Long-term outcome of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in a regional hospital setting

Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is considered to be the standard approach for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Various trials have assessed the outcome of the operation performed in high-volume centers, but the existing evidence regarding peripheral, lowvolume hospitals is scarce. The purpose of this study is to investigate the late outcome of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with regard to symptom control and postoperative quality of life in a communityhospital setting. Methods: 376 patients underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in our hospital during the period of 1997-2012. Patients were asked to subjectively; assess the pre-and postoperative severity of their symptoms and quality of life. Follow-up was conducted by means of a mailed questionnaire. Results: Respondents had a median follow-up of 8.8 years (range: 1.4-17). 60.8% (101/166) patients reported complete control of heartburn. Ten patients (6%) had undergone revisional surgery. 31 respondents (18.6%) reported a new-onset dysphagia postoperatively. 85% (138/166) of the respondents would have; the operation again, if necessary. 73.6% (120/166) reported a lasting improvement of their overall quality of life. Conclusion: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a safe method with significant long-term efficacy in terms of symptom control and quality of life, even when; performed in a low-volume, communityhospital setting. (C) 2017 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.