Background: Little attention has been paid to nonobstructive dysphagia (dysphagia in the absence of an esophageal stricture) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The objectives of this study were to assess (a) the incidence of nonobstructive dysphagia in patients with GERD; and (b) the effects of laparoscopic fundoplication on nonobstructive dysphagia.

Methods: Esophageal manometry and pH monitoring identified 666 patients with GERD. Two hundred and eight patients (31%) without esophageal strictures complained of dysphagia in addition to heartburn and regurgitation. Forty-nine (24%) of these patients underwent laparoscopic fundoplication. Esophageal function tests were repeated postoperatively in 12 patients (25%). Main outcome measures were effects of laparoscopic fundoplication on symptoms and esophageal motor function.

Results: Dysphagia resolved postoperatively in 44 patients (90%), and improved in 2 patients (4%). Postoperative esophageal manometry showed a significant increase in the length and pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, without changes in its ability to relax in response to swallowing.

Conclusions: About one third of GERD patients without strictures experienced dysphagia; and dysphagia resolved in about 90% of such patients following a laparoscopic fundoplication.