Laparoscopic versus conventional fundoplication.

The operative and short-term results of 29 patients who had an open fundoplication were compared to 36 patients who had a laparoscopic fundoplication. The operative time was 2.8 +/- 0.4 and 3.1 +/- 0.3 h for the open and laparoscopic procedure, respectively. The length of hospital stay was 9.2 +/- 0.7 days for the open and 1.8 +/- 0.2 days for the laparoscopic. There were five complications in the open group and one in the laparoscopic group. The follow-up period was 3-32 months and all patients had a barium swallow and esophago-gastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for postoperative evaluation. All patients had resolution of esophagitis on follow-up endoscopy, were free of reflux symptoms, and no longer required antireflux medication. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has an operative time that is comparable to the open procedure. The complication rate for laparoscopic fundoplication is acceptable. Patients undergoing a laparoscopic fundoplication have a shorter hospital stay compared to patients with an open procedure. The short-term outcome for the laparoscopic fundoplication group was excellent.