Quality of Life and Surgical Outcome after Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery in the Elderly Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Patient

Abstract

Background: Generally, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the elderly follows the same principles as for any adult patient. Currently laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) has not been clearly established in the elderly patient. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the surgical outcome including quality of life after LARS in patients older than 65 years. Methods: Since 1993 more than 500 patients underwent LARS in our institute. A total of 72 patients, older than 65 years, has been treated with laparoscopic 'floppy' Nissen (n = 51) or Toupet (n = 21) fundoplication. The patients included 23 women and 49 men, with a mean age of 71 years (range, 66-79 years). Quality of life was evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). The GIQLI was evaluated prior to surgery, and 3 months and 1 year after surgery, with 24-h pH monitoring and esophageal manometry being performed. Results:

• Antireflux Surgery Elderly Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Laparoscopic Fundoplication Quality Of Life