[Hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux: possibilities and results of surgical treatment].

In this article we analyze our experience of surgical treatment of hiatal hernia, complicated with gastroesophageal reflux. We operated 134 patients with hernia hiatus esophagi, complicated with gastroesophageal reflux, from 03.1998 till 10.2001. One hundred twenty-six Nissen and 8 Toupet laparoscopic gastrofundoplications were performed. We evaluated clinical signs of gastroesophageal reflux, performed endoscopy and esophageal biopsy with histological examination and stomach X-ray examination with barium meal before the operation. Esophagus and stomach X-ray examination with water contrast on the first day after operation were performed in order to evaluate the position and function of created wrap. We also analyzed intraoperative and postoperative complications. Long-term follow-up (12 months) was obtained by using a structured questionnaire. We evaluated heartburn, dysphagia, regurgitation and patient's satisfaction of surgery. RESULTS. Postoperative complications rate was 8.96%. Eighty-two percent of our patients completed our questionnaire. Ninety-one percent of patients had no heartburn signs, 95.5% any signs of regurgitation. Eighty-three percent of our patients were satisfied with our performed laparoscopic gastrofundoplication. We performed 6 refundoplications, when gastroesophageal reflux clinical signs renewed shortly after operation. CONCLUSIONS. Laparoscopic gastrofundoplication is a safe and effective treatment of hernia hiatus esophagi, complicated with gastroesophageal reflux. Operation success was about 90% in our study. Recurrences are more frequent in elderly patients or those with long disease anamnesis. Refundoplications can be successfully done laparoscopicaly as well.