20 years later: laparoscopic fundoplication durability

Laparoscopic surgery for gastrointestinal reflux disease was introduced in 1991. Early safety, efficacy, and 5–10-year durability have been amply documented, but long-term patient outcomes have been criticized. This study presents 20-year outcomes after laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) in a consecutive patient cohort.

Patients who underwent primary LF procedures for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were identified from a prospectively collected IRB-approved database (1991–1995). A phone symptom questionnaire was administered using a 5-point validated GERD scoring system (heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia). Symptomatic success was defined by a lack of surgical re-intervention and a low symptom score.

One-hundred and ninety-three patients were identified during the time period. Fifty-one patients completed the survey (100 lost to follow-up, 40 deceased, 2 declined to answer). Respondents had a median follow-up of 19.7 years. Overall, 38/51 (74.5 %) of patients reported complete control of heartburn and regurgitation. Ten patients reported only occasional heartburn. Eight of fifty-one (16 %) reported daily dysphagia, and 22/51 (43 %) of respondents were using proton pump inhibitors at the time of telephone interview. Nine of fifty-one (18 %) underwent revision of the original surgery which did not negatively impact the satisfaction rating, with 8/9 (89 %) of these patients reporting the highest satisfaction rating. Overall, 46/51 (90 %) were satisfied with their choice of surgery.

Long-term results from the early experience with LF are excellent with 94 % of patients reporting only occasional or fewer reflux symptoms at 20-year follow-up. However, 18 % required surgical revision surgery to maintain their results. There is a relatively high rate of daily dysphagia but 90 % of patients are happy to have had LF.