Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease in Japan.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is the standard treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Western countries where this disorder is common; however, it has only recently been introduced in Japan. We examined the effectiveness of laparoscopic antireflux surgery in a small series of Japanese patients.

METHODS:

Between 1998 and 2001 we performed laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in 23 patients to evaluate the efficiency of this technique. We examined the following four parameters pre- and postoperatively: symptoms, endoscopic findings, gastroesophagogram findings, and the results of intraesophageal 24-h pH monitoring. We also examined the operation time, blood loss, intraoperative complications, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS:

The operation was safely performed in all patients, regardless of age, and there were no intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, more than three parameters were effectively normalized in 17 (89.5%) of 19 patients. The only postoperative complications were delayed gastric emptying in three patients and persistent dysphagia in five patients. During follow-up, esophagitis recurred in two patients, one of whom underwent laparoscopic refundoplication, which normalized the condition.

CONCLUSION:

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is highly effective for GERD and could become the standard surgical treatment in Japan.

• Authors: Satoshi Takeyama, Akihiko Numata, Masaaki Nenohi, Yoshimi Shibata, Shun-ichi Okushiba, Hiroyuki Katoh
• Journal: Surgery today (Surg Today) Vol. 34 Issue 6 Pg. 506-9 ( 2004) ISSN: 0941-1291 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 15170546 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Esophagitis (etiology)
• Female
• Fundoplication (methods)
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (surgery)
• Humans
• Japan
• Laparoscopy (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications
• Treatment Outcome