Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is currently considered the surgical approach of choice for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) has been said to reduce troublesome dysphagia and gas-related symptoms. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was performed to compare LNF and LTF.
Methods: Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and ISI Web of Knowledge CPCI-S) were searched and the methodological quality of included trials was evaluated. Outcomes included recurrent pathological acid exposure, oesophagitis, dysphagia, dilatation for dysphagia and reoperation rate. Results were pooled in meta-analyses as risk ratios (RRs) and weighted mean differences.
Results: Seven eligible RCTs comparing LNF (n = 404) with LTF (n = 388) were identified. LNF was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of postoperative dysphagia (RR 1.61 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.06 to 2.44); P = 0.02) and dilatation for dysphagia (RR 2.45 (1.06 to 5.68); P = 0.04). There were more surgical reinterventions after LNF (RR 2.19 (1.09 to 4.40); P = 0.03), but no differences regarding recurrent pathological acid exposure (RR 1.26 (0.82 to 1.95); P = 0.29), oesophagitis (RR 1.20 (0.78 to 1.85); P = 0.40), subjective reflux recurrence, patient satisfaction, operating time or in-hospital complications. Inability to belch (RR 2.04 (1.19 to 3.49); P = 0.009) and gas bloating (RR 1.58 (1.21 to 2.05); P < 0.001) were more prevalent after LNF.
Conclusion: LTF reduces postoperative dysphagia and dilatation for dysphagia compared with LNF. Reoperation rate and prevalence of gas-related symptoms were lower after LTF, with similar reflux control. These results provide level 1a support for the use of LTF as the posterior fundoplication of choice for GORD.
Copyright 2010 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.