Laparoscopic redo fundoplication improves disease-specific and global quality of life following failed laparoscopic or open fundoplication

Introduction Laparoscopic fundoplication is associated with failure rates of up to 30% and redo operation rates of 5–8%. Redo fundoplication improves patient symptoms, but its impact on patient quality of life remains unclear. We hypothesized that laparoscopic redo fundoplication improves disease-specific and global quality of life in patients with recurrent symptoms following failed laparoscopic or open fundoplication. Methods Data for all patients undergoing a redo fundoplication between August 2009 and June 2014 were collected prospectively. Reflux symptoms and quality of life were assessed using the Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptom Scale (GERSS), the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL), and the global quality of life Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires obtained at 4 weeks and 16 months post-operatively. Results Forty-six patients underwent laparoscopic redo fundoplication during the study period for symptomatic hernia ( n = 11), GERD ( n = 18), or dysphagia ( n = 17). GERSS improved from 41 at baseline to 9 at late follow-up ( p