
BACKGROUND: Recurrent hiatal hernia with or without intrathoracic wrap migration ("slipping Nissen") is one of the most common complications after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). Therefore, we decided to reinforce the hiatal crura using a prosthetic mesh prosthesis in an attempt to reduce recurrent hiatal hernia. METHODS: The current nonrandomized study compares the surgical outcome, including quality of life data [Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI)] and subjective degree of dysphagia, in a total of 200 patients with (n = 100) or without (n = 100) mesh prosthesis for a follow-up for at least 1 year. RESULTS: There are no significant differences between groups in postoperative DeMeester score or lower esophageal sphincter pressure. In the group without mesh prosthesis, in 6 cases laparoscopic redo surgery was necessary due to severe and persistent dysphagia (n = 2) or a slipping Nissen (n = 4). Additionally, in 5 patients we found recurrent hiatal hernia, but patients have been without symptoms for at least 1 year. In the group with mesh prosthesis, laparoscopic refund application was performed in only 1 patient due to a slipping Nissen. In this group, recurrent hiatal hernia was not found in endoscopy. After laparoscopic antireflux surgery, GIQLI showed an equal improvement in both groups with an outcome comparable to that for healthy individuals. Postoperative dysphagia was significantly higher in the group with mesh prothesis within the 3 first months after surgery. One year after surgery no differences could be found. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that LNF with reinforcement of the hiatal crura reduces the risk of recurrent hiatal hernia with or without wrap migration. In addition, LNF with mesh prosthesis improves patient's quality of life significantly to the same level as that in patients without mesh prosthesis. Postoperative dysphagia is higher in the early period after surgery, but this is only temporary. Long-term results of a randomized trial must be obtained before a general standardization can be discussed.
Deglutition Disorders↗
Mid- and long-term quality of life assessments after laparoscopic fundoplication and refundoplication: a single unit review of more than 500 antireflux procedures.
BACKGROUND: For the evaluation of surgical interventions, quality of life data are being increasingly used as an efficacy endpoint. AIMS: To evaluate impact of laparoscopic fundoplication and laparoscopic refundoplication on quality of life as well as on patient satisfaction with the procedure for at least 5 years after surgical intervention. PATIENTS: After more than 500 laparoscopic antireflux procedures, quality of life data have been prospectively reviewed and data compared with healthy individuals, untreated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients (n = 150) and successfully treated patients (n = B4) under adequate omeprazole therapy. METHODS: Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index has been used in all patients and evaluated the day before surgery and 5 times after surgery. Moreover, the SF-36 questionnaire has been used up to 2 years after surgical intervention, but only in patients who underwent laparoscopic redo-surgery (n = 49). RESULTS: In both surgical groups, mean preoperative Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index showed a significant (p < 0.01) impairment (before laparoscopic antireflux surgery: 90.4 +/- 10.3 points; before redo-surgery: 84.3 +/- 8.1 points) when compared with healthy individuals (mean: 122.6 +/- 8.5 points) and successfully treated patients with acid-suppressive therapy (mean: 121.4 +/- 9.2 points). After surgery, the mean Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index increased significantly and remained stable for at least 5 years after laparoscopic antireflux surgery (120.8 +/- 8.6 points) or for at least 2 years after redo-proce-dure (120.9 +/- 7.2 points). Before laparoscopic refundoplication, 6 out of 8 SF-36 scores were significantly p < 0.05) decreased. Redo-surgery influenced these 6 scores significantly (p < 0.05-0.01), resulting in values comparable to those of general population. Patients' satisfaction with surgery was excellent or good in 95%. CONCLUSION: Both, laparoscopic fundoplication as well as laparoscopic refundoplication are able to improve patients' quality of life significantly for at least 5 years. Therefore, quality of life data provide useful information to discuss different treatment options with patients.
Adult↗
"Floppy" Nissen vs. Toupet laparoscopic fundoplication: quality of life assessment in a 5-year follow-up (part 2).
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Quality of life as an outcome variable has become an important measure in clinical research. This study is the second part of a prospective assessment of the quality of life outcome, in a 5-year follow-up of patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication or Toupet fundoplication. Data from a 1-year follow-up have been previously published (part I). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), the quality of life data of 169 consecutive patients who had undergone a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF; n = 104) or a laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF; n = 65), were evaluated 3 years and 5 years postoperatively. Six patients out of the initial study group (n = 175), including three from each group, were excluded from the main analysis because they had undergone laparoscopic re-fundoplication during the 1-year follow-up. Data from patients with repeat surgery have been analysed separately. In addition to administering the GIQLI, we evaluated patient satisfaction with surgery, possible surgical side effects or recurrent disease-related symptoms, the use of antireflux medication, and also surgical interventions in relation to initial antireflux surgery. In those patients, who were willing (n = 111) we also performed esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring 5 years postoperatively. RESULTS: At 3 years and 5 years postoperatively, the analysis of quality of life data showed that the GIQLI score remained stable in comparison with the 1-year follow-up data, with mean scores of 121 +/- 8.7 points in the LNF-group and 119.8 +/- 9 points in the LTF-group, at 5 years after surgery. Laparoscopic re-fundoplication was necessary in four patients due to a "slipping" Nissen (LNF group n = 1) or recurrent symptoms (LTF group, n = 3). In two patients in the LTF group herniation of a trocar incision was found. No patient suffered from severe surgical side effects. Patient satisfaction with surgery was rated as "excellent" or "good" in 97.9 % of patients. There were no significant differences between the groups concerning these data. The results of esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring also remained stable and showed normal values in all but two patients (in the LTF group), who suffered from mild and infrequent symptoms of recurrent heartburn without endoscopic signs of esophagitis. The outcome in patients who underwent laparoscopic re-fundoplication is comparable to the outcomes for those with a successful primary intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Both Nissen and Toupet laparoscopic fundoplication can significantly improve patients' quality of life during the 5 years following surgical intervention. Quality of life scores for both surgical groups were almost equal and postoperative outcomes were comparable to values in healthy controls. Patient satisfaction with surgical treatment was very high, even though repeat laparoscopic surgery was necessary in some cases. Patients who had a repeat procedure experienced nearly identical outcomes.
Female↗
Comorbidity of aerophagia in GERD patients: outcome of laparoscopic antireflux surgery.
BACKGROUND: While there is evidence that physiological data correlate poorly with quality-of-life data or patient-perceived symptom severity, most outcome studies of antireflux surgery still refer physiologic criteria. The aim of this prospective study was to establish whether concomitant aerophagia in GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) patients might influence the surgical outcome of laparoscopic 'floppy' Nissen fundoplication. METHODS: A total of 112 patients were divided into 2 subgroups: group 1 comprising GERD patients without aerophagia (n = 94; 84%); group 2 of GERD patients with concomitant aerophagia (n = 28; 16%). In all patients, requirements for surgery included an evaluation of symptoms (list of 17 symptoms; patients' grading from no--mild to moderate--severe), quality of life (Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index: GIQLI), esophagogastroduodenoscopy, esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring. Additionally, we asked for any potential stress relations to GERD symptoms. Surgical outcome was assessed 3 months and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: In group 2 patients before surgery, we found a significantly higher percentage with a mild impairment of esophageal motility, with a subjectively and objectively dominant reflux in the upright position, with a lower grading of esophagitis or Barrett esophagus, and with a stronger belief that stress was in any relation to perceived symptoms compared with group 1 patients. Additionally, these patients perceived typical and untypical symptoms more intensively. Factors such as DeMeester score and lower esophageal sphincter pressure did not differ preoperatively, the same as after antireflux surgery. Both groups profit significantly from surgery-a continuous reduction of symptom severity and quality-of-life improvement was found. Group 1 patients showed an improvement in mean GIQLI from 93.4+/-8.3 points preoperatively to 123.1+/-7.3 and 122.9+/-9.0 points 3 months and 1 year postoperatively, whereas group 2 patients demonstrated a lower outcome, from 82.2+/-9.1 points to 112.4+/-8.1 and 116.8+/-7.9 points postoperatively. This lesser improvement is the result of preoperative symptoms such as belching, bloating or flatulence, which many patients had after surgery. In addition, some of the group 2 patients suffered from subjective mild to moderate heartburn or dysphagia, but without any objective correlation. CONCLUSION: GERD patients with concomitant aerophagia demonstrated less symptomatic relief than patients without aerophagia. Moreover, patients with aerophagia showed less quality-of-life improvement after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. There were no significant differences in physiological outcome data between groups. Surgery in GERD patients with symptoms relating to aerophagia should be approached with great care. An additional psychological intervention in these patients might improve surgical outcome.
Adult↗
Anxiety disorder after laparoscopic refundoplication as a cause of dysphagia.
Side effects of laparoscopic antireflux surgery doubtless have a negative effect on patients' satisfaction with surgical outcome and quality of life. Until now, side effects of laparoscopic antireflux surgery such as dysphagia have not been reported as associated with the origin of psychiatric disorders. We report the case of a 71-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic refundoplication because of a "slipping" Nissen 2 years after primary intervention. After operation, the patient suffered from severe dysphagia and required pneumatic dilation. In this patient, severe dysphagia has caused panic disorder. Complete relief of dysphagia was achieved by single dilation. In contrast, panic symptoms in relation to daily ingestion continued for at least 6 weeks after surgery. A mild level of anxiety without panic symptoms existed for the first 3 months after reoperation.
Aged↗
Safety and long-term outcome of laparoscopic antireflux surgery in patients in their eighties and older.
BACKGROUND: The elderly have more severe reflux disease and paraesophageal hernias than younger patients, leading to a high failure rate of medical therapy. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery has an overall mortality of 0.1% and a low morbidity, making it a safe and beneficial procedure for the elderly. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of octo- and nonogenerians with a mean follow-up of 3.1 years after laparoscopic fundoplication. Thirty (3.5%) patients who were in their eighties or older are reported. Preoperative symptoms, esophageal testing, postoperative symptoms, and satisfaction rate were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven percent of patients had paraesophageal hernias. Mean duration of procedures was 146 +/- 49 min, blood loss was 76 +/- 101 ml, and hospitalization was 2.2 +/- 1.0 days. There was one conversion to laparotomy, two intraoperative complications, and no deaths. Follow-up data were available in 93% of patients. Mean follow-up time was 3.1 years. Two died of unrelated causes. At follow-up 96% stated that their surgical outcome was satisfactory. Two patients were suffering from severe symptoms. Overall well-being at follow-up was 7.5 (range 3-10) on a 10-point scale in comparison to 2.2 (range 1-5) before surgery (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery is a good option for the treatment of severe gastroesophageal reflux disease in octo- and nonagenarians.
Age Factors↗
Role of axillary node dissection in patients with T1a and T1b breast cancer: Mayo Clinic experience.
HYPOTHESIS: The incidence of nodal positivity in patients with early breast cancer is low, and axillary lymph node dissection may not be justified in all such patients. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary institution. PATIENTS: All patients with T1a and T1b breast cancer who had both primary breast surgery and axillary lymph node dissection at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla, from January 1, 1992, through February 28, 1998. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tumor size and biological grade, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, number of nodes harvested, and number of nodes positive for disease. RESULTS: Of 163 patients studied, 39 had T1a and 124 had T1b tumors. Node positivity was 0% for T1a and 11.3% for T1b tumors (P =.03). Lymph node involvement and estrogen receptor status were not related (P =.29). However, the risk of lymph node positivity for progesterone receptor-negative (P =.01) and estrogen receptor-negative/progesterone receptor-negative tumors was significantly higher than for progesterone and estrogen/progesterone receptor-positive tumors (P =.04). Furthermore, the risk of lymph node positivity was significantly higher as tumor size increased (P =.002). Finally, higher tumor grade conferred a higher risk of lymph node involvement (P =.02). CONCLUSIONS: T1a tumors have minimal risk of nodal positivity and may not require subsequent axillary lymph node dissection in the future. T1b tumors should be managed with routine analysis of axillary lymph node status. Whether sentinel node mapping can change this standard awaits further study.
Adult↗
[Outcome after laparoscopic antireflux surgery: fundoplication and re-fundoplication in the elderly].
PURPOSE: Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the elderly follows the same principles as for any adult patient. The indication for laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) often depends on the age of the patient. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the surgical outcome including quality of life after LARS and laparoscopic "redo-surgery" in patients older than 65 years. METHODS: Since 1993, 75 patients with a mean age of 71 years have been treated with laparoscopic "floppy" Nissen (n = 53) or Toupet (n = 22) fundoplication. Thirteen patients underwent laparoscopic redo-surgery after failed LARS. Quality of life (GIQLI) was assessed before surgery and 3 months and 1 year after surgery, with 24-h pH monitoring and esophageal manometry being performed. RESULTS: Intraoperative complications occurred in two patients with primary LARS, successfully managed laparoscopically. The conversion and mortality rate was 0%. In two patients postoperative complications occurred. Three months and 1 year after surgery 24-h pH monitoring and esophageal manometry showed normal values in all patients. GIQLI increased significantly after surgery and is comparable to that of healthy individuals. One patient suffered from severe dysphagia and required dilatation. In 13 patients who underwent laparoscopic refundoplication, redo procedure was completed laparoscopically in 12 patients. In one patient conversion was necessary because of severe bleeding from the spleen. Data of esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring showed normal values in all patients after redo-surgery. Three months and 1 year after laparoscopic reoperation the general score of GIQLI increased significantly (p < 0.01) and reached a level equivalent to that of comparable healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic fundoplication and refundoplication in the elderly patient is a safe and effective treatment in GERD and improves quality of life significantly. Age should not be longer a contraindication to LARS.
Age Factors↗
The cut-closed-reconnected Roux loop.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y↗
Laparoscopic antireflux surgery in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients with concomitant anxiety disorders.
BACKGROUND: Several psychological factors are known to affect the subjective outcome, such as quality of life, after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. AIM: To evaluate: a. outcome of laparoscopic antireflux surgery in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients with concomitant anxiety disorders, b. potential effects of laparoscopic antireflux surgery on psychiatric comorbidities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out of more than 550 patients who underwent laparoscopic antireflux surgery, 21 suffered from additional anxiety disorders. Outcome assessments included traditional data, evaluation of symptoms and side-effects, and quality of life. These data were evaluated before laparoscopic antireflux surgery and 6 weeks, 3 months and 1 year after surgery, RESULTS: Post-operative lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and DeMeester score were normal in all patients. Subjective severity of anxiety disorders remained unchanged in 13 patients 1 year after surgery. One patient suffered from severe dysphagia and required single dilatation. In this patient, severity and frequency of panic attacks increased for approximately 6 months after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. In 7 patients, total relief of panic symptoms was reported within 3 months post-operatively. Severity of most gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-related symptoms decreased significantly after laparoscopic antireflux surgery, but severity of some symptoms remained stable in patients with continuing anxiety disorders. In all patients, Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index increased significantly. This improvement was less marked in patients with continuing anxiety disorders. Patients presenting total relief of panic symptoms showed an outcome comparable to normal data. CONCLUSIONS: Data obtained suggest that patients with concomitant anxiety disorders should not generally be excluded from laparoscopic antireflux surgery but should be selected more carefully. In these patients, surgery significantly improves quality of life and eliminates gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-related symptoms. Some patients demonstrated less symptomatic relief. In contrast, laparoscopic antireflux surgery was able to eliminate panic disorders in one third of our patients.
Adult↗
Quality of life and surgical outcome after laparoscopic antireflux surgery in the elderly gastroesophageal reflux disease patient.
BACKGROUND: Generally, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the elderly follows the same principles as for any adult patient. Currently laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) has not been clearly established in the elderly patient. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the surgical outcome including quality of life after LARS in patients older than 65 years. METHODS: Since 1993 more than 500 patients underwent LARS in our institute. A total of 72 patients, older than 65 years, has been treated with laparoscopic 'floppy' Nissen (n = 51) or Toupet (n = 21) fundoplication. The patients included 23 women and 49 men, with a mean age of 71 years (range, 66-79 years). Quality of life was evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). The GIQLI was evaluated prior to surgery, and 3 months and 1 year after surgery, with 24-h pH monitoring and esophageal manometry being performed. RESULTS: Intraoperative complications occurred in two patients (both injury of the spleen), successfully managed laparoscopically. Conversion to laparotomy and mortality were 0%. Postoperative complications occurred twice: one patient had a perianal thrombosis; one had an epileptic seizure. Three months and 1 year after surgery 24-h pH monitoring (mean DeMeester score: preoperative, 61.4+/-23.7; 3 months, 8.4+/-6.4; 1 year, 7.8+/-7.2) and esophageal manometry (mean: preoperative, 2.3 = 1.8 mmHg; 3 months, 13.9+/-3.7 mmHg; 1 year, 12.3+/-3.2 mmHg) showed normal values in all patients. GIQLI increased significantly (mean: preoperative, 86+/-9.7 points; 3 months, 120.1+/-8.9 points; 1 year, 119.3+/-10.1 points) after surgery and is comparable to healthy individuals (118.7 points). One patient suffered from severe dysphagia and required dilatation. In two patients laparoscopic refundoplication was necessary 1 year after the initial procedure because of a 'slipping Nissen' and a 'telescope phenomenon'. Three years after LARS (n = 32) data are comparable to I year after surgery. CONCLUSION: As our data show, LARS can be a safe and effective procedure that significantly improves quality of life in the elderly patient suffering from GERD. Age should no longer be a contraindication to LARS.
Age Factors↗
Psychological intervention influences the outcome of laparoscopic antireflux surgery in patients with stress-related symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
BACKGROUND: Psychological aspects such as stress, emotions, illness behaviour or personality are known to affect the severity of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and can influence medical outcome in some patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of psychological intervention within routine surgical care on the surgical outcome of laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) in patients with stress-related GERD symptoms during a 1-year follow-up. METHODS: Out of a sample of 196 consecutive patients who required LARS (Nissen fundoplication), a group of 89 (45%) believed that stress was a factor in the cause of their symptoms (stress-related versus stress-unrelated GERD patients). Patients with stress-related symptoms were randomly assigned to the psychological intervention (PI group; n = 42) or control group with routine surgical care (RC group; n =42). Five patients were excluded from the study. Assessments of surgical outcome were: objective clinical data such as DeMeester score or lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, Gastrointestinal Quality-of-Life Index (GIQLI), evaluation of potential side effects such as subjective degree of dysphagia, general impairment as a result of LARS, and patient satisfaction with surgery. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in objective clinical data between the different treatment groups before and after surgery. Before surgery, patients with stress-related symptoms had a lower GIQLI and an increased spectrum of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms compared with patients without stress-related symptoms. A significant impact (P < 0.05-0.01) of psychological intervention on quality-of-life data, especially in GI symptoms, degree of dysphagia and general impairment, could be calculated after surgery. No differences in satisfaction with therapy were detectable. Comparing outcome, no significant differences between patients without stress-related GERD symptoms and the PI group were found. Generally, quality-of-life data in all patients improved significantly and patient satisfaction was excellent or good in 98.9% one year after surgery. In two patients a laparoscopic refundoplication was necessary because of a 'slipping Nissen'. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that there is no impact of psychological intervention on objective clinical data. Patients with stress-related GERD symptoms profit significantly from psychological intervention in patient-related factors of surgical outcome such as quality of life or degree of several aspects such as dysphagia and general impairment. Generally, LARS in patients with stress-related GERD symptoms is an effective and safe procedure which improves quality of life with fewer side effects. Psychological intervention reduces non GERD-related GI symptoms and makes the outcome comparable to the outcome of patients without stress-related symptoms. We therefore suggest that surgical treatment alone in patients with stress-related GERD symptoms is incomplete and that psychological intervention can optimize surgical outcome in these patients.
Adult↗
Rationale for surgical therapy of Barrett esophagus.
Barrett esophagus has malignant potential and seems to be an acquired abnormality. It is associated with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease and represents its severest form. The literature comparing medical treatment with antireflux surgery was reviewed. Questions regarding the advantages of surgery, who should undergo surgery, whether surgery can change the course of Barrett esophagus, the change in cancer risk, who needs surveillance, and cost-effectiveness were addressed. The incidence of developing Barrett cancer was 1 in 145 patient-years in reviewing 2032 patient-years of medical therapy compared with 1 in 294 patient-years in reviewing 4122 patient-years after surgery. Median follow-up time in the 2 groups was 2.7 years in the medically treated patients and 4.0 years in the surgically treated patients. Surveillance of Barrett esophagus is required irrespective of treatment. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery was found to be cost-effective after 7 years. Although these data do not prove that surgery is superior to medical treatment in the prevention of cancer related to Barrett esophagus, we found a tendency for surgery to be better than medical therapy to prevent the development and progression of Barrett carcinoma.
Barrett Esophagus↗
[Health-related and disease-specific quality of life assessment after laparoscopic repeated fundoplication].
PURPOSE: In recent years, the efficacy of laparoscopic antireflux surgery has been well-documented with quality-of-life data. The aim of the present study was to describe the efficacy of laparoscopic redo-surgery using health-related and disease-specific quality-of-life data. METHODS: A sample of 30 patients with mean age of 56 years underwent laparoscopic refundoplication. In 18 patients the primary antireflux procedure was performed by the open technique. In 12 cases the primary intervention was performed laparoscopically. To evaluate quality-of-life the German SF-36 Health Survey and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) were used and given to all patients before and 3 months and 1 year after redo-surgery. RESULTS: Before surgery, in two (physical functioning, role physical) out of 8 dimensions of SF-36 the values have not decreased significantly (P < 0.05) compared to healthy individuals. Three months after laparoscopic redo-surgery all reduced dimensions improved significantly (P < 0.05). One year after surgery all dimensions are stable and comparable to a healthy population. Prior to redo-surgery, the mean GIQLI was 86.7 points and improved significantly (P < 0.05) to 121.6 and 123.8 points (3 months and 1 year after refundoplication) and reached an equivalent level of comparable healthy individuals (122.6 points). There are no significant differences between patients with an open and laparoscopic initial antireflux procedure at all times of measurement. Postoperative data of only 28 patients were included because in two patients conversion was necessary due to operative problems. CONCLUSION: Because of these results laparoscopic refundoplication can be discussed as an effective method of treatment after failed primary antireflux procedure. Laparoscopic redo-surgery normalizes objective outcome criteria and also improves quality of life.
Adult↗
[Quality of life and subjective evaluation of outcome quality 3 years after laparoscopic antireflux surgery].
PURPOSE: Evaluation of quality of life data and patient satisfaction to estimate the outcome of laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) is nowadays an important issue, the long-term outcome of this has not yet received much attention. METHODS: In the present study we evaluated the outcome of quality of life data of 70 patients who underwent "floppy" Nissen fundoplication at our institute 3 years after surgery. Quality of life was evaluated with the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Additionally the subjectivity and objectivity of the quality of the procedure and possible side effects were evaluated with a questionnaire. RESULTS: Three years after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, patients gave their quality of life (GIQLI) in an overall score of 123.9 points. This is comparable to 122.6 points in the normal population. There was no difference detectable in the subdimensions of GIQLI. Ninety-eight percent of the patients estimated their satisfaction with the procedure as excellent or good and would undergo surgery again if necessary. Four patients suffered from minimal side effects from the procedure, but had no decrease in their quality of life. None of the patients needed antireflux medications postoperatively. Laparoscopic redo-fundoplication was performed in two patients 3 months after initial surgery because of persisting dysphagia. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and long-term outcome of treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease with laparoscopic "floppy" Nissen fundoplication can be evaluated by objective testing, but also by subjective judgment of the patient and with an evaluation of quality of life.
Female↗