Which condition is a relative contraindication to laparoscopic antireflux surgery?

• A. Esophageal shortening
• B. Esophageal web
• C. Chronic gastritis
• D. Lung disease

Answer: (A)

Adequate intra-abdominal length of the esophagus is essential for a successful laparoscopic fundoplication. When the esophagus is shortened, there isn’t enough length available below the diaphragm to place the fundus around the distal esophagus without tension. A tension-free wrap is crucial for durability and function; if the esophagus cannot provide sufficient length, the wrap may be too tight, migrate, or fail to prevent reflux. In such cases, surgeons may consider lengthening the esophagus (for example, with a Collis gastroplasty) or alternative approaches, which makes the condition a relative contraindication to a straightforward laparoscopic antireflux procedure.

Esophageal webs are mucosal abnormalities that don’t fundamentally impede creating a fundoplication. Chronic gastritis doesn’t directly affect the mechanics of the wrap. Lung disease increases perioperative risk and may influence anesthesia or the choice of approach, but it isn’t the specific technical limitation that short esophagus presents.