Quality of life and symptomatic outcome three to five years after laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients with impaired esophageal motility

Background: Many centers practice a tailored approach to laparoscopic antireflux surgery in attempt to prevent postoperative side effects in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients with an impaired esophageal motility. As a result of controversial findings reported in literature no worldwide accepted consensus exists regarding the appropriate indication for this tailored approach. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate quality of life and symptomatic outcome in selected patients for a follow-up of 3 to 5 years. Methods: A total of 155 patients with esophageal dismotility underwent laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF). Basic requirements for surgery included in all patients a detailed evaluation of symptoms and quality of life (Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index [GIQLI]), esophagogastroduodenoscopy, 24-hour pH monitoring, and esophageal manometry. Patients were evaluated 6 weeks, 3 months, 1 year, and 3 to 5 years after LTF. Results: GERD-related symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, or chest pain showed a significant improvement (P <0.05 to 0.001) in all gradings immediately after surgery. During the complete follow-up, a total of 4 patients (2.6%) required laparoscopic redo surgery because of recurrent GERD symptoms. Two patients (1.3%) were adequately maintained on short-term proton pump inhibitor therapy because of mild symptoms. All these patients have shown a pathological DeMeester score within the early period after surgery (3 months or 1 year control). Severe and persistent side effects have been present in 7 patients (4.5%), mild to moderate side effects in 11 patients (7.1%). Other side effects have been temporary and resolved spontaneously. GIQLI improved significantly (P <0.05 to 0.01) in all dimensions and persisted for at least 5 years with mean values comparable with healthy individuals. Conclusions: LTF is effective, well tolerated, and improves quality of life, improving long-term outcome with an acceptable rate of long-term side effects in GERD patients with moderate to severe esophageal dismotility for a follow-up period of 3 to 5 years.