Gastroesophageal reflux disease (
GERD) is nowadays a highly prevalent,
chronic condition, with 10% to 30% of Western populations affected by weekly symptoms. Many patients with mild reflux symptoms are treated adequately with lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and low-dose
proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). For those with refractory
GERD poorly controlled with daily PPIs, numerous treatment options exist.
Fundoplication is currently the most commonly performed antireflux operation for management of
GERD. Outcomes described in current literature following laparoscopic
fundoplication indicate that it is highly effective for treatment of
GERD; early clinical studies demonstrate relief of symptoms in approximately 85%-90% of patients. However it is still unclear which factors, clinical or instrumental, are able to predict a good outcome after surgery. Virtually all demographic, esophagogastric junction anatomic conditions, as well as instrumental (such as presence of
esophagitis at endoscopy, or motility patterns determined by esophageal high resolution manometry or reflux patterns determined by means of pH/impedance-pH monitoring) and clinical features (such as typical or atypical symptoms presence) of patients undergoing laparoscopic
fundoplication for
GERD can be factors associated with symptomatic relief. With this in mind, we sought to review studies that identified the factors that predict outcome after laparoscopic total
fundoplication.