[Anti-reflux surgery in Norway].

BACKGROUND:The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of gastro-oesophageal antireflux surgery in Norway from 1999 to 2003, in comparison with the 1990 to 1998 period. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Operation codes for laparoscopic and open antireflux surgery were compiled from the Norwegian Patient Registry for analysis of incidence rates, geographic variations, postoperative hospital stay and rates of readmission. RESULTS:The incidence rates of antireflux operation in 1999-2003 were 18.6 per 100,000 men and 10.2 per 100,000 women, a ten-fold increase compared to 1990. There were significant differences in operation rates between the five Norwegian health regions, highest in northern region. In 1999, 85% of the patients had a laparoscopic operation, compared with 89% in 2003. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter after laparoscopic operations. The proportion of laparoscopic procedures varied between the regions (78%-93%). The total rate of readmission within 60 days was 7%. There was no significant difference between readmission rates for patients treated by laparoscopy (6%) compared to patients treated by laparotomy (9%). In one health region, a high proportion of the patients were day surgery cases. CONCLUSION:The incidence of antireflux operation increased strongly during the 1990s and varies significantly between the Norwegian health regions. Laparoscopy is the leading mode of surgery. Patients treated by open surgery have a significant longer postoperative hospital stay than patients treated by laparoscopy.