Quality of life after laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplication

Introduction: We conducted a follow up of 40 patients after laparoscopic fundoplication during a 1-year period after surgery. This study summarizes the surgical outcomes from the patient's aspect and our experience with laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplication.

Patients and Methods: 40 patients underwent laparoscopic Nissen (n=30) or Toupet (n=10) antireflux operation between January 2002 and May 2004. The patients included 13 men and 27 women, with mean age of 40 (17–68) years. Quality of life was measured by using a new quality of life instrument (QOLARS) developed and validated by our study group. Patients received questionnaire before surgery, 6 weeks and 1 year after surgery.

Results: Before surgery we found low general quality of life score and heartburn score, which increased significantly 6 weeks after and showed further improvement by the end of the first postoperative year. No difference was seen preoperatively or at follow up between the quality of life score after Toupet versus Nissen fundoplication.

Conclusion: Both Nissen and Toupet fundoplication offer an effective form of therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease.