Is there a Future for Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (RALF)...?

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been the main health concern in the last few years, both in term of quality of life and symptomatology and also causing longterm health concern like cancer. In our current practice laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the most commonly performed operative procedure for reflux disease. Aim and methodology: We performed our review to predict the future of robot-assisted laparoscopic fundoplication (RALF) by looking at this new technology from different angles namely, comparison with conventional laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (CLF), in term of operative complications and postoperative outcome, training aspect of RALF, application in complicated cases and difficult tasks, and also in pediatric population. Conclusion: We are in the opinion that there is a promising future for RALF, despite the increased cost and longer operation time. It has been found that RALF can function better in smaller spaces and more capable in finer dissection and it has shorter and steeper learning curve. The time and the cost issue is expected to reduce with further development and upgrades of the robotic surgery, and increase in surgeons experience in RALF. Therefore, we think the trend should be more toward RALF as a future of antireflux surgery.