Long-term results of quality of life after standard laparoscopic vs. robot-assisted laparoscopic fundoplications for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. A comparative clinical trial

Background The role of telematic surgical approach in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is still unclear. Methods The aim of the study is to assess disease specific symptoms and quality of life in patients with GERD treated with either traditional laparoscopic (TL) or robot-assisted fundoplication using the Da Vinci (TM) system (DV) in long-term follow-up. Results Eighty patients underwent a fundoplication in 2003. Four years later all patients were given a standardized questionnaire and 59 (74%) replied. The TL group included 44 patients (18 male/26 female) and the DV group 15 patients (9 male/6 female); the mean operating time was 116 min for the TL group and 207 min for the DV group (p < 0.001). The mean GIQLI score was 106 points for TL and 107 points in the DV (p > 0.05). Conclusions Although a safe and feasible procedure, high functional costs of the Da Vinci system and longer operating time prevent this operation from being the standard surgical procedure for GERD. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.