Laparoscopic partial posterior (Toupet) fundoplication improves esophageal bolus propagation on scintigraphy.

BACKGROUND: Impaired esophageal clearance is important in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is unknown whether esophageal clearance improves following antireflux surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (NF), laparoscopic partial posterior (Toupet) fundoplication (PPF) or medical therapy on esophageal clearance. METHODS: This was a prospective nonrandomized crossover study. Sixty patients were evaluated with endoscopy, esophageal manometry, radionuclide scanning of esophageal emptying, and assessment of symptoms prior to surgery or medical therapy and 6 months after treatment. In 20 GERD patients with normal esophageal peristalsis an NF was performed, in 20 patients with impaired esophageal peristalsis a PPF was chosen, and 20 patients received proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. RESULTS: On endoscopy, esophagitis had resolved in all patients after surgery; two patients with medical therapy still had esophagitis. On manometry, a significant improvement of lower esophageal sphincter competence was seen in both surgical groups. LES relaxation was complete after PPF, but incomplete after NF. Esophageal peristalsis did not improve after medical therapy, was significantly improved after PPF, but had worsened after NF. On scintigraphic esophageal emptying for solid meals, there was no improvement after medical therapy but a significant improvement after PPF. A significant deterioration of esophageal emptying was observed after NF. There was a strong correlation between scintigraphic and manometric evaluation of peristalsis preoperatively (r(s) = -0.87, p < 0.05) and postoperatively (r(s) = -0.82, p < 0.05). There was no change in dysphagia after medical therapy and after NF but a significant improvement after PPF. Globus sensation was significantly improved after PPF but did not change after medical therapy or NF. Postprandial bloating and inability to belch were significantly more common after NF than after PPF. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic partial posterior (Toupet) fundoplication can restore a preoperatively defective esophageal bolus propagation on scintigraphy with the same antireflux effect as the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, but with lower side-effects.

Austrian experiences with redo antireflux surgery.

BACKGROUND: From 1996, the entire number of fundoplications performed in Austria increased dramatically, favoring the laparoscopic technique. Despite good results, some patients experience failure of antireflux surgery and therefore require redo surgery if medical therapy fails to control symptoms. The aim of the study was to describe the refundoplication policy in Austria with evaluation of the postoperative results. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all Austrian surgical departments at the beginning of 2003 with questions about redo fundoplications (number, techniques, intraoperative complications, history, migration of patients, preoperative workup, mortality, and postoperative long-term complaints). It also included questions about primary fundoplications (number, technique, postoperative symptoms). RESULTS: Out of 4,504 primary fundoplications performed in Austria since 1990, 3,952 have been carried out laparoscopically. In a median of 31 months after the primary operation, 225 refundoplications have been performed, laparoscopically in the majority of patients. The Nissen and the partial posterior fundoplication were the preferred techniques. The conversion rate in these was 10.8%, mainly because of adhesions and lacerations of the spleen, the stomach, and the esophagus. The mortality rate after primary fundoplications was 0.04%, whereas the rate after refundoplications was 0.4%, all resulting from an open approach. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic refundoplications are widely accepted as a treatment option after failed primary antireflux surgery in Austria. However, the conversion rate is 6 times higher and the mortality rate is 10 times higher than for primary antireflux surgery. Therefore, redo fundoplications should be performed only in departments with large experience.

The Nissen fundoplication: indication, technical aspects and postoperative outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common foregut disease, with a great impact on quality of life and with intestinal, respiratory and cardiac symptoms and implications of carcinogenesis of the oesophagus. Medical therapy often fails, due to the complex pathophysiology of GERD. Surgery can cure the disease, since it is able to restore the anti-reflux barrier. It improves quality of life and prevents carcinogenesis. METHODS: Review of the literature and presentation of our own experience and data in a series of more than 4,000 evaluated patients referred for suspected reflux disease, of whom 382 have been operated on. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the most commonly used operation technique. It provides good long-term results in the majority of patients. However, due to an increase of outflow resistance of the oesophagus this operation is associated with some postoperative side effects. Therefore, alternative anti-reflux procedures may be indicated in selected patients.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication with the DaVinci system: initial experiences and technical aspects.

BACKGROUND: This pilot study evaluated the role of the DaVinci operation robot for laparoscopic antireflux surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A robot-assisted laparoscopic Toupet-fundoplication was performed on nine consecutive patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease using the DaVinci robot system. The operative procedure was performed in the same way as for the conventional laparoscopic procedure. Clinical assessment and endoscopic and manometric follow-up investigations were performed 6 months after surgery in six of the patients. RESULTS: The mean robotic operative time was 173 min (120-235). A mean of 25 min (12-45) was required to establish the pneumoperitoneum, to set the trocars, and to place the robot arms. There were no intraoperative complications. Six months after surgery none of the patients suffered from reflux symptoms and none of the patients had acute esophagitis. Postoperatively one patient complained of mild transient dysphagia. However, persistent dysphagia was not found in any of the patients. One further patient complained of mild bloating. No other side effects occurred. Manometrically there was a significant improvement in the function of the lower esophageal sphincter. CONCLUSIONS: The robot-assisted partial posterior fundoplication is a safe procedure and provides a high-quality three-dimensional camera image that is superior to that with the conventional laparoscopic device. The handling of the instruments is precise, and intracorporeal suturing and knot tying is much easier than without the robotic technique. The procedure allows for an accurate approximation of the hiatal crura and for precise construction of the fundic wrap. However, robotic surgery is expensive and the setup of the system is time consuming at present.

Barrett's esophagus in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Medical therapy or antireflux surgery?

Barrett's esophagus is the most serious form of gastroesophageal reflux disease. It may develop due to uncontrolled chronic duodenogastroesophageal reflux and represents a premalignant abnormality. The question of the development of Barrett's esophagus and the progression to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is addressed by comparison of the data available in the literature. A retrospective review of the literature on the outcome of GERD patients after surgical and medical therapy, is made. Surgical therapy is able to eliminate reflux of gastric and duodenal contents and therefore seems to be superior over medical therapy in the prevention of Barrett's esophagus and its progression to invasive cancer. Surgery should be considered in all Barrett's patients especially in young patients, patients with large hiatal hernia, increasing drug doses or noncompliance to medical therapy.

Efficacy of medical therapy and antireflux surgery to prevent Barrett's metaplasia in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Barrett's metaplasia may develop despite effective medical therapy. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Gastroesophageal reflux disease has a multifactorial etiology. Therefore, medical treatment may not prevent complications of reflux disease. METHODS: Eighty-three patients with reflux disease and mild esophagitis were prospectively studied for the development of Barrett's metaplasia while receiving long-term therapy with proton pump inhibitors and cisapride. Only patients who had effective control of reflux symptoms and esophagitis were included. The surveillance time was 2 years. The outcome of these 83 patients was compared with that of 42 patients in whom antireflux surgery was performed with a median follow-up of 3.5 years. RESULTS: Twelve (14.5%) patients developed Barrett's while receiving medical therapy; this was not seen after surgery. Patients developing Barrett's had a weaker lower esophageal sphincter and peristalsis before treatment than patients with uncomplicated disease. CONCLUSIONS: Antireflux surgery is superior to medical therapy in the prevention of Barrett's metaplasia. Therefore, patients with reflux disease who have a weak lower esophageal sphincter and poor esophageal peristalsis should undergo antireflux surgery, even if they have only mild esophagitis.

Accurate placement of the esophageal pH electrode for 24-hour pH monitoring using a combined pH/manometry probe.

OBJECTIVE: Accurate placement of a pH electrode requires manometric localization of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Combined manometry/pH devices using water-perfused tubes attached to pH catheters and the use of an electronic "LES locator" have been reported. We investigated whether accurate placement of pH probes can be achieved using such a probe, and whether this may reduce the need for the performance of the usual stepwise pull-back manometry. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients (15 men, 15 women; median age, 56 yr; interquartile range, 42-68 yr) referred for manometry and pH testing were included in the study. The localization of the LES was determined with standard esophageal manometry. After that, a second 3-mm pH electrode with an internal perfusion port was passed into the stomach. Using this catheter, a single stepwise pull-through manometry was performed and the LES position was noted. LES location, mean pressure, and length obtained with standard manometry were compared to data from the combined pH/manometry catheter. Additionally the time necessary to perform each of the procedures was noted and the patient's discomfort caused by the catheter was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: The LES location with the pH/manometry probe was proximal to that with standard manometry in 19 patients (63%), the same in nine patients (30%), and distal in two patients (7%). The differences were <2 cm in 29 of 30 (97%) patients. The LES location with the pH/manometry probe required a median of 6.5 min (interquartile range: 3.5-8.5 min) versus a median of 21.5 min (interquartile range: 14.5-26.5 min) for standard manometry (p < 0.0001). In addition, LES evaluation using the combined pH/manometry probe provided accurate data on the resting pressure, as well as overall and intraabdominal length of the LES. All patients tolerated the combination probe better than the standard manometry probe (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Placement of the esophageal electrode for 24-h esophageal pH monitoring using a combined pH/manometry probe is accurate. The technique is simple, time-saving, and convenient for the patients. Because it is possible to accurately evaluate the LES using this technique, it may even replace conventional manometry before pH probe placement.

[Long-term results of laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication in patients with esophageal reflux and disorders of esophageal peristalsis]. / Langzeitergebnisse nach laparoskopischer partieller hinterer Fundoplikation bei Refluxpatienten mit gestörter Osophagusperistaltik.

BACKGROUND: Gastrosophageal reflux disease (GERD) of long duration is frequently associated with impaired esophageal body motility. This condition has been considered unsuitable for antireflux surgery. METHODS: In order to investigate the outcome of antireflux surgery in the presence of impaired esophageal peristalsis, we studied 67 consecutive GERD patients with poor esophageal body function who underwent laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication. A standardized questionnaire, upper GI endoscopy, esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring were performed preoperatively and at a median of 28 months (range, 6-54 months) postoperatively. Esophageal motility was analyzed for contraction amplitudes in the distal two thirds of the esophagus (level 3, 4, and 5), frequency of peristaltic, simultaneous and interrupted waves and total number of defective propagations. In addition, parameters defining the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were-evaluated. RESULTS: Following antireflux surgery 65 patients (97%) were free of heartburn and regurgitation and had no esophagitis on endoscopy, confirmed by histology. The rate of dysphagia was reduced from 49% preoperatively to 9% postoperatively (p < 0.001). There was significant improvement in esophageal peristalsis after the antireflux procedure. The median DeMeester reflux score was reduced from 33.3 to 1.1 (p < 0.001). Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and intra-abdominal length were normal after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Partial posterior fundoplication provides an effective antireflux barrier in patients with impaired esophageal body motility in the long term. Postoperative dysphagia is avoided by improving esophageal body function.

[Prokinetic medication after surgical therapy of reflux patients with disorders of esophageal peristalsis: a randomized clinical study]. / Prokinetische Medikation nach chirurgischer Therapie von Refluxpatienten mit gestörter Osophagusperistaltik: Eine randomisierte klinische Studie.

BACKGROUND: Long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently associated with impaired esophageal body motility. Partial posterior fundoplication improves esophageal peristalsis. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to investigate whether administration of the prokinetic agent cisapride enhances this effect. METHODS: Forty consecutive GERD patients with impaired esophageal peristalsis entered the study and were randomized in two groups: group 1 with and group 2 without postoperative treatment with cisapride (6 months, 20 mg twice daily). Four patients had to be excluded during the study. Esophageal motility was analyzed preoperatively and 6 months after surgery by measuring contraction amplitudes in the distal two thirds of the esophagus, frequency of simultaneous and interrupted peristaltic waves and total number of defective propagations. RESULTS: In both groups esophageal peristalsis was improved significantly following partial posterior fundoplication (p < 0.05; Wilcoxon Test). However, this effect was significantly more pronounced in patients receiving cisapride medication postoperatively (p < 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test). Lower esophageal sphincter pressure, intra-abdominal sphincter length and the DeMeester reflux score were normalized in both groups following antireflux surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Partial posterior fundoplication combined with postoperative cisapride medication seems to be the therapy of choice in GERD patients with impaired esophageal body motility.

Treatment of morbid obesity with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding affects esophageal motility.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has become the prefered method for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity in Europe. It is not known whether this procedure may induce gastroesophageal reflux and whether it may impair esophageal peristalsis. METHODS: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Swedish band) was performed in 43 patients (median body mass index [BMI] 42.5 kg/m(2)). Preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively all patients were assessed for reflux symptoms. In addition all patients underwent preoperative and postoperative endoscopy, esophageal barium studies and manometry, and 24-hour esophageal pH-monitoring. RESULTS: The median BMI dropped significantly to 33.1 kg/m(2) (P <0.05). Preoperatively 12 patients complained of reflux symptoms. Mild esophagitis was detected in 10 patients. Postoperatively only 1 patient complained of heartburn and mild esophagitis was diagnosed in another patient. None of the patients had dysphagia. Preoperatively a defective LES and pathologic pH-testing were found in 9 and 15 patients, respectively. These parameters were normal in all of the patients postoperatively. Postoperatively there was significant impairment of LES relaxation and deterioration of esophageal peristalsis with dilatation of the esophagus in some of the patients. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding provides a sufficient antireflux barrier and therefore prevents pathologic gastroesophageal reflux. However, it impairs relaxation of the LES, leading to weak esophageal peristalsis.

Alterations of gut neuropeptides in gastroesophageal reflux disease are resolved after antireflux surgery.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause alterations of gut neuropeptides such as motilin and neurotensin that are known to control foregut motility. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these alterations may be resolved following antireflux surgery. METHODS: Basal and postprandial plasma levels of motilin and neurotensin were measured in 20 GERD patients preoperatively and 6 months after antireflux surgery. There were 9 patients with normal esophageal peristalsis and 11 with poor esophageal body motility. Eleven healthy subjects served as control group. RESULTS: GERD patients with poor esophageal body motility had low basal plasma levels of motilin and high levels of neurotensin. Postprandial motilin levels were significantly increased in these GERD patients. After antireflux surgery, all observed alterations of gut neuropeptides returned to normal values. CONCLUSION: Alterations of gut neuropeptides may be implicated in the pathophysiology of impaired esophageal peristalsis in GERD. Antireflux surgery restores normal physiology of gut neuropeptides. This may contribute to improvement of foregut motility in GERD, thus counteracting duodenogastric reflux.

Selection of patients for laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

Since the first laparoscopic fundoplication was performed, the frequency of antireflux surgery has increased rapidly with some centers now having an experience of about 1,000 procedures. The question arises whether this increase is due to a change in indications for the surgical treatment of gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) despite the simultaneous appearance of powerful antisecretory medications. Adequate knowledge of the pathophysiology of GERD is necessary in order to establish selection criteria for patients suitable for laparoscopic antireflux surgery. In this article, we review the epidemiology and pathophysiology, and provide a rationale for medical and surgical treatment. We also offer an approach to patient selection for antireflux surgery.

Surgical therapy for primary hyperparathyroidism in patients with previous thyroid surgery.

BACKGROUND: In patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPTH) and previous thyroid operations, complications of parathyroidectomy are more frequent than in patients undergoing initial neck surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of preoperative imaging with regard to its influence on the surgical strategy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 17 patients with primary HPTH and previous thyroid surgery. Preoperatively 16 patients underwent sonography and/or scintigraphy. RESULTS: Sonography had an overall accuracy to correctly localize enlarged parathyroid glands of 80%, and scintiscanning had overall accuracy of 78.6%. The accuracy of localization was increased up to 84.6% if both diagnostic procedures were applied. In patients with normal thyroid residues the accuracy of sonography was 85.7%, and it was 100% if scintiscanning was used. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative localization techniques in patients with primary HPTH and previous thyroid surgery have high accuracy. This allows for an imaging-directed operative strategy, thus preventing unnecessary bilateral neck explorations, which carry a high risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

Laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication provides excellent intermediate results in GERD patients with impaired esophageal peristalsis.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently associated with impaired esophageal peristalsis, and many authorities consider this condition not suitable for Nissen fundoplication. METHODS: To investigate the outcome of antireflux surgery in the presence of impaired esophageal peristalsis, 78 consecutive GERD patients with poor esophageal contractility who underwent laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication were studied. A standardized questionnaire, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-hour pH monitoring were performed preoperatively and at a median of 31 months (range 6-57 months) postoperatively. Esophageal motility was analyzed for contraction amplitudes in the distal two thirds of the esophagus, frequency of peristaltic, simultaneous, and interrupted waves, and the total number of defective propagations. In addition, parameters defining the function of the lower esophageal sphincter were evaluated. RESULTS: After antireflux surgery, 76 patients (97%) were free of heartburn and regurgitation and had no esophagitis on endoscopy. The rate of dysphagia decreased from 49% preoperatively to 10% postoperatively (P < .001). Features defining impaired esophageal body motility improved significantly after antireflux surgery. The median DeMeester score on 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring decreased from 33.3 to 1.1 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Partial posterior fundoplication provides an effective antireflux barrier in patients with impaired esophageal body motility. Postoperative dysphagia is diminished, probably because of improved esophageal body function.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Open antireflux surgery produces good long-term control of disease, but new interest in the surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease has been stimulated by the introduction of minimally invasive techniques to perform standard antireflux procedures. In the past some scepticism existed among gastroenterologists who quoted the poor surgical results they had seen. These bad results, however, were largely due to inappropriate surgery in poorly worked-up patients or antireflux surgery performed by inexperienced surgeons. Since the introduction of minimally invasive surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease, excellent results have been reported with over 5 years of follow-up. The most common and successfully used laparoscopically antireflux procedures are reviewed and results analyzed.

Gastric acid blockade with omeprazole promotes gastric carcinogenesis induced by duodenogastric reflux.

Duodenogastric reflux (DGR) in rats causes growth stimulation of the foregut mucosa that is potentiated by gastric acid blockade. It was the aim of this study to investigate if DGR with gastric acid blockade has a higher incidence of carcinomas of the foregut than DGR alone. DGR was induced in 40 Sprague-Dawley rats using a split gastroenterostomy. A cardiomyotomy was performed across the gastroesophageal junction, inducing reflux into the esophagus. Twenty of these rats received omeprazole postoperatively. After one year 18 rats (90%) with DGR + omeprazole treatment and 7 rats (35%) with DGR alone developed adenocarcinoma of the stomach (P < 0.05). None of the rats developed esophageal cancer, but esophageal mucosal hyperplasia was more pronounced in rats receiving omeprazole. Control rats, treated with omeprazole, did not develop carcinomas of the foregut. In conclusion, gastric acid blockade enhanced DGR-induced carcinogenesis of the stomach and promotes growth stimulation of the esophageal mucosa.

The effect of medical therapy and antireflux surgery on dysphagia in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease without esophageal stricture.

BACKGROUND: Poor esophageal body motility and trapping of the hernial sac by the hiatal crura are the major pathomechanisms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-induced dysphagia. There is only little knowledge of the effect of medical therapy or antireflux surgery in reflux-induced dysphagia. METHODS: Fifty-nine consecutive GERD patients with dysphagia were studied by means of a symptom questionnaire, endoscopy, barium swallow, esophageal manometry, and 24-hour pH monitoring of the esophagus. Patients had proton pump inhibitor therapy and cisapride for 6 months. After GERD relapsed following withdrawal of medical therapy, 41 patients decided to have antireflux surgery performed. The laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was chosen in 12 patients with normal esophageal body motility and the laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication in 29 patients with impaired peristalsis. Dysphagia was assessed prior to treatment, at 6 months of medical therapy, and at 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Heartburn and esophagitis were effectively treated by medical and surgical therapy. Only surgery improved regurgitation. Dysphagia improved in all patients following surgery but only in 16 patients (27.1%) following medical therapy. Esophageal peristalsis was strengthened following antireflux surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Medical therapy fails to control gastroesophageal reflux as it does not inhibit regurgitation. Thus, it has little effect on reflux-induced dysphagia. Surgery controls reflux and improves esophageal peristalsis. This may contribute to its superiority over medical therapy in the treatment of GERD-induced dysphagia.

Respiratory symptoms and dysphagia in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a comparison of medical and surgical therapy.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition and may frequently lead to dysphagia and respiratory symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of medical and surgical therapy to control these symptoms. METHODS: Eighty GERD patients with either dysphagia or respiratory symptoms were studied by means of a detailed symptom questionnaire, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry, 24-h esophageal pH monitoring and a barium esophagogram. All patients had been receiving medical therapy with proton-pump inhibitors and cisapride for 6 months. After withdrawal of medical therapy and relapse of GERD, 62 patients decided to undergo anti-reflux surgery (laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in 19 and laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication in 43 patients). Symptoms were assessed prior to treatment, at 6 months following medical therapy and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Heartburn and esophagitis were effectively treated by medical and surgical therapy. Dysphagia was improved in all patients following surgery but only in 27% of patients following medical therapy. Improvement of respiratory symptoms was found in 86% of patients following surgery but only in 14% following medical therapy. Improvement of regurgitation was registered only following surgical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Since medical treatment is likely to fail in GERD patients with complex symptoms such as dysphagia, regurgitation and respiratory symptoms, the need for surgery arises in these patients and may be the only successful treatment in the long term.

Cisapride enhances the effect of partial posterior fundoplication on esophageal peristalsis in GERD patients with poor esophageal contractility.

Partial posterior fundoplication improves esophageal peristalsis in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) associated with poor esophageal body function. The aim of this study was to investigate whether postoperative administration of cisapride enhances the effect of surgery on esophageal peristalsis. Laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication was performed on 34 consecutive GERD patients with poor esophageal body motility. These patients were randomized in groups without and with postoperative treatment with cisapride 20 mg twice daily for six months. Esophageal manometry was performed preoperatively and six months following surgery. Esophageal body function improved significantly following partial posterior fundoplication without or with postoperative treatment with cisapride. However, this effect was more pronounced in the group of patients receiving cisapride. Partial posterior fundoplication combined with postoperative treatment with cisapride should be the therapy of choice in GERD patients with poor esophageal body motility.

Laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication improves poor oesophageal contractility in patients with gastrooesophageal reflux disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of partial posterior fundoplication on oesophageal contractility in patients with gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GORD). DESIGN: Follow-up study with 6 months of survey. SETTING: University hospital, Austria. SUBJECTS: 24 consecutive patients with GORD and poor oesophageal contractility. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication. Oesophageal contractility was assessed manometrically. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in measurements of mean contraction amplitudes in the distal oesophagus, the number of contractions with amplitudes of less than 30 mmHg, the number of interrupted and simultaneous contractions, and the total number of defective contractions. RESULTS: 16 of the patients (67%) complained of dysphagia preoperatively, and none postoperatively. The mean (SEM) amplitudes in the distal oesophagus improved significantly (level 442.4 mmHg (3.5) compared with 31.8 mmHg (3.3), p = 0.03, and level 5-45.7 mmHg (3.8) compared with 32.6 mmHg (3.7), p = 0.02), the number of contractions with amplitudes below 30 mmHg decreased (18.0% (5.7) compared with 38.3% (6.2), p = 0.02), as did the number of interrupted or defected contractions (11.5% (3.6) compared with 26.3% (5.5), p = 0.03, and 29.5% (6.5) compared with 66.6% (5.1), p < 0.0001 respectively). There was no significant effect on the number of simultaneous waves (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Partial posterior fundoplication improves poor oesophageal body motility. This results in improvement of preoperative dysphagia.