Outcome of open antireflux surgery as assessed in a Nordic multicentre prospective clinical trial. Nordic GORD-Study Group.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcome of antireflux surgery in various hospitals in Scandinavian countries.

DESIGN

Partly randomised controlled study, and partly open study.

SETTING

Hospitals throughout Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

SUBJECTS

310 patients with chronic reflux disease and oesophagitis who were initially entered into a randomised controlled study of omeprazole and antireflux surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Total fundic wrap, partial fundoplication, or omeprazole.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Control of symptoms at one year.

RESULTS

154 patients who had their symptoms of reflux completely controlled with omeprazole were initially randomised to have an open operation but 10 refused, leaving 144 for analysis. 34 patients who had only a partial response were also offered operation; 120/178 (68%) had a total fundic wrap, and 53 (30%) partial fundoplication. 6 patients had postoperative complications that required reoperation and 123 made a completely uneventful recovery. Reflux was controlled in most patients, and only 10 (6%) required further treatment with omeprazole. The outcome in those patients who only responded partially to omeprazole was similar to that in patients who had a complete response.

CONCLUSION

The outcome of antireflux surgery throughout Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland is good.