Partial fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux.

BACKGROUND: About 20% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have severely impaired esophageal peristalsis in addition to an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter. In these patients a total fundoplication corrects the abnormal reflux, but it is often associated with postoperative dysphagia and gas bloat syndrome. We studied the efficacy of partial fundoplication in such patients.

METHODS: A partial fundoplication (240 degrees -270 degrees ) was performed laparoscopically in 26 patients (11 men, 15 women; mean age 50.5 years) with GERD (mean DeMeester score: 92 +/- 16) in whom manometry demonstrated severely abnormal esophageal peristalsis.

RESULTS: All operations were completed laparoscopically and the patients were dicharged an average of 39 h after surgery. The preoperative symptoms resolved or improved in all patients, and no patient developed dysphagia or gas bloat syndrome. Postoperative pH monitoring showed complete or nearly complete resolution of the abnormal reflux in every patient.

CONCLUSIONS: Partial fundoplication is an excellent treatment for patients with GERD and weak peristalsis, for it corrects the abnormal reflux and avoids postoperative dysphagia.