Systematic review and meta-analysis of laparoscopic Nissen (posterior total) versus Toupet (posterior partial) fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (Br J Surg 2010; 97: 1318-1330)

Gastroesophageal reflux in chronic cough and cough syncope and the effect of antireflux treatment: case report and literature review

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of antireflux treatment on gastroesophageal reflux (GER)-related cough syncope.

METHODS

The method used was a retrospective review of the outcomes of antireflux treatment with proton pump inhibitor (PPI), Stretta radiofrequency (SRF), or laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) of 8 patients with chronic cough and cough syncope that was clinically evaluated to be GER related over a period of 2 to 5 years.

RESULTS

In the 8 selected cases, the typical GER symptoms disappeared in 7 cases and were significantly eased in 1 case. The chronic cough diminished to mild and occasional occurrence in 6 cases and was completely relieved in 2 cases. Meanwhile, the cough syncope disappeared in all cases. Seven of the patients resumed physical and social functions after the antireflux treatments, except for 1 person, who had a stroke due to other causes.

CONCLUSION

For chronic cough and cough syncope of unknown cause, the GER assessment could be valuable. In treating well-selected GER-related chronic cough and cough syncope, PPI, SRF, and LF can be considered. Moreover, satisfactory restoration of physical and social functions could be achieved after effective antireflux therapy.