BACKGROUND: Early experiences with laparoscopic fundoplication using the Rosetti technique are presented and compared with retrospective results from conventional fundoplication procedures. METHODS AND RESULTS: We have performed 70 consecutive laparoscopic procedures. Conversion to open surgery was done in seven cases because of anatomical reasons and in two because of peroperative progressive subcutaneous emphysema and CO2-retention. The complication rate was low. The range of postoperative hospital stay is 1-4 days for non-converted patients. Symptomatic follow-up has hitherto been performed in 41 patients with a follow-up time of 3-9 months. The follow-up results do not differ from those achieved in patients operated upon with the conventional open Nissen (n = 41) and Rosetti (n = 36) techniques. Pre- and postoperative control of 24 h pH and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) in 19 laparoscopically treated patients showed normalization of LESP in all cases and postoperative 24 h pH < 4 ranging between 0 and 3%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic and reflux surgery is effective for the treatment of reflux esophagitis. Follow-up results compare well with open surgery.
BACKGROUND: Early experiences with laparoscopic fundoplication using the Rosetti technique are presented and compared with retrospective results from conventional fundoplication procedures. METHODS AND RESULTS: We have performed 70 consecutive laparoscopic procedures. Conversion to open surgery was done in seven cases because of anatomical reasons and in two because of peroperative progressive subcutaneous emphysema and CO2-retention. The complication rate was low. The range of postoperative hospital stay is 1-4 days for non-converted patients. Symptomatic follow-up has hitherto been performed in 41 patients with a follow-up time of 3-9 months. The follow-up results do not differ from those achieved in patients operated upon with the conventional open Nissen (n = 41) and Rosetti (n = 36) techniques. Pre- and postoperative control of 24 h pH and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) in 19 laparoscopically treated patients showed normalization of LESP in all cases and postoperative 24 h pH < 4 ranging between 0 and 3%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic and reflux surgery is effective for the treatment of reflux esophagitis. Follow-up results compare well with open surgery.