Since May 1991 our group performed laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication on more than 1500 patients that were not responding to conservative treatment of GERD. 200 of them were operated on abroad. In our series, the efficiency was
92 % but because of side effects, 82 % was satisfied to undergo the procedure.

Three conversions to laparotomy were necessary : one because of a defective needle holder, 2 because of left liver lobe hypertrophy. All patients were out of bed on the 1st postoperative day.