Complications of Intrathoracic Nissen Fundoplication

Abstract This report details our experience with 30 patients who had Nissen fundoplication. Six underwent transabdominal Nissen fundoplication, and 10 had transthoracic Collis-Nissen with the gastric wrap in a subdiaphragmatic position. Ten patients had a transthoracic Nissen with the wrap in a supradiaphragmatic position. Four patients had a transthoracic Thal-Nissen procedure. In 1 of 4 patients with a Thal-Nissen procedure, intrathoracic rupture of the stomach with gastrobronchial fistula developed and necessitated left lower lobectomy. Four of 10 patients in whom the gastric wrap was left in the chest experienced severe complications: in 1 patient a lesser curvature ulcer developed and required hemigastrectomy; 1 patient had herniation of the fundoplication with gastric outlet obstruction and required operation for its correction; 2 patients had intrathoracic rupture of the gastric wrap and ultimately died. The 6 patients with transabdominal Nissen and the 10 with transthoracic Collis-Nissen with wrap placed in the abdomen did well. This experience severely condemns the practice of leaving the fundoplication above the diaphragm.