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R Pointner

Publications and source records attributed to R Pointner.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

The impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease on quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life as a medical endpoint has become an important measure in clinical research. METHODS: In this article, we review the recent literature that has examined the impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its treatment of quality of life. RESULTS: The increasing interest in measuring patients' quality of life as an outcome reflects an increasing awareness that traditional physiological endpoints often do not correlate well with patients' functional status, general well-being, and satisfaction with therapy. It has been shown that GERD has a significant impact on patients' quality of life; therefore, improvement of quality of life is one of the major goals of GERD treatment. This can be achieved by medical as well as surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: In addition to the patients' perspective, quality of life is one of the major endpoints in medical research that will help provide more selective treatment regimens for our patients.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗
PubMed2003

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery: disease-related quality of life assessment before and after surgery in GERD patients with and without Barrett's esophagus.

BACKGROUND: Several findings suggest that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a significant impact on patients' quality of life. The aim of this prospective study was (a) to evaluate and compare quality-of-life data before and after laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) in GERD patients with and without Barrett's esophagus (BE); and (b) to compare quality-of-life data of these patients to normative data for a comparable general population. METHODS: The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) was administrated to 75 BE patients and to 174 patients with GERD without BE (Savary-Miller classification: grade 1: n = 49; grade 2: n = 69; grade 3: n = 56). The questionnaire was given to all patients preoperatively, 3months, 1 year, and 3 years after laparoscopic "floppy" Nissen fundoplication. RESULTS: Before surgery, BE patients (mean: 96.8 +/- 9.3 points) had a better but not significant (p<0.06) general score of the GIQLI when compared with patients without BE (mean: 86.4 +/- 10.1 points). This difference is solely based on the subdimension "gastrointestinal symptoms" which means that GERD symptoms are less intensively and frequently recognized in BE patients than in patients without BE. There are no other differences in the other four subdimensions of the GIQLI between both groups. Three months, 1 year, and 3 years after LARS, GIQLI was significantly (p<0.01) improved in both groups (BE patients mean after 3 years: 121.9 +/- 8.2 points; non-BE patients mean after 3 years: 122.8 +/- 9.3 points). This improvement was significantly better (p<0.05) in patients without BE than in BE patients. Before surgery, both groups scored significantly below average on all subscores of GIQLI compared to general population (mean: 122.6 +/- 8.5 points). After surgery, there are no differences detectable. CONCLUSION: As our data show, non-BE patients undergoing LARS achieve a better quality-of-life improvement than those patients with BE. However, after surgery GIQLI of both groups is comparable to the mean value of general population. This means that LARS is able to improve quality of life significantly in all GERD patients, with and without BE.

Barrett Esophagus↗
PubMed2002

Does major depression in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease affect the outcome of laparoscopic antireflux surgery?

BACKGROUND: It is known that psychological factors can affect end points of surgical treatment. The current study aimed to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who experience concomitant major depression in comparison with GERD patients who have no known comorbidity. METHODS: Among a sample of more than 550 patients who underwent LARS, a group of 38 GERD patients with concomitant major depression (MD) were included in this study. The patients included 24 women and 14 men, with a mean age of 51 years. A group of 38 control patients (non-MD) matched in terms of age, gender, and esophageal manometry findings was selected from the database for comparison of surgical outcomes between patients with GERD accompanied by concomitant major depression and GERD patients with no known comorbidity. In each group, 23 patients received a Toupet fundoplication and 15 patients underwent a "floppy" Nissen fundoplication. The following factors were evaluated before surgery, 3 months afterward, and 1 year after LARS: symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, bloating, and dysphagia), quality of life (Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index [GIQLI]), lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), and 24-h pH monitoring (DeMeester score). RESULTS: Before and after surgery, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of LESP and DeMeester score. Preoperative GIQLI showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two groups (MD group, 71.8 +/- 8.6 vs non-MD group, 91.1 +/- 9.8), and significant differences (p < 0.01-0.001) between the mean data and that for healthy individuals (122.6 +/- 8.5). The GIQLI scores had improved significantly at 3 months and at 1 year after surgery (p < 0.05-0.001) in all the patients (1 year postoperatively: MD group, 99.3 +/- 8.6 vs non-MD group, 121.9 +/- 9.7). Before surgery, when symptoms were compared between the two groups, significant differences (p < 0.001) were found in the percentage of chest pain (81.6% vs 37.4%) and bloating (92.2% vs 37.4%), showing that these symptoms were more predominant and graded as much more severe among patients with MD. In both groups, all the symptoms but dysphagia showed a significant improvement in severity (p < 0.05-0.0001). A comparison of both groups postoperatively showed that significant differences were still present in chest pain (44.7% vs 2.6%), bloating (68.4% vs 18.4), and dysphagia (50.1% vs 2.6%). A significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed only in patients with major depression and depending on the kind of wrap procedure (Nissen vs Toupet), showing that dysphagia (78.9% vs 21.1%) and chest pain (82.4% vs 17.6%) were much more predominant in patients who underwent "floppy" Nissen fundoplication. CONCLUSIONS: Even if they are good surgical candidates from a physiologic point of view, GERD patients with concomitant major depression should be selected carefully. In these patients, LARS can normalize physiologic data, but some patients have demonstrated less symptomatic relief, suffered from postoperative dysphagia, and showed less quality-of-life improvement. Eventually, laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication used with these patients could result in a better subjective outcome.

Major Depressive Disorder↗
PubMed2002

Austrian experiences of antireflux surgery.

BACKGROUND: Antireflux surgery (ARS) is a well established treatment for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The present study gives an overview of experience in Austria regarding the frequency of open and laparoscopic ARS and how Austrian departments meet the requirements for surgery. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 115 surgical departments in Austria to evaluate in how many institutions antireflux surgery (open and/or laparoscopically) was performed since 1990, and which pre- and postoperative tests were obligatory, optional, or not performed. Units were divided into specialized and nonspecialized. RESULTS: The laparoscopic approach has gained in importance by about 300% in the past 5 years in the few hospitals performing this procedure. Esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring were rarely done in nonspecialized units, despite the fact that GERD is mainly a functional disorder of the esophagus and stomach. In contrast to the nonspecialized units, the specialized unit performed upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry and 24-h esophageal pH monitoring as obligatory tests. CONCLUSIONS: ARS, both open and laparoscopic, is not commonly performed in surgical departments in Austria but the frequency has significantly increased in recent years. Laparoscopic ARS is a safe procedure in hospitals performing this frequently. Laparoscopic ARS should only be performed in specialized units with significant experience in gastroesophageal diseases, where functional testing of the esophagus can be done.

Fundoplication↗
PubMed2002

Long-term results of laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that laparoscopic antireflux surgery has replaced the open approach in centers worldwide. Findings show it to be an established treatment option for chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease with an excellent clinical outcome and success rates between 85% and 95%. This prospective study aimed to evaluate surgical outcome and analysis of failure after 500 laparoscopic antireflux procedures followed up for as long as 5 years. METHODS: Between September 1993 and May 2000, 500 laparoscopic antireflux procedures were performed in our surgical unit. In 345 patients, a laparoscopic "floppy" Nissen fundoplication was performed, and in 155 patients, a Toupet fundoplication was carried out with standard mobilization of the upper part of the gastric fundus and with division of the short gastric vessels. Preoperative and postoperative data including 24-h pH monitoring, esophageal manometry, and analysis of failure were prospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Conversion to open surgery was necessary in two patients (0.4%). Morbidity was 7%, including 24 patients (4.8%) for whom a laparoscopic redoprocedure was necessary because of failed primary intervention. There was no mortality. During a follow-up period of 3 months to 5 years, 24-h pH monitoring and esophageal manometry showed normal values in 95% of the patients including patients who had undergone redosurgery. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study demonstrate that laparoscopic antireflux surgery is feasible and effective, and that it can be performed safely without mortality and with low morbidity, yielding good to excellent results over a follow-up period up to 5 years.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Dysphagia and quality of life after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in patients with and without prosthetic reinforcement of the hiatal crura.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent hiatal hernia with or without intrathoracic wrap migration ("slipping Nissen") is one of the most common complications after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). Therefore, we decided to reinforce the hiatal crura using a prosthetic mesh prosthesis in an attempt to reduce recurrent hiatal hernia. METHODS: The current nonrandomized study compares the surgical outcome, including quality of life data [Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI)] and subjective degree of dysphagia, in a total of 200 patients with (n = 100) or without (n = 100) mesh prosthesis for a follow-up for at least 1 year. RESULTS: There are no significant differences between groups in postoperative DeMeester score or lower esophageal sphincter pressure. In the group without mesh prosthesis, in 6 cases laparoscopic redo surgery was necessary due to severe and persistent dysphagia (n = 2) or a slipping Nissen (n = 4). Additionally, in 5 patients we found recurrent hiatal hernia, but patients have been without symptoms for at least 1 year. In the group with mesh prosthesis, laparoscopic refund application was performed in only 1 patient due to a slipping Nissen. In this group, recurrent hiatal hernia was not found in endoscopy. After laparoscopic antireflux surgery, GIQLI showed an equal improvement in both groups with an outcome comparable to that for healthy individuals. Postoperative dysphagia was significantly higher in the group with mesh prothesis within the 3 first months after surgery. One year after surgery no differences could be found. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that LNF with reinforcement of the hiatal crura reduces the risk of recurrent hiatal hernia with or without wrap migration. In addition, LNF with mesh prosthesis improves patient's quality of life significantly to the same level as that in patients without mesh prosthesis. Postoperative dysphagia is higher in the early period after surgery, but this is only temporary. Long-term results of a randomized trial must be obtained before a general standardization can be discussed.

Deglutition Disorders↗
PubMed2002

Mid- and long-term quality of life assessments after laparoscopic fundoplication and refundoplication: a single unit review of more than 500 antireflux procedures.

BACKGROUND: For the evaluation of surgical interventions, quality of life data are being increasingly used as an efficacy endpoint. AIMS: To evaluate impact of laparoscopic fundoplication and laparoscopic refundoplication on quality of life as well as on patient satisfaction with the procedure for at least 5 years after surgical intervention. PATIENTS: After more than 500 laparoscopic antireflux procedures, quality of life data have been prospectively reviewed and data compared with healthy individuals, untreated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients (n = 150) and successfully treated patients (n = B4) under adequate omeprazole therapy. METHODS: Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index has been used in all patients and evaluated the day before surgery and 5 times after surgery. Moreover, the SF-36 questionnaire has been used up to 2 years after surgical intervention, but only in patients who underwent laparoscopic redo-surgery (n = 49). RESULTS: In both surgical groups, mean preoperative Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index showed a significant (p < 0.01) impairment (before laparoscopic antireflux surgery: 90.4 +/- 10.3 points; before redo-surgery: 84.3 +/- 8.1 points) when compared with healthy individuals (mean: 122.6 +/- 8.5 points) and successfully treated patients with acid-suppressive therapy (mean: 121.4 +/- 9.2 points). After surgery, the mean Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index increased significantly and remained stable for at least 5 years after laparoscopic antireflux surgery (120.8 +/- 8.6 points) or for at least 2 years after redo-proce-dure (120.9 +/- 7.2 points). Before laparoscopic refundoplication, 6 out of 8 SF-36 scores were significantly p < 0.05) decreased. Redo-surgery influenced these 6 scores significantly (p < 0.05-0.01), resulting in values comparable to those of general population. Patients' satisfaction with surgery was excellent or good in 95%. CONCLUSION: Both, laparoscopic fundoplication as well as laparoscopic refundoplication are able to improve patients' quality of life significantly for at least 5 years. Therefore, quality of life data provide useful information to discuss different treatment options with patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

"Floppy" Nissen vs. Toupet laparoscopic fundoplication: quality of life assessment in a 5-year follow-up (part 2).

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Quality of life as an outcome variable has become an important measure in clinical research. This study is the second part of a prospective assessment of the quality of life outcome, in a 5-year follow-up of patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication or Toupet fundoplication. Data from a 1-year follow-up have been previously published (part I). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), the quality of life data of 169 consecutive patients who had undergone a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF; n = 104) or a laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF; n = 65), were evaluated 3 years and 5 years postoperatively. Six patients out of the initial study group (n = 175), including three from each group, were excluded from the main analysis because they had undergone laparoscopic re-fundoplication during the 1-year follow-up. Data from patients with repeat surgery have been analysed separately. In addition to administering the GIQLI, we evaluated patient satisfaction with surgery, possible surgical side effects or recurrent disease-related symptoms, the use of antireflux medication, and also surgical interventions in relation to initial antireflux surgery. In those patients, who were willing (n = 111) we also performed esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring 5 years postoperatively. RESULTS: At 3 years and 5 years postoperatively, the analysis of quality of life data showed that the GIQLI score remained stable in comparison with the 1-year follow-up data, with mean scores of 121 +/- 8.7 points in the LNF-group and 119.8 +/- 9 points in the LTF-group, at 5 years after surgery. Laparoscopic re-fundoplication was necessary in four patients due to a "slipping" Nissen (LNF group n = 1) or recurrent symptoms (LTF group, n = 3). In two patients in the LTF group herniation of a trocar incision was found. No patient suffered from severe surgical side effects. Patient satisfaction with surgery was rated as "excellent" or "good" in 97.9 % of patients. There were no significant differences between the groups concerning these data. The results of esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring also remained stable and showed normal values in all but two patients (in the LTF group), who suffered from mild and infrequent symptoms of recurrent heartburn without endoscopic signs of esophagitis. The outcome in patients who underwent laparoscopic re-fundoplication is comparable to the outcomes for those with a successful primary intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Both Nissen and Toupet laparoscopic fundoplication can significantly improve patients' quality of life during the 5 years following surgical intervention. Quality of life scores for both surgical groups were almost equal and postoperative outcomes were comparable to values in healthy controls. Patient satisfaction with surgical treatment was very high, even though repeat laparoscopic surgery was necessary in some cases. Patients who had a repeat procedure experienced nearly identical outcomes.

Female↗
PubMed2002

Comorbidity of aerophagia in GERD patients: outcome of laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

BACKGROUND: While there is evidence that physiological data correlate poorly with quality-of-life data or patient-perceived symptom severity, most outcome studies of antireflux surgery still refer physiologic criteria. The aim of this prospective study was to establish whether concomitant aerophagia in GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) patients might influence the surgical outcome of laparoscopic 'floppy' Nissen fundoplication. METHODS: A total of 112 patients were divided into 2 subgroups: group 1 comprising GERD patients without aerophagia (n = 94; 84%); group 2 of GERD patients with concomitant aerophagia (n = 28; 16%). In all patients, requirements for surgery included an evaluation of symptoms (list of 17 symptoms; patients' grading from no--mild to moderate--severe), quality of life (Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index: GIQLI), esophagogastroduodenoscopy, esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring. Additionally, we asked for any potential stress relations to GERD symptoms. Surgical outcome was assessed 3 months and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: In group 2 patients before surgery, we found a significantly higher percentage with a mild impairment of esophageal motility, with a subjectively and objectively dominant reflux in the upright position, with a lower grading of esophagitis or Barrett esophagus, and with a stronger belief that stress was in any relation to perceived symptoms compared with group 1 patients. Additionally, these patients perceived typical and untypical symptoms more intensively. Factors such as DeMeester score and lower esophageal sphincter pressure did not differ preoperatively, the same as after antireflux surgery. Both groups profit significantly from surgery-a continuous reduction of symptom severity and quality-of-life improvement was found. Group 1 patients showed an improvement in mean GIQLI from 93.4+/-8.3 points preoperatively to 123.1+/-7.3 and 122.9+/-9.0 points 3 months and 1 year postoperatively, whereas group 2 patients demonstrated a lower outcome, from 82.2+/-9.1 points to 112.4+/-8.1 and 116.8+/-7.9 points postoperatively. This lesser improvement is the result of preoperative symptoms such as belching, bloating or flatulence, which many patients had after surgery. In addition, some of the group 2 patients suffered from subjective mild to moderate heartburn or dysphagia, but without any objective correlation. CONCLUSION: GERD patients with concomitant aerophagia demonstrated less symptomatic relief than patients without aerophagia. Moreover, patients with aerophagia showed less quality-of-life improvement after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. There were no significant differences in physiological outcome data between groups. Surgery in GERD patients with symptoms relating to aerophagia should be approached with great care. An additional psychological intervention in these patients might improve surgical outcome.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Is laparoscopic refundoplication feasible in patients with failed primary open antireflux surgery?

BACKGROUND: Due to the widespread availability and acceptance of minimal-access surgery, laparoscopic antireflux surgery has become the standard procedure for the treatment of severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, open and laparoscopic antireflux procedures sometimes result in failure, so that redosurgery is required in some cases. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the surgical outcome and quality of life of patients who underwent refundoplication after the failure of primary open antireflux surgery. METHODS: Twenty patients with a mean age of 52 years (range, 33-69) underwent laparoscopic refundoplication after primary open antireflux surgery. Four of them had undergone surgery twice previously. Preoperative and postoperative data, including esophageal manometry, 24-h pH monitoring, and assessment of quality of life, were reviewed prospectively. Quality of life was evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). RESULTS: In 18 patients (90%), the reoperation was completed successfully laparoscopically. Two others (10%) required conversion to an open procedure. One of them had an injury of the gastric wall; in the other case, severe bleeding of the spleen necessitated the conversion. The average operating time was 245 min. Preoperatively, the main symptoms were recurrent reflux in 14 cases and a combination of re-reflux and dysphagia in six cases. The anatomic findings were telescope phenomenon (n = 6), hiatal disruption (n = 10), and wrap breakdown (n = 4). Postoperatively, two patients suffered from dysphagia and required pneumatic dilatation. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure increased significantly from a preoperative value of 6.08 mmHg to 12.2 mmHg at 3 months and 11.9 mmHg at 1 year after surgery. The DeMeester score decreased from a preoperative value of 69.8 to 17.1 at 3 months and 14.6 at 1 year postoperatively. The GIQLI score increased from a preoperative value of 84.9 points to 119.6 points at 3 months and 120.1 points at 1 year. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic refundoplication after the failure of a primary open intervention is an effective procedure that can be performed safely by experienced laparoscopic surgeon. The procedure yields excellent functional results and leads to significant improvement in the patient's quality of life.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Anxiety disorder after laparoscopic refundoplication as a cause of dysphagia.

Side effects of laparoscopic antireflux surgery doubtless have a negative effect on patients' satisfaction with surgical outcome and quality of life. Until now, side effects of laparoscopic antireflux surgery such as dysphagia have not been reported as associated with the origin of psychiatric disorders. We report the case of a 71-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic refundoplication because of a "slipping" Nissen 2 years after primary intervention. After operation, the patient suffered from severe dysphagia and required pneumatic dilation. In this patient, severe dysphagia has caused panic disorder. Complete relief of dysphagia was achieved by single dilation. In contrast, panic symptoms in relation to daily ingestion continued for at least 6 weeks after surgery. A mild level of anxiety without panic symptoms existed for the first 3 months after reoperation.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

[Outcome after laparoscopic antireflux surgery: fundoplication and re-fundoplication in the elderly].

PURPOSE: Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the elderly follows the same principles as for any adult patient. The indication for laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) often depends on the age of the patient. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the surgical outcome including quality of life after LARS and laparoscopic "redo-surgery" in patients older than 65 years. METHODS: Since 1993, 75 patients with a mean age of 71 years have been treated with laparoscopic "floppy" Nissen (n = 53) or Toupet (n = 22) fundoplication. Thirteen patients underwent laparoscopic redo-surgery after failed LARS. Quality of life (GIQLI) was assessed before surgery and 3 months and 1 year after surgery, with 24-h pH monitoring and esophageal manometry being performed. RESULTS: Intraoperative complications occurred in two patients with primary LARS, successfully managed laparoscopically. The conversion and mortality rate was 0%. In two patients postoperative complications occurred. Three months and 1 year after surgery 24-h pH monitoring and esophageal manometry showed normal values in all patients. GIQLI increased significantly after surgery and is comparable to that of healthy individuals. One patient suffered from severe dysphagia and required dilatation. In 13 patients who underwent laparoscopic refundoplication, redo procedure was completed laparoscopically in 12 patients. In one patient conversion was necessary because of severe bleeding from the spleen. Data of esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring showed normal values in all patients after redo-surgery. Three months and 1 year after laparoscopic reoperation the general score of GIQLI increased significantly (p < 0.01) and reached a level equivalent to that of comparable healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic fundoplication and refundoplication in the elderly patient is a safe and effective treatment in GERD and improves quality of life significantly. Age should not be longer a contraindication to LARS.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2001

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients with concomitant anxiety disorders.

BACKGROUND: Several psychological factors are known to affect the subjective outcome, such as quality of life, after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. AIM: To evaluate: a. outcome of laparoscopic antireflux surgery in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients with concomitant anxiety disorders, b. potential effects of laparoscopic antireflux surgery on psychiatric comorbidities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out of more than 550 patients who underwent laparoscopic antireflux surgery, 21 suffered from additional anxiety disorders. Outcome assessments included traditional data, evaluation of symptoms and side-effects, and quality of life. These data were evaluated before laparoscopic antireflux surgery and 6 weeks, 3 months and 1 year after surgery, RESULTS: Post-operative lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and DeMeester score were normal in all patients. Subjective severity of anxiety disorders remained unchanged in 13 patients 1 year after surgery. One patient suffered from severe dysphagia and required single dilatation. In this patient, severity and frequency of panic attacks increased for approximately 6 months after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. In 7 patients, total relief of panic symptoms was reported within 3 months post-operatively. Severity of most gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-related symptoms decreased significantly after laparoscopic antireflux surgery, but severity of some symptoms remained stable in patients with continuing anxiety disorders. In all patients, Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index increased significantly. This improvement was less marked in patients with continuing anxiety disorders. Patients presenting total relief of panic symptoms showed an outcome comparable to normal data. CONCLUSIONS: Data obtained suggest that patients with concomitant anxiety disorders should not generally be excluded from laparoscopic antireflux surgery but should be selected more carefully. In these patients, surgery significantly improves quality of life and eliminates gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-related symptoms. Some patients demonstrated less symptomatic relief. In contrast, laparoscopic antireflux surgery was able to eliminate panic disorders in one third of our patients.

Adult↗