Introduction: It is possible that outcomes after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication are different when patients are operated upon for disparate indications, e.g., symptoms due to excessive acid reflux or obstruction. This study was undertaken to compare symptomatic outcomes between patients undergoing fundoplication for the disparate indications of excessive acid reflux vs. dysphagia.
Methods: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications were undertaken in 420 patients with predominant symptoms of excessive acid reflux and in 58 patients with predominant symptoms of dysphagia; all are prospectively followed. Before and after fundoplication, patients scored, among many symptoms, the frequency and severity of heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia utilizing a Likert scale (0=never/not bothersome to 10=always/bothersome). Data are presented as median, mean ± SD. Symptoms scores are compared using Wilcoxon matched pairs test or Mann-Whitney test. Median follow-up is 20 months.
Results: Before fundoplication, patients with predominant symptoms of excessive acid reflux vs. patients with predominant symptoms of dysphagia had more frequent (8, 8 ± 2.2 vs. 6, 6 ± 3.2) and severe heartburn (9, 9 ± 1.7 vs. 4, 3 ± 1.8), and more frequent (6, 6 ± 3.4 vs. 3, 4 ± 3.0) and severe regurgitation (7, 6 ± 3.5 vs. 1, 3 ± 4.0) but less severe dysphagia (5, 5 ± 3.8 vs. 7, 7 ± 2.0) (p
Session: Poster
Program Number: P294