The Radiographic Appearance of Complications Following Nissen Fundoplication

Seventy patients had an upper gastrointestinal examination following Nissen fundoplication for reflux esophagitis associated with hiatal hernia. Thirty-nine were asymptomatic and the fundoplication appeared normal. Of the 31 patients with symptoms (dysphagia, pain, or vomiting), 15 had spontaneous relief and demonstrated a normal postsurgical radiographic appearance of the stomach. The other 16 had both persistent symptoms and radiographic abnormalities, including 5 stenoses, 3 recurrent hernias, and 8 pouch deformities of the fundus. The roentgenographic features and etiology of these surgical failures are discussed and the importance of the radiographic examination in discerning successful surgical repair from failure despite similar postsurgical symptoms is stressed.