Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication: the "right posterior" approach.

The main steps for performing a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication are described: They start with a "right approach" by dissection of the high lesser curve, near the esophagogastric junction. Then the posterior surface of the stomach is easily visualized by the "posterior approach." The fat pad and both vagal trunks are displaced to the right, avoiding any vagal injury. Two to three short gastric vessels are divided, leaving a loose gastric fundus. A 360 degrees total symmetric and geometric fundoplication is then performed, including the esophageal wall in the most proximal and distal stitch. A final stitch for an anterior fundophrenopexy is performed. This surgical approach has been used in 225 patients with severe chronic pathologic reflux with a 1.3% conversion rate, no mortality, and only one significant postoperative complication. Late evaluation at 5 years after surgery has shown excellent or good results in 85% and fair or poor results in 15% of the patients.