Abstract: Even skilled surgeons will have complications after antireflux surgery. Fortunately, the mortality is low (<1%) with laparoscopic surgery, immediate postoperative morbidity is uncommon (5%–20%), and conversion to an open operation is <2.5%. Common late postoperative complications include gas-bloat syndrome (up to 85%), dysphagia (10%–50%), diarrhea (18%–33%), and recurrent heartburn (10%–62%). Most of these complications improve during the 3–6 months after surgery. Dietary modifications, pharmacologic therapies, and esophageal dilation may be helpful. Failures after antireflux surgery usually occur within the first 2 years after the initial operation. They fall into 5 patterns: herniation of the fundoplication into the chest, slipped fundoplication, tight fundoplication, paraesophageal hernia, and malposition of the fundoplication. Reoperation rates range from 0%–15% and should be performed by experienced foregut surgeons.
Joel E. Richter
Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013;11(5):465-471.
Copyright © 2013 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
PubMed Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23267868
Medscape Link: (printable version- full text): http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/804147_1
