Background: The physiologic competency of intrathoracic fundoplications remains controversial. This study compared the physiologic qualities of intra-abdominal Nissen fundoplications (IAF) with those of intrathoracic Nissen fundoplications (ITF) in a porcine model.
Methods: The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) length (cm), LES resting pressure (mm Hg), and intragastric pressure (mm Hg) necessary to produce reflux or wrap distribution were manometrically assessed before and after IAF and ITF in 10 pigs. Mean +/- SD were compared using analysis of variance.
Results: There was no difference in LES length before and after IAF or ITF, but there was a significant increase in resting LES pressure after eithe