Laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication with valve calibration: a safe and efficient procedure.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSES: A floppy Nissen fundoplication with valve calibration (FNF-VC) performed by laparotomy has been described, to reduce postoperative dysphagia and gas bloating after 360°-fundoplication. As laparoscopy is the gold standard for fundoplication, this study reports the first results of a modified FNF-VC adapted for laparoscopy (LFNF). METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive patients, who underwent LFNF for refractory GERD between 2012 and 2021, were included. Postoperative outcomes and quality of life (QoL) by GERSS, GERD-HRQL, and GIQLI scores before and after surgery were assessed. RESULTS: The main symptoms were pyrosis (81%), regurgitation (39%), Ear-Nose-Throat symptoms (22%), and thoracic pain (24%). Hiatal hernia was present in 85% (n = 61) of the patients. There was no postoperative mortality, and the severe postoperative morbidity rate (Dindo-Clavien ≥ III) was 6%. After a median follow-up of 3.6 years, only 8% of patients were still taking proton-pump inhibitors. Long-term residual dysphagia was noted in 15% of the patients, but none required reoperation or interventional endoscopic procedures. QoL improved, with a significant reduction in GERSS and GERD-HRQL scores and a postoperative GIQLI of 101.75 (75-117.5). CONCLUSION: This series reports the safety and efficacy of an FNF-VC adapted for laparoscopy to treat GERD with a limited rate of residual dysphagia.