Prospective study of the effect of laparoscopic hemifundoplication on motor and sensory function of the proximal stomach.

BACKGROUND: Some 30 per cent of patients develop dyspeptic symptoms following antireflux surgery. These symptoms may result from alterations in the motor and sensory function of the proximal stomach.
METHODS: Proximal gastric motor and sensory function was studied with an electronic barostat in 12 patients with reflux who underwent laparoscopic hemifundoplication. In addition, 24-h pHmetry, gastric emptying (scintigraphy) and vagus nerve integrity (pancreatic polypeptide response to hypo-glycaemia) were assessed. Fifteen healthy volunteers served as controls.
RESULTS: Laparoscopic hemifundoplication significantly decreased total acid exposure time (P < 0.05). Vagus nerve function remained intact in all but one patient. The mean(s.e.m.) lag phase for emptying of solids was significantly shorter after operation than before (15(3) versus 21(3) min; P < 0.05). Proximal gastric compliance was not significantly different before and after fundoplication. However, mean(s.e.m.) postprandial relaxation was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) after hemifundoplication compared with the value before operation (3341(1105) versus 12 763(3616) ml over 90 min) and in controls (14 567(2358) ml over 90 min). Postprandial fullness was significantly increased after hemi-fundoplication (P < 0.05). Postprandial gastric relaxation correlated with the lag phase for emptying of solids (r = 0.55, P < 0.02).
CONCLUSION: After hemifundoplication, proximal gastric compliance is not altered but postprandial relaxation is impaired and associated with sensations of fullness and shorter duration of the lag phase for emptying of solids.