Original article
Quality of life of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Introduction: Nissen fundoplication is the most popular laparoscopic operation for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. This method of treatment is a safe anti-reflux therapy resulting immediately in high levels of patient satisfaction and near-normal quality of life in the long term and reduction of onerous symptoms.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Materials and methods: For this study we recruited 43 patients (31 males, 12 females, mean age 43.2 years, range 24-68 years) who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication between 2000 and 2007. Disease-specific symptoms and quality of life were assessed using a questionnaire.
Results: Our results indicate a high degree of satisfaction with laparoscopic fundoplication of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Reduction of heartburn – the main symptom of GERD – was noted in 98% of patients. In 82% of patients we observed elimination of all symptoms and onerousness.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the most effective method of treatment relieving symptoms and onerousness and is able to improve quality of life significantly in GERD patients.