Death rates and the need for additional operations following laparoscopic surgery for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are very low.
In gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) the stomach contents leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus. In most cases, GERD can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes. However, some people may require medication or surgery. A new analysis indicates that death rates and the need for additional operations following laparoscopic surgery for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are very low.
‘Antireflux surgery can be considered a safe procedure for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and it might be an underutilized treatment option in selected individuals with documented GERD.’
Among 8947 patients, 90- and 30-day mortality rates were 0.08% and 0.03%, respectively. Only one death (0.01%) was directly surgery-related. The 90-day re-operation rate was 0.4%. The findings demonstrate that laparoscopic surgery offers a remarkably safe alternative to acid reflux drugs.
"One of the main arguments against using antireflux surgery has been that it carries a risk of mortality," said Dr. John Maret-Ouda, author of the British Journal of Surgery study. "However, considering our findings, antireflux surgery can be considered a safe procedure, and it might be an underutilized treatment option in selected individuals with documented gastro-oesophageal reflux disease."
Source-Eurekalert