Objective: The aim of this work is to systematically analyse the prospective randomised controlled trials on laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) with and without short gastric vessel division (SGVD) for management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
Methods: After an extensive literature search, all previous trials on laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with and without SGVD for management of GORD were assessed. Those meeting study quality criteria were analysed to generate summative data expressed by standardised mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR).
Results: Five randomised controlled trials on 388 patients qualified for the meta-analysis. There were 194 patients in the no-SGVD group and 194 patients in the SGVD group. No-SGVD was associated with shorter operative time and length of stay. In both fixed- and random-effects models, there were no statistically significant differences in laparoscopic to open conversion rate or complications between the two groups. Three trials presented data on 1-year follow-up, with 118 patients in the no-SGVD group and 112 patients in the SGVD group. There was no statistically significant difference in heartburn, dysphagia, regurgitation or gas bloat syndrome between these two groups. Two trials presented data on 10-year follow-up, with 84 patients in the no-SGVD group and 86 patients in the SGVD group. There was no significant difference in heartburn, dysphagia, regurgitation or gas bloat syndrome between these two groups either. There was no heterogeneity between trials.
Conclusions: Based on this review, SGVD in LNF is associated with longer operative time and hospital stay. However, there is no difference in terms of functional outcomes for 1- and 10-year follow-up. Routine use of SGVD may therefore not be necessary in LNF.