Evaluation of 102 Redo Fundoplications: Effects of the Learning Curve
Lokesh Bathla*, Sumeet K. Mittal
Surgery, creighton university med ctr, Omaha, NE
Background: There has been an increase in the number of redo fundoplication procedures being performed for failed anti-reflux surgery. We aim to study the learning curve of a single surgeon performing redo fundoplications.Methods: A retrospective chart analysis was done on consecutive 102 redo fundoplications performed by single surgeon at our center between December 2003 and March 2008. The patients were divided into two groups, first 51(Group 1) and subsequent 51(Group 2)Results: There was no difference in mean age (53.7+15 yrs vs. 54.3+13 yrs) and mean duration since last procedure (59months vs. 52 months) in the groups. In all laparoscopic redo fundoplication was attempted in 75 patients and was successfully accomplished in 68 patients (90.7%). Twenty one (20.5%) patients underwent elective thoracotomy while remaining 7 patients underwent elective laparotomy. Laparoscopic procedure was attempted in 28(55% with 82% successful completion) in group 1 as compared to 47 patients(92% with 96% successful completion) in group 2. with corresponding decrease in number of elective trans-thoracic procedures (19 vs. 2, p<0.001) This was associated with a significant decrease in mean operative time(231.4±68.8 minutes vs.184.4±58.5 minutes, p<0.0001), estimated blood loss (279±96.1ml vs. 136±110.1ml, p=0.02) and hospital stay (8.14±7.3 days vs. 6.4±10.4 days , p=0.0084). There were no significant differences in inadvertent enterotomy (13vs11), post-operative leak (3 vs. 2) and post-operative complications (16 vs. 16). There was no mortality in either group.Conclusions: With experience a greater percentage of re-operative anti-reflux procedures can be performed laparoscopically with significant decrease in operative time, blood loss and hospital stay. Key words: redo fundoplication, learning curve
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