Preoperative evaluation

Abstract

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is one of the operations performed most frequently by general surgeons today. The past decade has seen a progressive increase in the number of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications performed throughout the USA due to the recognition that although the laparoscopic approach gives results similar to those obtained with the open approach (excellent control of symptoms in about 90 per cent of patients), it is also associated with shorter hospital stay, less postoperative discomfort, and faster recovery time.1-5 The increased number of patients referred for surgical treatment has allowed us to improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and to define the technical elements that play a role in the performance of an effective and durable fundoplication.