Complications and antireflux medication use after antireflux surgery.

Background & Aims: Although antireflux surgery is increasingly common, few studies have assessed the associated complications and health care use after surgery. The aim of this study was to estimate postoperative complications and continued use of antireflux medications and to identify predictors of complications.

Methods: Through a review of the Department of Veterans Affairs administrative databases, all patients undergoing antireflux surgery from October 1, 1990, through January 29, 2001, were identified.

The economics of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Background & Aims: A major impetus for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is its purported cost savings compared with medical therapy, but few studies have examined these economic outcomes. The aim was to analyze health care costs and use among a cohort of patients undergoing LNF and compare them with patients with medically treated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods: Comparison of health care use and direct costs from the third-party payer perspective using 13 United HealthCare Plans.