Long-Term Quality of Life Outcomes Following Nissen Versus Toupet Fundoplication in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Long-term efficacy of total versus posterior partial fundoplication in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic fundoplication remains the standard treatment for patients with severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Multiple randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have compared the two most commonly performed surgical techniques, total and posterior partial fundoplication (Nissen [NF] and Toupet [TF]), in terms of symptom control and treatment failure in patients without subsequent dysmotility disorders. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of these two techniques with regard to the long-term effect on reflux control and associated dysphagia.

METHODS

The MEDLINE®, Embase®, PubMed® and Cochrane Library databases were searched, and all the relevant published RCTs were shortlisted according to the inclusion criteria. The summated outcomes of long-term results relating to the recurrence of GORD and dysphagia were evaluated in a meta-analysis using RevMan software.

RESULTS

Eight studies (all RCTs) on 1,545 patients undergoing NF or TF were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. There were 799 patients in the NF group and 746 in the TF group. In the random effects model analysis, the incidence of long-term recurrence of GORD was not statistically different between the NF and TF cohorts (odds ratio [OR]: 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34-1.41, z=1.01, p=0.31). However, the incidence of long-term dysphagia was statistically lower in the TF group (OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.49-5.72, z=3.13, p=0.002) with low between-study heterogeneity (I2=0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis on symptomatic GORD appear to be in favour of partial posterior fundoplication (TF) as the optimal treatment. It provides equivalent outcomes in reflux symptom control with a lower risk of postoperative dysphagia compared with total fundoplication (NF).

Personalized anti-reflux surgery: connecting GERD phenotypes in 690 patients to outcomes

BACKGROUND

Anti-reflux operations are effective treatments for GERD. Despite standardized surgical techniques, variability in post-operative outcomes persists. Most patients with GERD possess one or more characteristics that augment their disease and may affect post-operative outcomes-a GERD "phenotype". We sought to define these phenotypes and to compare their post-operative outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of a prospective gastroesophageal database at our institution, selecting all patients who underwent an anti-reflux procedure for GERD. Patients were grouped into different phenotypes based on the presence of four characteristics known to play a role in GERD: hiatal or paraesophageal hernia (PEH), hypotensive LES, esophageal dysmotility, delayed gastric emptying (DGE), and obesity. Patient-reported outcomes (GERD-HRQL, dysphagia, and reflux symptom index (RSI) scores) were compared across phenotypes using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test.

RESULTS

690 patients underwent an anti-reflux procedure between 2008 and 2022. Most patients underwent a Nissen fundoplication (302, 54%), followed by a Toupet or Dor fundoplication (205, 37%). Twelve distinct phenotypes emerged. Non-obese patients with normal esophageal motility, normotensive LES, no DGE, with a PEH represented the most common phenotype (134, 24%). The phenotype with the best post-operative GERD-HRQL scores at one year was defined by obesity, hypotensive LES, and PEH, while the phenotype with the worst scores was defined by obesity, ineffective motility, and PEH (1.5 ± 2.4 vs 9.8 ± 11.4, p = 0.010). There was no statistically significant difference in GERD-HRQL, dysphagia, or RSI scores between phenotypes after five years.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified distinct phenotypes based on common GERD-associated patient characteristics. With further study these phenotypes may aid surgeons in prognosticating outcomes to individual patients considering an anti-reflux procedure.

Nissen Versus Toupet Fundoplication For Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease, Short And Long-term Outcomes. A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains one of the most commonly encountered gastrointestinal disorders. Proton pump inhibitors still show an inadequate effect on about 10% to 40% of the patients. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is the surgical alternative for managing GERD in patients who are not responding to proton pump inhibitors.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study objected at comparing laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) concerning the short-term and long-term outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis that evaluated the studies comparing between Nissen fundoplication and LTF for the treatment of GERD. Studies were obtained by searching on the EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PubMed central database.

RESULTS

The LTF group showed significantly longer operation time, less postoperative dysphagia and gas bloating, less pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, and higher Demeester scores. No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in the perioperative complications, the recurrence of GERD, the reoperation rate, the quality of life, or the reoperation rate.

CONCLUSION

LTF is favored for the surgical treatment of GERD being of lower postoperative dysphagia and gas bloating rates. These benefits were not at the expense of significantly additional perioperative complications or surgery failure.

Multi-society consensus conference and guideline on the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diseases in North America and globally. The aim of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the most utilized and available endoscopic and surgical treatments for GERD.

METHODS

Systematic literature reviews were conducted for 4 key questions regarding the surgical and endoscopic treatments for GERD in adults: preoperative evaluation, endoscopic vs surgical or medical treatment, complete vs partial fundoplication, and treatment for obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35 kg/m²) and concomitant GERD. Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the GRADE methodology by subject experts. Recommendations for future research were also proposed.

RESULTS

The consensus provided 13 recommendations. Through the development of these evidence-based recommendations, an algorithm was proposed for aid in the treatment of GERD. Patients with typical symptoms should undergo upper endoscopy, manometry, and pH-testing; additional testing may be required for patients with atypical or extra-esophageal symptoms. Patients with normal or abnormal findings on manometry should consider undergoing partial fundoplication. Magnetic sphincter augmentation or fundoplication are appropriate surgical procedures for adults with GERD. For patients who wish to avoid surgery, the Stretta procedure and transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF 2.0) were found to have better outcomes than proton pump inhibitors alone. Patients with concomitant obesity were recommended to undergo either gastric bypass or fundoplication, although patients with severe comorbid disease or BMI > 50 should undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the additional benefits that follow weight loss.

CONCLUSION

Using the recommendations an algorithm was developed by this panel, so that physicians may better counsel their patients with GERD. There are certain patient factors that have been excluded from included studies/trials, and so these recommendations should not replace surgeon-patient decision making. Engaging in the identified research areas may improve future care for GERD patients.

Quality of life and gastric acid-suppression medication post-laparoscopic fundoplication: a ten years retrospective study

Background: Although medical treatment is the best approach for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), surgery has a significant role to play not only in cases of failure of medical treatment but also as in a long-term approach, specifically in young patient. On the other hand, alarming reports have been published concerning the outcomes and usefulness of antireflux surgery (ARS). The aim of this study was to evaluate medium and long-term functional outcomes following ARS performed in our institution over a 10 year period.Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients in our department who underwent primary or redo laparoscopic fundoplication between 2005 and 2015. Evaluation of the outcomes was made using a validated questionnaire specifically dedicated to GERD (the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire) and by investigation about the continued use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Exclusion criteria were patients treated for GERD with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, emergency reduction of hiatal hernia, patients missing from follow-up and patients deceased from unrelated causes.Results: 296 patients out of 309 met the inclusion criteria. Primary procedures included 214 Nissen, 35 Toupet, and 23 Collis gastroplasty; there were additionally 62 redo operations. Neither postoperative mortality nor conversion was observed. The mean follow-up was 8 years post-surgery, and contact was made with 96% of the original group. 85% of the patients had stopped PPI use since their operation (86% after Nissen, 73% after Toupet, 94% after Collis and 82% after redos). 90% of the patients had good to excellent functional results as reported by their GERD-HRQL score, and independent of the type of previous procedure. 31 patients were dissatisfied due to dysphagia in 7 and GERD recurrence in 24. Again 75% were extremely satisfied and 15% satisfied. Our own incidence of redo procedures was 11% but the functional result and satisfaction index were comparable between redo and primary procedures. The addition of Collis gastroplasty in cases of real short oesophagus did not alter the final result.Conclusions: Laparoscopic ARS presents a superior alternative to lifetime medication use and can provide long-term control of GERD symptoms in the majority of patients if it is performed skillfully and in carefully evaluated patients. Based on the present study, we believed that significant improvement in GERD health-related quality of life can be attained following both primary and reoperative ARS.

LAPAROSCOPIC REDO FUNDOPLICATION ALONE, REDO NISSEN FUNDOPLICATION, OR TOUPET FUNDOPLICATION COMBINED WITH ROUX-EN-Y DISTAL GASTRECTOMY FOR TREATMENT OF FAILED NISSEN FUNDOPLICATION

BACKGROUND:

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication fails to control the gastroesophageal reflux in almost 15% of patients, and most of them must be reoperated due to postoperative symptoms. Different surgical options have been suggested.

AIMS:

This study aimed to present the postoperative outcomes of patients submitted to three different procedures: redo laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication alone (Group A), redo laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication combined with distal gastrectomy (Group B), or conversion to laparoscopic Toupet combined with distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy (Group C).

METHODS:

This is a prospective study involving 77 patients who were submitted initially to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and presented recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux after the operation. They were evaluated before and after the reoperation with clinical questionnaire and objective functional studies. After reestablishing the anatomy of the esophagogastric junction, a surgery was performed. None of the patients were lost during follow-up.

RESULTS:

Persistent symptoms were observed more frequently in Group A or B patients, including wrap stricture, intrathoracic wrap, or twisted fundoplication. In Group C, recurrent symptoms associated with this anatomic alteration were infrequently observed. Incompetent lower esophageal sphincter was confirmed in 57.7% of patients included in Group A, compared to 17.2% after Nissen and distal gastrectomy and 26% after Toupet procedure plus distal gastrectomy. In Group C, despite the high percentage of patients with incompetent lower esophageal sphincter, 8.7% had abnormal acid reflux after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS:

Nissen and Toupet procedures combined with Roux-en-Y distal gastrectomy are safe and effective for the management of failed Nissen fundoplication. However, Toupet technique is preferable for patients suffering from mainly dysphagia and pain.

OUP accepted manuscript

Background

Fundoplication is an essential step in para-oesophageal hernia (POH) repair, but which type minimizes postoperative mechanical complications is controversial.

Methods

This was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted between May 2009 and October 2018. Patients with symptomatic POH were allocated to either a total (Nissen) or a posterior partial (Toupet) fundoplication after hernia reduction and crural repair. The primary outcome was dysphagia (Ogilvie dysphagia scores) at 6 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were peri- and postoperative complications, swallowing difficulties assessed by the Dakkak dysphagia score, gastro-oesophageal reflux, quality of life (QoL), and radiologically confirmed hernia recurrence.

Results

A total of 70 patients were randomized to a Nissen (n = 32) or a Toupet (n = 38) fundoplication. Compared with baseline, Ogilvie dysphagia scores were stable at the 3- and 6-month follow-up in the Nissen group (P = 0.075 and 0.084 respectively) but significantly improved in the Toupet group (from baseline mean (s.d.): 1.4 (1.1) to 0.5 ( 0.8) at 3 months, and 0.5 (0.6) at 6 months; P = 0.003 and P = 0.001 respectively). At 6 months, Dakkak dysphagia scores were significantly higher in the Nissen group than in the Toupet group (mean (s.d.): 10.4 (7.9) versus 5.1 (7.2); P = 0.003). QoL scores improved throughout the follow-up. However, at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the absolute median improvement (⍙) from preoperative values in the mental component scores of the Short Form-36 QoL questionnaire was significantly higher in the Toupet group (median (i.q.r.): 7.1 (−0.6 to 15.2) versus 1.0 (−5.4 to 3.3) at 3 months, and 11.2 (1.4 to 18.3) versus 0.4 (−9.4 to 7.5) at 6 months; (P = 0.010 and 0.003 respectively)). At 6 months, radiologically confirmed POH recurrence occurred in 11 of 24 patients (46 per cent) of the Nissen group and in 15 of 32 patients (47 per cent) of the Toupet group (P = 1.001).

Conclusions

A partial posterior wrap (Toupet fundoplication) showed reduced obstructive complications and improved QoL compared with a total (Nissen) fundoplication following POH repair.

Registration number: NCT04436159 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)

Modelling Stakeholder Valuation: An Example Using the Surgical Treatments for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Background

Assessing the value of a treatment is of great importance. Typical methods are directed toward policy decisions. However, individual stakeholders will have different valuation based on their interests.

Methods

Formulas were developed to quantify the value of a treatment from the patient, surgeon, hospital, and private third-party payer. These formulas are based on observed factors that go into treatment decision-making for each stakeholder. Using the example of four surgical treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease, values for each factor were obtained from publically available documents or were arbitrarily estimated.

Results

From the patient perspective, the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) provided the best value at 2.99 quality-adjusted life years per $1,000 spent. From the surgeon perspective, it provided the best value at $752.20 earned per hour effort. From the hospital perspective, LNP provided the best value at $3,446 earned per episode of care. Lastly, from the third-party payer perspective, total incisionless fundoplication provided the best value at $13,336 per year.

Conclusions

Because value is measured differently for each stakeholder, there will be conflicts as to how treatment options are valued.

Endoscopic and Surgical Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Approximately, 10% to 15% of patients in the United States experience gastroesophageal reflux symptoms on a weekly basis, negatively affecting the quality of life and increasing the risk of reflux-related complications. For patients with symptoms recalcitrant to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy or those who cannot take PPIs, surgical fundoplication is the gold standard. The preoperative workup is complex but vital for operative planning and ensuring good postoperative outcomes. Most patients are highly satisfied after fundoplication, though transient dysphagia, gas bloating, and resumption of PPI use are common postoperatively. Multiple newer technologies offer safe alternatives to fundoplication with similar outcomes.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication with Medigus ultrasonic surgical endostapler (MUSE) for the treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease: outcomes up to 3 years

BACKGROUND

Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) with Medigus Ultrasonic Surgical Endostapler (MUSE) is a new intervention for treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed at assessing the clinical, functional, and endoscopic effects of TIF by MUSE.

METHODS

Forty-six patients underwent TIF. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) consumption, GERD-health-related quality of life (HRQL) and reflux symptom index (RSI) questionnaires, upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, esophageal 24-h pH-impedance recording, and high-resolution manometry (HRM) were done before TIF and scheduled 6 and 12 months later (HRM only at 6-month). PPI consumption and symptoms were then assessed yearly. Data up to 3 years are reported in this study (PP- and ITT-analysis).

RESULTS

TIF was successfully performed in 45/46 patients; in one patient esophageal intubation was impossible. Perforation occurred in two cases. One patient required surgery within 6 months. Clinical follow-up was available for 42 patients at 6 months and 1 year, 35 patients at 2 years, and 31 patients at 3 years. At 1, 2, and 3 years, PPI consumption was stopped, respectively, in 64.3%, 62.9%, and 74.2% of cases (ITT-analysis: 58.7%, 56.4%, and 65.7%). GERD-HRQL and RSI scores decreased at least 50%, respectively, in 71.5% and 76.2%, 71.4% and 68.6%, and 67.7% of cases (ITT-analysis: 65.2% and 69.6%, 64.1% and 61.5%, and 60%). A significant improvement of both scores was observed up to 3 years. 6-month and 1-year functional follow-up were possible in 31 and 20 patients. HRM showed significant increase of the median lower esophageal sphincter length and rate of peristaltic waves. Esophageal pH-impedance recording found significantly fewer acid, proximal and total refluxes, and percentage of esophageal pH < 4 total time at 6 months, but not at 1 year.

CONCLUSION

TIF by MUSE significantly improved symptoms and PPIs consumption up to 3 years. However, esophagitis still persisted in one-third of cases at 1 year and functional improvement at 6 months was not confirmed at 1 year. Severe complications requiring surgery occurred in two cases. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: ID: NCT03669874.

Surgical treatment of GERD: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a high worldwide prevalence in adults and children. There is uncertainty regarding medical versus surgical therapy and different surgical techniques. This review assessed outcomes of antireflux surgery versus medical management of GERD in adults and children, robotic versus laparoscopic fundoplication, complete versus partial fundoplication, and minimal versus maximal dissection in pediatric patients.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched (2004-2019) to identify randomized control and non-randomized comparative studies. Two independent reviewers screened for eligibility. Random effects meta-analysis was performed on comparative data. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias and Newcastle Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

From 1473 records, 105 studies were included. Most had high or uncertain risk of bias. Analysis demonstrated that anti-reflux surgery was associated with superior short-term quality of life compared to PPI (Std mean difference =  - 0.51, 95%CI  - 0.63, - 0.40, I² = 0%) however short-term symptom control was not significantly superior (RR = 0.75, 95%CI 0.47, 1.21, I² = 82%). A proportion of patients undergoing operative treatment continue PPI treatment (28%). Robotic and laparoscopic fundoplication outcomes were similar. Compared to total fundoplication, partial fundoplication was associated with higher rates of prolonged PPI usage (RR = 2.06, 95%CI 1.08, 3.94, I² = 45%). There was no statistically significant difference for long-term symptom control (RR = 0.94, 95%CI 0.85, 1.04, I² = 53%) or long-term dysphagia (RR = 0.73, 95%CI 0.52, 1.02, I² = 0%). Ien, minimal dissection during fundoplication was associated with lower reoperation rates than maximal dissection (RR = 0.21, 95%CI 0.06, 0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence regarding the optimal treatment of GERD often suffers from high risk of bias. Additional high-quality randomized control trials may further inform surgical decision making in the treatment of GERD.

Long-term outcomes of transoral incisionless fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux disease: systematic-review and meta-analysis

Background and study aims  Few reports exist about long-term outcomes of transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) for treating refractory gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods  A literature search of four major scientific databases was performed up to May 2020 for studies reporting on more than 3-year outcomes of TIF. Data on atient satisfaction, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) daily consumption, PPI use reduction, GERD health-related quality-of-life (GERD-HRQL) score, and normalization of heartburn and regurgitation scores were pooled and summarized with forest plots. Publication bias and heterogeneity were explored. Results  Overall, eight studies (418 patients, 232 men; 55.5 %) with a mean follow-up of 5.3 years (range: 3-10 years) were included. The pooled proportion of patient-reported satisfaction before and after TIF was 12.3 % (95 % CI:12.3-35.1 %, I ²  = 87.4 %) and 70.6 % (95 % CI:51.2-84.6, I ²  = 80 %), respectively, corresponding to an odds ratio of 21.4 (95 % CI:3.27-140.5). Pooled rates of patients completely off PPIs and on occasional PPIs were 53.8 % (95 %CI: 42.0 %-65.1 %) and 75.8 % (95 %CI: 67.6-82.6), respectively. The pooled estimated mean GERD-HRQL scores off PPI before and after TIF werey 26.1 (95 %CI: 21.5-30.7; range: 20.0-35.5) and 5.9, respectively (95 %CI:0.35.1-11.4; range: 5.3-9.8; P  < 0.001). The overall pooled rates of heartburn and regurgitation scores normalization were 73.0 % (95 %CI: 0.62-0.82) and 86 %, respectively (95 %CI: 75.0-91.0 %). Conclusion  Our study shows that TIF appears to offer a long-term safe therapeutic option for selected patients with GERD who refuse life-long medical therapy or surgery, are intolerant to PPIs, or are at increased surgical risk.

Stretta radiofrequency treatment vs Toupet fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a comparative study

Background

Outcomes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) using Toupet fundoplication (TF) and Stretta radiofrequency (SRF) have not been compared and this study was conducted to compare therapeutic efficacy of the two methods.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed a total of 230 patients undergoing TF or SRF at our hospital. Baseline data, reflux symptoms, the DeMeester scores, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and adverse events were compared over 1 year period.

Results

A total of 226 patients were included in the study. The time and frequency of reflux and percentage of reflux time before and 12 months after therapy were not significantly different. There were significantly interactions between the therapy method and follow-up time on the DeMeester score and LES pressure. Twelve months post therapy, the DeMeester score was significantly higher in SRF than in TF group, while the LES pressure was lower. At 12 months after therapy, multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis showed that reflux frequency, the DeMeester score and LES pressure were risk factors for poor prognosis in TF group, while reflux frequency and the DeMeester score, and LES pressure were risk factors for poor prognosis in SFR group.

Conclusions

Compared with TF, SFR can significantly improve the esophageal pH and pressure in GERD patients without increasing the risk of poor prognosis.

Efficacy and Safety of Recurrent Paraesophageal Hernia Repair with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been explored as a revisional option to failed paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair with fundoplication, particularly in patients suffering from obesity. However, few studies have assessed long-term outcomes of RYGB with revisional PEH repairin regard to acid-suppressing medication use. We retrospectively identified 19 patients who underwent revisional PEH repair with RYGB between 2011 and 2018. The median operative time was 232 minutes with a median hospital length of stay of two days. The median length of follow-up was 24 months. Two patients (10.5%) had complications in the first 30 days, and five patients (26.3%) had complications within one year. Of the 12 patients on preoperative acid suppression, 6 (50%) were either off medication or on reduced dose at 12 months. The median BMI decrease was 14.4 kg/m2at 12 months and did not change significantly afterward. Although rates of acid-suppression medication use did not change overall after revisional PEH repair with RYGB, patients experienced successful long-term management of morbid obesity and sustained weight loss. Revisional PEH repair with RYGB is a safe and effective option, with a complication rate comparable with the reported rates after revisional foregut procedures such as revisional Nissen fundoplication.

Correlation of sleep quality with mental state and quality of life in elderly patients with gastroesophageal reflux

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the common diseases of the digestive system, and long-term and repeated attacks of the disease greatly affect the quality of life and sleep quality of patients. It is of important significance to improve the sleep quality and mental state of these patients to improve their treatment compliance and quality of life.

AIM

To investigate the correlation of sleep quality with mental state and quality of life in elderly patients with GERD.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty elderly patients with GERD treated at the Second Hospital of Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province from January 2018 to September 2019 were enrolled, including 70 without sleep disorders (control group) and 50 with sleep disorders (observation group). Sleep quality, mental status, and quality of life scale scores were evaluated in all patients, and Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the scores of all dimensions of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale increased significantly in the observation group (P < 0.05), with the increase in the scores of time to sleep, sleep duration, and sleep disorders more prominent (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the scores of somatization, anxiety, depression, paranoia, force, and psychosis of the SCL-90 were significantly higher in the observation group (P < 0.05), while those of hostile, terror, and interpersonal sensitivity showed no significant change (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the scores of physical functioning, physical role, general health, vitality, social function, emotional function, and mental health of the SF-36 were significantly lower in the observation group (P < 0.05), while the score of bodily pain increased significantly (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the scores of the eight dimensions of the SF-36 were negatively correlated with the scores of somatization, anxiety, depression, paranoia, force, and psychosis of the SCL-90 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Sleep disorder in elderly GERD patients is an important factor affecting psychological state and quality of life, and quality of life is negatively correlated with somatization, anxiety, depression, paranoia, compulsion, and psychosis of the SCL-90. Therefore, attention should be paid to patients' mental state to improve their quality of life and sleep in clinical practice.

Impact of Toupet Versus Nissen Fundoplication on Dysphagia in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Associated Preoperative Esophageal Dysmotility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists regarding the best surgical approach for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and associated preoperative esophageal dysmotility. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of Toupet fundoplication (TF) and Nissen fundoplication (NF) in patients with GORD and coexistent preoperative esophageal dysmotility.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of electronic information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov , and bibliographic reference lists. We applied a combination of free text search and controlled vocabulary search adapted to thesaurus headings, search operators, and limits in each of the above-mentioned databases. Postoperative dysphagia and improvement in dysphagia were primary outcome parameters.

RESULTS

We identified 3 randomized controlled trials and 1 observational study reporting a total of 220 patients, of whom 126 underwent TF and the remaining 94 patients had NF. Despite the existence of significantly higher preoperative dysphagia in the TF group (29.3% vs 4.2%, P = .05), TF was associated with significantly lower postoperative dysphagia (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31, P = .002) with low between-study heterogeneity ( I2 = 11%, P = .34), and significantly higher improved dysphagia (OR = 10.32, P < .0001) with moderate between-study heterogeneity ( I2 = 31%, P = .23) compared with NF.

CONCLUSION

TF may be associated with significantly lower postoperative dysphagia than NF in patients with GORD and associated preoperative esophageal dysmotility. However, no definite conclusions can be drawn as the best available evidence comes mainly from a limited number of heterogeneous randomized controlled trials. Future studies are encouraged to include patients with similar preoperative dysphagia status and report the outcomes with respect to recurrence of acid reflux symptoms.

Persistent dysphagia is a rare problem after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Although around 30% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are insufficiently treated with medical therapy, only 1% opt for surgical therapy. One of the reasons behind this multifactorial phenomenon is the described adverse effect of long-term dysphagia or gastric bloating syndrome after surgical treatment. Aim of this study was to evaluate the most common side effects associated with anti-reflux surgery, as well as long-term outcomes in a large cohort of highly surgically standardized patients after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF).

METHODS

Out of a prospective patients' database including all patients that underwent anti-reflux surgery between 01/2003 and 01/2017 at our institution, 350 consecutive patients after highly standardized LNF were included in this study. A standardized interview was performed by one physician assessing postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms, proton pump inhibitor intake (PPI), GERD-Health-Related-Quality-of-Life (GERD-HRQL), Alimentary Satisfaction (AS), and patients' overall satisfaction.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 4 years, persistent dysphagia (PD) after LNF was observed in 8 (2%) patients, while postoperative gas-bloat syndrome in 45 (12.7%) cases. Endoscopic dilatation was needed in 7 (2%) patients due to dysphagia, and 19 (5%) patients underwent revision surgery due to recurrence of GERD. The postoperative GERD-HRQL total score was significantly reduced (2 (IQR 0-4.3) vs. 19 (IQR 17-32); p < 0.000) and the median AS was 9/10. Heartburn relief was achieved in 83% of patients. Eighty-three percent of patients were free of PPI intake after follow-up, whereas 13% and 4% of the patients reported daily and irregular PPI use, respectively.

CONCLUSION

LNF is a safe and effective surgical procedure with low postoperative morbidity rates and efficient GERD-related symptom relief. PD does not represent a relevant clinical issue when LNF is performed in a surgical standardized way. These results should be the benchmark to which long-term outcomes of new surgical anti-reflux procedures are compared.