Long-term Experience of Treating 185 Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) by Anti-reflux Surgery Respecting the Functional-morphological Restoration of the Esophagus

Background: According to anatomical investigations the whole esophagus plays a crucial role as reflux barrier in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Morphologically, the spirally arranged muscle fibres present a tension-dependent "stretch closure" and in the event of any reduction of tension, as for example caused by an axial hiatus hernia, the organ may become inefficient. The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life as the main success criterion after anti-reflux surgery based strictly on the restoration of functional morphology.

Methods: Between January 1999 and December 2000, 185 patients with GERD were treated by surgery in accordance with functional-morphological principles. After dissecting the mediastinum, the gastroesophageal junction was displaced into the abdomen with consecutive retensioning the esophagus. The esophageal hiatus was reconstructed with non-absorbable single knot sutures and strengthened with alloplastic material. The application of a 180 degrees fundus cuff around the posterior esophageal circumference served as a "spacer" and also restored the angle of His. Preoperatively, all patients underwent endoscopy, pH metry and manometry. During postoperative follow-up, recurrence rate and quality of life were evaluated via a disease-specific scale.

Results: Preoperatively, 85% of the patients had an elevated DeMeester Score with a median of 81.4; 64% had reflux esophagitis and 37% had reduced lower esophageal sphincter pressure. All 185 operations were performed without conversion in a median operating time of 74 min. In one patient a lesion of the esophagus was treated during the operation; two patients had lesions of the splenic capsule which were also dealt with during the operation. Postoperatively, pleural effusions occurred in 15 patients and puncture was deemed necessary in one subject. Ninety-three percent were followed up for a median of 45 months and the recurrence rate was 2.3%. The quality of life index was 81.6+/-12.4 points preoperatively, and had significantly improved to 125.2+/-12.7 points in the follow-up.

Conclusion: Through the functional-morphological concept of anti-reflux surgery comprising the restoration of the tension-dependent "stretch closure" of the esophagus, significant long-term improvement in quality of life with a low recurrence rate and perioperative morbidity can be achieved.