Does laparoscopic antireflux surgery improve quality of life in patients whose gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is well controlled with medical therapy?

Objective: Both medical therapy and laparoscopic antireflux surgery have been shown to improve quality of life in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Although patients with poor symptom control or side effects on medical therapy might be expected to have improved quality of life after surgery, our aim was to determine, for the first time, whether patients whose symptoms are well controlled on medical therapy but who decide to undergo surgery (patient preference) would experience improved quality of life.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of our patient database (1998-2003, n=313) identified 60 patients who underwent laparoscopic antireflux surgery for the indication of patient preference.

Oesophageal pH monitoring using the Bravo catheter-free radio capsule.

Objectives: Oesophageal pH monitoring is the current standard for the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The Bravo capsule allows 48-h monitoring without the need for a naso-oesophageal catheter. Our aim was to assess the Bravo capsule in terms of patient discomfort and interference with daily activities, and to determine if 48-h Bravo pH studies facilitate the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.