OBJECTIVE

To investigate late objective outcomes 14 years after laparoscopic anterior 180-degree partial versus Nissen fundoplication.

BACKGROUND

Clinical outcomes from randomized clinical trials suggest good outcomes for anterior 180-degree partial fundoplication, with similar control of reflux symptoms and less side effects, compared with Nissen fundoplication. However, objective outcomes at late follow-up have not been reported.

METHODS

A subset of participants from a randomized trial of anterior 180-degree versus Nissen fundoplication underwent stationary esophageal high-resolution manometry and ambulatory 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring at 14 years' follow-up. The subset and other patients in the trial also completed a standardized clinical questionnaire to ensure that they were representative of the overall trial.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (8 anterior, 10 Nissen) underwent objective testing and had a symptom profile similar to those who did not (n = 59) have testing. Total esophageal acid exposure time and the total number of acid and weakly acidic reflux episodes per 24 hours were higher after anterior fundoplication than after Nissen fundoplication. Proximal, midesophageal and distal reflux were proportionately increased after anterior 180-degree fundoplication. The number of liquid and mixed reflux episodes was also higher after anterior fundoplication, which was accompanied by higher clinical heartburn scores. There were no differences in gas reflux, gastric belches, and supragastric belches, which is in line with the observation that gas-related symptoms were similar for both groups. Mean LES resting and relaxation nadir pressure were lower after anterior fundoplication, which was reflected by lower dysphagia scores. Patient satisfaction was similar after both procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

At 14 years after randomization, this study demonstrated that acid, weakly acidic, liquid and mixed reflux episodes are more common after anterior 180-degree fundoplication than after Nissen fundoplication. On the contrary, gas reflux and gastric belching and patient satisfaction are similar for both procedures. Mean LES resting and relaxation nadir pressure are lower after anterior fundoplication. Overall, these findings suggest less effective reflux control after anterior 180-degree partial fundoplication, offset by less dysphagia, leading to a clinical outcome that is equivalent to Nissen fundoplication at late follow-up.