This procedure has been used by our Service for nearly 20 years in more than 900 patients. The results of this operation have been published, and long-term control of reflux and esophagitis has been documented in more than 90 percent of patients undergoing primary repair of their hiatal hernias. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is now being offered selectively to those patients with reflux which is poorly controlled by medical therapy and in whom there are no associated structural complications of reflux such as esophageal stricture or relative shortening of the esophagus. This procedure, performed using a video laparoscope, involves five puncture wounds in the abdominal wall. A standard Nissen fundoplication is performed over a bougie.
Average hospital stay is two days, and patients are able to return to work in one week.