Fundoplication for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

Carl J. Westcott, M. Benjamin Hopkins, Kevin Bach, Gregory N. Postma, Peter C. Belafsky, James A. Koufman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease arises from the effects of refluxed gastric contents on the proximal aerodigestive tract. LPR patients are often lumped into the category of "atypical" reflux. LPR symptoms are hoarseness, globus, cough, and pharyngitis. Severe disease is associated with subglottic stenosis and laryngeal cancer. Treatment includes lifestyle modifications and medications. The role of fundoplication for LPR has yet to be defined. Study design Forty-one patients underwent fundoplication for LPR. They were prospectively followed with three outcomes measures: The Reflux Symptom Index, a laryngoscopic grading scale (Reflux Finding Score), and a reflux-based specific quality-of-life scale. Results Average early followup was at 4 months and late followup was at 14 months. The Reflux Symptom Index improved by 5.4 early (p < 0.05) and 6.5 late (p < 0.05). Improvement between early and late periods approached significance (p < 0.09). Reflux Finding Score improved 3.8 (p < 0.05) early and 4.4 (p < 0.05) late. The Quality of Life Index improved 0.6 early and 2.3 (p < 0.05) late. By Reflux Symptom Index criteria, 26 patients were improved early versus 35 late (p < 0.05). Factors associated with poor outcomes were structural laryngeal changes in five patients (p < 0.05) and no response to proton pump inhibitors in six patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions Fundoplication augments treatment of LPR. Improvement of symptoms continues past the first 4 months. Laryngoscopy is critical in patient selection because selected findings are associated with outcomes, diagnosis, and management.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)23-30
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons
Volume199
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • GERD
  • LES
  • LPR
  • PPI
  • RFS
  • RSI
  • Reflux Finding Score
  • Reflux Symptom Index
  • UES
  • gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • laryngopharyngeal reflux
  • lower esophageal sphincter
  • proton pump inhibitor
  • upper esophageal sphincter

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fundoplication for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this