Study on functional cardiorespiratory changes after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

PURPOSE: To analyze the behavior of cardiopulmonary function in postoperative of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. METHODS: Thirty-two patients, 13 males (41%) and 19 females (59%), were evaluated. Their age ranged from 25 to 67 years, with a mean of 44.4 ± 10.9. Pulmonary volumes, respiratory pressures and exercise tests were performed in the preoperative period (PRE) and in the first (PO1), second (PO2), fifth (PO5) and thirtieth (PO30) postoperative periods. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were evaluated, of whom 59% were females. Mean age was 44.4 ± 10.9 years. Lung volumes had significant decrease at PO1 and PO2 and were similar to PRE values at PO5. Respiratory pressures were altered only at PO1. The distance covered in the 6-minute walk test had significant reduction until PO2, and climbing time in the stair-climbing test significantly increased at PO2. CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to LNF surgery have decreased cardiorespiratory function in the early postoperative period; however, they soon return to preoperative conditions.