Prospective Study of the Effect of the Belsey Mark-IV Fundoplication on Reflux Mechanisms

BACKGROUND: Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) are the major mechanism permitting gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Little information is available on how anti-reflux surgery affects reflux mechanisms, especially TLESRs. We evaluated the effects of partial fundoplication (Belsey Mark IV) on reflux mechanisms. METHODS: Sixteen patients were prospectively studied before and after Belsey Mark-IV operation by endoscopy, 24-h esophageal pH-metry, and simultaneous recording of pH and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) characteristics by sleeve manometry. RESULTS: The operation was successful in 14 of 16 patients (87%). Fasting and postprandial reflux decreased significantly (P < 0.01) after the operation. Partial fundoplication significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the number of TLESRs per hour in the fasting and postprandial period from 3.2+/-0.4 and 5.6+/-0.5 to 1.7+/-0.3 and 2.8+/-0.4, respectively. The percentage of TLESRs associated with reflux also decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Basal LES pressure increased from 14.7+/-2.1 mmHg to 17.9+/-2.6 mmHg (not significant). CONCLUSIONS: Partial fundoplication controls GER through a reduction in the number of TLESRs and by decreasing the number of relaxations associated with reflux.