[Experiences with laparoscopic technique in anti-reflux surgery].

The introduction of the laparoscopic techniques in antireflux surgery has created hopes for an improvement in the patients' outcome. Initial experience with minimally invasive procedures show that the application in antireflux surgery is possible without major problems. However, the functional result of antireflux surgery rather depends more on a differentiated indication for operation and an operative procedure designed to remove or compensate the underlying pathophysiologic functional defect. The method of access is of lesser priority. The promising results of this series may encourage to continue the demonstrated protocol and operative technique. However, generalized application of laparoscopic antireflux surgery should not be performed until further data of its advantages are available.