Laparoscopic calibrated total vs partial fundoplication following Heller myotomy for oesophageal achalasia

AIM:To compare the mid-term outcomes of laparoscopic calibrated Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication with Dor fundoplication performed after Heller myotomy for oesophageal achalasia.METHODS:Fifty-six patients(26 men,30 women;mean age 42.8±14.7 years)presenting for minimally invasive surgery for oesophageal achalasia,were enrolled.All patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy followed by a 180°anterior partial fundoplication in 30 cases(group 1)and calibrated NissenRossetti fundoplication in 26(group 2).Intraoperative endoscopy and manometry were used to calibrate the myotomy and fundoplication.A 6-mo follow-up period with symptomatic evaluation and barium swallow was undertaken.One and two years after surgery,the patients underwent symptom questionnaires,endoscopy,oesophageal manometry and 24 h oesophago-gastric pH monitoring.RESULTS:At the 2-year follow-up,no significant difference in the median symptom score was observed between the 2 groups(P=0.66;Mann-WhitneyU-test).The median percentage time with oesophageal pH< 4 was significantly higher in the Dor group compared to the Nissen-Rossetti group(2;range 0.8-10 vs 0.35;range 0-2)(P<0.0001;Mann-WhitneyU-test).CONCLUSION:Laparoscopic Dor and calibrated Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication achieved similar results in the resolution of dysphagia.Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication seems to be more effective in suppressing oesophageal acid exposure.