Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery is Effective in Obese Patients with Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease

INTRODUCTIONObesity has long been regarded as a risk factor for the development of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It has been claimed that surgical efficacy of laparoscopic anti-reflux operations is decreased in obese patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is effective in obese patients with GORD compared to non-obese patients. PATIENT AND METHODSA total of 366 patients (mean age 44 years; range, 12–86 years) underwent laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery between 1997–2003. Of these, 74 patients were considered obese; 58 patients had a body mass index (BMI) of 30–34 kg/m2 and 16 were classified as morbidly obese with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2. Pre-operative symptomatic scoring, indications for surgery, pH studies, operative times and complications were compared between obese and non-obese patients. Symptomatic outcome and Visick score between the two groups were assessed at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year following surgery. RESULTSFailure of medical treatment was...