Roux-en-Y Near Esophagojejunostomy for Intractable Gastroesophageal Reflux After Antireflux Surgery

Background Intractable gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after prior antireflux operation presents a difficult challenge. Our objective was to investigate the role of Roux-en-Y near esophagojejunostomy (RNYNEJ) in the management of intractable reflux symptoms after prior antireflux surgery. Methods Between June 2000 and October 2005, 25 patients with GERD after antireflux surgery underwent RNYNEJ. The endpoints evaluated were improvement in GERD symptoms using the GERD-Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) scale, overall patient satisfaction, overall patient weight loss, and improvement of comorbid conditions. Results There were 4 men and 21 women (mean age 51 years; range, 35 to 74). Seventy two percent had a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. Forty-four percent had more than one antireflux surgery and 40% had a previous Collis gastroplasty. The perioperative mortality was 0%. Six patients (24%) developed major postoperative complications, including anastomotic leak (n = 2) and Roux-limb obstruction (n = 1). The median length of stay was 6 days. Eighty percent of the patients reported satisfaction at mean follow-up time of 16.5 months. Their BMI reduced from 35.8 to 27.7 (p < 0.001). Seventy three percent of comorbid conditions were improved and the GERD HRQL score improved from 29.9 to 7.3 (p < 0.001). Conclusions The RNYNEJ for persistent GERD after prior antireflux surgery is technically challenging with significant morbidity. However, the majority of the patients reported satisfaction with significant improvement in symptoms. Many patients had associated benefits of weight loss and improvement in comorbid conditions. Roux-en-Y near esophagojejunostomy should be considered as an important option for the treatment of intractable GERD after prior antireflux surgery, particularly in the obese.