Esophagography predicts favorable outcomes after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for patients with esophageal dysmotility.

Background: We undertook this study to determine if clearance of a food bolus at preoperative esophagography predicts acceptable outcomes after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for patients with manometrically abnormal esophageal motility.

Study Design: Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or symptomatic hiatal hernia with evidence of esophageal dysmotility by stationary manometry underwent videoesophagography to document the ability of their esophagus to clear food boluses of varying consistencies. Sixty-six patients were identified who had manometric dysmotility yet were able to clear a food bolus at esophagography, and subsequently underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. These patients were compared with 100 randomly selected patients with normal motility who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Symptom reduction and satisfaction were assessed through followup. Patients with normal motility were compared with those with manometrically moderate and severe dysmotility.

Results: Preoperative patient demographic data, symptoms, and symptom scores were similar among patients with normal motility and moderate or severe dysmotility. After fundoplication, symptom reduction was notable for all patients regardless of preoperative motility (p < 0.01, paired Student's t-test). There was no notable difference in postoperative symptom scores (p = NS, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA) or in patient satisfaction (p = NS, chi-square analysis) among patients stratified by esophageal motility.

Conclusions: Patients with esophageal dysmotility documented by manometry who are able to clear a food bolus at contrast esophagography, have functional results after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication similar to patients with normal motility. Preoperative esophagography predicts successful outcomes after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for patients with manometric esophageal dysmotility.