Laparoscopic nissen fundoplication effectively relieves symptoms in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux

The utility of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms remains controversial. We hypothesized that a carefully selected population with these symptoms would benefit from antireflux surgery. Sixty-one consecutive patients have undergone antireflux surgery for laryngopharyngeal reflux at a single institution. Preoperative evaluation including upper endoscopy, laryngoscopy, and 24-h ambulatory pharyngeal pH probe monitoring confirmed the diagnosis. Patients completed two validated symptom assessment instruments preoperatively and at multiple time points postoperatively. Patients were followed for up to 3 years with a mean follow-up of 15.2 months. A significant improvement in reflux symptom index score (preoperative∈=∈31.5∈±∈7.4 vs 3 years∈=∈12. 4∈±∈10.9, p∈<∈0.01), laryngopharyngeal reflux health-related quality of life overall score (preoperative∈=∈55. 0∈±∈26.0 vs 3 years∈=∈11.3∈±∈13.9, p∈<∈0.01), and symptom domain scores (voice, cough, throat clearing, and swallowing) occured within 1 month of surgery and remained improved over the course ofthe study. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is effective in relieving the symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux in a carefully selected patient population. Benefits are seen within 1 month of surgery and persist for at least 3 years.