Long-term outcome of laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplication in normal and neurologically impaired children

Pediatric Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in the Last Decade: What Is New and Where to Next?

BACKGROUND

Laryngopharyngeal reflux may affect people of any age; still, most of the accumulated knowledge concerns adults, and evidence regarding pediatric populations remains relatively restricted. This study aims to review the most recent and emerging aspects of pediatric laryngopharyngeal reflux from the last ten years. It also attempts to identify gaps in knowledge and highlight discrepancies that future research should urgently address.

METHODS

An electronic search of the MEDLINE database was conducted, limited to January 2012 through December 2021. Non-English language articles, case reports, and studies that concerned a purely or predominantly adult population were excluded. The information from the articles with the most relevant contribution was initially categorized by theme and subsequently synthesized into a narrative form.

RESULTS

86 articles were included, of which 27 were review articles, eight were surveys, and 51 were original articles. Our review systematically maps the research done in the last decade and provides an updated overview and the current state-of-the-art in this subject.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite discrepancies and heterogeneity in accumulating research, evidence gathered so far endorses a need for refining an escalating multiparameter diagnostic approach. A step-wise therapeutic plan appears to be the most reasonable management approach, starting with behavioral changes for mild to moderate, uncomplicated cases and escalating to personalized pharmacotherapy options for severe or nonresponsive cases. Surgical options could be considered in the most severe cases when potentially life-threatening symptoms persist despite maximal medical therapy. Over the past decade, the amount of available evidence has been gradually increasing; however, its strength remains low. Several aspects remain markedly under-addressed, and further adequately powered, multicenter, controlled studies with uniformity in diagnostic procedures and criteria are urgently needed.

Perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with or without scoliosis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children with scoliosis.

METHODS

Data of consecutive patients with GERD who underwent LF from January 2015 to December 2020 at a single pediatric institution were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Eighty-two patients underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] body weight was 9.3 [7; 14] kg. Seventy-five patients were neurologically impaired (91%), and other comorbidities included scoliosis (n = 33), lung disease (n = 39), and cardiac disease (n = 14). The median (IQR) operative time including the creation of the gastrostomy and volume of bleeding were 160 [143; 190] min and 2 [1; 5] mL, respectively. There were no significant differences between patients with and those without scoliosis (p = 0.17 and p = 0.90, respectively). Patients with cardiac disease had a longer operative time (167 [161; 193] vs. 157 [141; 190] min, p = 0.01). There were three post-operative complications in children with neurological impairment; however, there was no clear relationship between the severity of scoliosis and complications.

CONCLUSION

Severity of scoliosis did not correlate with perioperative results and post-operative complications. This suggests that the same LF technique can be used regardless of the presence or absence of scoliosis in children.

Comparison of laparoscopic Toupet and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications in neurologically normal children

INTRODUCTION

We compared laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in neurologically normal children.

METHODS

Forty neurologically normal children who were followed up for more than 3 years after LTF (n = 22) or LNF (n = 18) were reviewed retrospectively. LTF and LNF were performed between 2006 and 2012.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in gender (LTF, 15 male and 7 female patients; LNF:, 12 male and 6 female patients), mean age at surgery (LTF vs LNF: 2.5 vs 2.3 years), mean weight at surgery (LTF vs LNF: 9.6 vs 8.9 kg), preoperative symptoms, preoperative pH monitoring (pH <4) (LTF vs LNF: 26.7% vs 21.8%), mean operative time (LTF vs LNF: 117 vs 126 min), postoperative recommencement of enteral feeding (LTF vs LNF: 3.7 vs 3.8 days), or duration of hospitalization (LTF vs LNF: 5.5 vs 6.3 days). Intraoperative complications were esophageal trauma (LTF; n = 1; 4.5%) and liver trauma (LNF; n = 1; 5.6%) (P = 0.70). Post-LTF complications were wrap stenosis (n = 1; 4.5%), and post-LNF complications were wrap stenosis (n = 1; 5.5%) and gastric outlet obstruction (n = 1; 5.5%) (P = 0.43); all were managed conservatively. No case required conversion to open repair. There was no recurrence after LTF, but there were three cases (16.7%) after LNF (P = 0.08). Reoperation was performed at 4, 11, and 13 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Despite LTF and LNF appearing to be equally effective, three LNF cases required reoperation.

Safety of laparoscopic fundoplication in children under 5 kg: a comparative study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic fundoplication in children under 5 kg is still debated. Our objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) in children under 5 kg.

METHODS

We reviewed the cases of 96 children treated by laparoscopic fundoplication between 2005 and 2014. Thirty-five patients had a weight of 5 kg or less at the time of LF (Low Weight Group) and 61 patients had a weight between 5.1 and 10 kg (High Weight Group). The pre-operative, peri-operative, post-operative data regarding surgery and anesthesia were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Mean weight was 3.9 ± 0.8 kg in the LWG and 7.8 ± 1.5 kg in the HWG. Children in the LWG were more prone to pre-operative respiratory management (40% mechanical ventilation and 42.9% oxygen therapy). The operating times (82 ± 28 min for LWG and 85 ± 31 min for HWG) and respiratory parameters during the procedure (PCO₂) were comparable between groups. Post-operative complications were 1 gastric perforation with peritonitis and 1 small bowel obstruction in the LWG, 2 cases of gastric perforation with peritonitis in the HWG. Mean follow-up was 67 ± 44 months. Significant recurrence of GERD requiring a redo fundoplication was noted in 3 patients in the LWG and 1 patient in the HWG.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic fundoplication is a safe procedure in infants ≤ 5 kg without increase of post-operative complications, recurrence, or mean operative time.

Long-term outcome of laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication versus Thal fundoplication in children with esophageal hiatal hernia: a retrospective report from two children's medical centers in Shanghai

BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to investigate the intraoperative and postoperative complications, efficacy and outcome of two laparoscopic fundoplications for the treatment of esophageal hiatal hernia in children.

METHODS

To find a rational procedure, we performed a retrospective analysis of 136 children with esophageal hiatal hernia who underwent laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti or Thal fundoplication at two children's hospitals in Shanghai over 13 years. The median follow-up time of the children was 42 months (range: 1-138 months). Their age varied from 1 month to 11 years (median: 18.6 months).

RESULTS

All the children underwent laparoscopic fundoplications (72 cases of Nissen-Rossetti and 60 cases of Thal fundoplication) and 4 children converted to open surgery. The mean age of the children at the time of operation was 1.6±1.9 years, and the mean weight was 9.1±5.6 kg. Gastroesophageal reflux was significantly more severe after a Thal fundoplication (P=0.003) and slight esophageal stenosis was significant after a Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication (P=0.02). The recurrent rate of hiatal hernia was 2.8% (2/72) after Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication in contrast to 5% (3/60) after Thal fundoplication. No death occurred after surgery.

CONCLUSION

There was no statistical difference of recurrence between laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti and Thal fundoplication in the long-term outcomes. The rate of slight dysphagia was higher in the Nissen-Rossetti group. The Thal group had a significantly higher recurrence rate of gastroesophageal reflux. There still exited learning curve for this procedure. The incidence rate of complications is significantly related to the proficiency of pediatric surgeon.

Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux: a series of 131 neurologically impaired pediatric cases at a single children's hospital

PURPOSE

To present the medium to long-term outcome of the largest pediatric series of laparoscopic Toupet fundoplications (LTF) performed at a single institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Subjects were 131 neurologically impaired children (81 M, 50 F) who underwent LTF between 2003 and 2013. Our LTF involves full dissection of the crus of the diaphragm to allow the intraabdominal esophagus to be mobilized at least 3-4 cm.

RESULTS

Preoperative mean fraction time for pH <4 was 14.6 %. Mean age at LTF was 6.7 years (3 months-18 years). Mean duration of follow-up was 5.7 years (range 1.2-12.1 years). One case required conversion to open surgery. Intra-operative complications were all injuries to the esophagus/gastric wall (n = 4; 3.0 %) including full-thickness perforation (n = 1; 0.8 %). Postoperative complications included pyloric stenosis (n = 4; 3.0 %), dysphagia (n = 1; 0.8 %), incisional hernia (n = 1; 0.8 %), hemorrhage requiring transfusion (n = 1; 0.8 %), recurrence (n = 3; 2.3 % at 11, 13, and 48 months, respectively), and gastrostomy site infection (n = 7; 5.3 %). Mean operative time decreased significantly with experience from 180.8 min for the first quarter of subjects to 150.6 (2nd quarter), 128.6 (3rd) and 109.2 min (4th).

CONCLUSIONS

Our LTF would appear to be safe for treating GERD in children because of reliable outcome and low recurrence.

Advances in minimally invasive surgery in pediatric patients

Surgery has changed dramatically over the last several decades. The emergence of MIS has allowed pediatric surgeons to manage critically ill neonates, children, and adolescents with improved outcomes in pain, postoperative course, cosmesis, and return to normal activity. Procedures that were once thought to be too difficult to attempt or even contraindicated in pediatric patients in many instances are now the standard of care. New and emerging techniques, such as single-incision laparoscopy, endoscopy-assisted surgery, robotic surgery, and techniques yet to be developed, all hold and reveal the potential for even further advancement in the management of these patients. The future of MIS in pediatrics is exciting; as long as our primary focus remains centered on developing techniques that limit morbidity and maximize positive outcomes for young patients and their families, the possibilities are both promising and infinite.

Surgical management of pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in the pediatric population. Most cases represent physiologic GER and as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) matures and a solid diet is introduced, many of these patients (>65%) experience spontaneous resolution of symptoms by two years of age. Those who continue to have symptoms and develop complications such as failure to thrive, secondary respiratory disease, and others are classified as having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Goals of GERD treatment include the resolution of symptoms and prevention of complications. Treatment options to achieve these goals include dietary or behavioral modifications, pharmacologic intervention, and surgical therapy. This paper will review the clinical presentation of GERD and discuss options for surgical management and outcomes in these patients.

Laparoscopic fundoplication in children with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts

BACKGROUND

Children with ventriculo-peritoneal (V-P) shunts have a significant risk of morbidity and mortality from infections. Many of these patients have other co-morbidities and may require subsequent abdominal surgery, including fundoplication with or without gastrostomy placement. The aim of our study was to assess the outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication in children with a V-P shunt in situ.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database on children who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication with a V-P shunt in situ at the time of surgery between July 1998 and March 2011 was conducted. Primary outcomes included intra- and postoperative complications as well as shunt-related problems within a 6-month period after surgery. The subset of children with V-P shunts was compared with those who underwent fundoplication without shunts. Variables were compared using the two-tailed Student's t test, chi-squared test, or Fisher's exact test. Significance was defined as P≤.05.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 343 children who underwent fundoplication, 11 (6 girls, 5 boys) had a V-P shunt in situ at the time of surgery (3.2%). The median age at laparoscopy was 2.2 years (range, 0.7-13.8 years). Weight at surgery ranged from 5.8 to 39.0 kg (median, 12.0 kg). The operating time (without gastrostomy placement) was 105 minutes (range, 80-140 minutes). In 6 patients (55%) moderate to severe adhesions were documented, but only 1 child required conversion to open surgery because of bleeding from the omentum. In a second patient the colon was perforated during insertion of the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and repaired laparoscopically. There was no postoperative shunt dysfunction or infection related to the laparoscopic procedure. There was no significant difference between V-P shunt patients and the main cohort regarding operating time, conversion to open surgery, need for admission to a high-care unit, opiate requirements, time to full feeds, and length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that laparoscopic fundoplication is feasible in children with previous V-P shunt placement. Although there were considerable adhesions in approximately half of these patients, the rate for conversion to open surgery was low. Complications associated with simultaneous PEG insertion occur and should be anticipated by placing the gastrostomy under laparoscopic guidance.

Long-term outcome of laparoscopic nissen fundoplication compared with laparoscopic thal fundoplication in children: a prospective, randomized study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic fundoplication is increasingly performed in pediatric surgery. Many types of fundoplication are performed, each has advantages and disadvantages. To date there has been no prospective randomized study to determine the optimal laparoscopic technique in children. The aim of the study was to compare the long-term outcomes and control of symptoms after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with laparoscopic Thal fundoplication in children.

METHODS

Between July 1998 and April 2007, 175 patients were recruited to this prospective, randomized study. Patients were assessed before the operation and after defined intervals starting at 3 months after surgery. The "absolute" outcome measure for fundoplication failure was recurrence of symptoms that merited a redofundoplication or insertion of a transgastric jejunostomy. "Relative" outcome measures were recurrence of symptoms necessitating reintroduction of antireflux medication (ie, "intention to treat") and postoperative complications (eg, postoperative dysphagia). The median follow-up time was 30 months (range, 1-109). This study has been registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01027975).

RESULTS

Long-term results were available in 167 patients of which 85 underwent a Nissen and 82 a Thal fundoplication. Four patients in the Nissen group (4.7%) and 12 in the Thal group (14.6%) required a redofundoplication. One child in each group developed recurrence of symptoms and had a transgastric jejunostomy performed. The "absolute" failure rate was significant lower in the Nissen group (n = 5; 5.9%) compared with the Thal group (n = 13; 15.9%) (P = 0.038). The vast majority of these patients (17 of 18) had underlying neurological disorders. The "relative" failure rate (ie, "intention to treat") was similar in both groups. Nearly one-quarter of patients developed postoperative dysphagia similarly distributed between both groups. However, severe dysphagia requiring endoscopy +/- dilatation was significantly higher in the Nissen group (n = 10, 11.8%) compared with the Thal group (n = 2; 2.4%) (P = 0.020). One of 31 deaths (0.6%) in this series occurred after surgery, but was not directly related to the fundoplication technique.

CONCLUSIONS

In the long-term a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication had a significantly lower recurrence rate than a Thal fundoplication, particularly in patients with underlying neurological disorders. There was no significant difference between the 2 types of fundoplication in normal children. There was no significant difference between the need for restarting antireflux medication between both groups because of recurrence of moderate symptoms. The incidence of postoperative dysphagia was similar in the 2 groups, however, significantly more patients in the Nissen group required intervention for severe dysphagia. Overall the perioperative death rate was low even in high-risk patients.

Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants and children

The number and types of minimally invasive surgical procedures being performed in children have increased exponentially in the last 15 years. Laparoscopic fundoplication is commonly performed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), although the population of patients who undergo this procedure is different in adults and children. In Japan, laparoscopic fundoplication has become a standard procedure, even for children with neurological impairment; however, its indications remain controversial. In this article we review the status of laparoscopic antireflux surgery for infants and children, looking at its indications, the procedures available, the complications, and the training required to perform the procedure safely and effectively.

Prolonged enteral feeding is often required to avoid long-term nutritional and metabolic complications after esophagogastric dissociation

BACKGROUND

Total esophagogastric dissociation (TED) was first described in 1997 by Bianchi as a new surgical procedure to treat severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children with neurological impairment. Recently, TED has been proposed in other conditions, such as esophageal atresia, esotracheal cleft, or caustic esophageal lesions. Although the long-term results in terms of GERD control have been previously reported, those regarding the nutritional and metabolic status have never been documented.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients without neurological impairment with TED between 1999 and 2004 at Robert Debre Hospital and Jeanne de Flandre Hospital, France, were prospectively investigated, paying particular attention to their metabolic and nutritional status (blood concentration of iron and vitamins A, D, E, and B12; lipid malabsorption; and hyperglycemia test) and growth.

RESULTS

Seventeen children underwent TED. Six received primary procedures, whereas 11 were operated on because of severe respiratory diseases or failure to thrive. The mean follow-up was 6 years (range 3-8 years). Two children died (12%). Seven children were weaned from enteral nutrition support, but 5 of them had failure to thrive, steatorrhea, and/or malabsorption of vitamin B12 and/or fat-soluble vitamins. Eight patients had dumping syndrome, which was symptomatic in 6 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

TED is an effective procedure for treatment of GERD. However, nutritional and metabolic complications including dumping syndrome and chronic digestive malabsorption are frequent after TED, especially after enteral nutrition weaning. A long-term follow-up of these patients is thus necessary and prolonged enteral nutrition support is recommended.

Position paper on laparoscopic antireflux operations in infants and children for gastroesophageal reflux disease. American Pediatric Surgery Association

The use of the laparoscopic approach to perform antireflux procedures has increased dramatically since its introduction in 1991. To date, no prospective randomized studies comparing open surgery to the minimal invasive approach in children have been reported. Many retrospective reviews and case series have demonstrated that laparoscopic antireflux procedures are safe and effective once the learning curve is achieved. This position paper is coauthored by the New Technology Committee of the American Pediatric Surgery Association. The goal is to discuss the ongoing controversies and summarize the available evidence to identify the risks and benefits of laparoscopic antireflux procedures.

Gastroesophageal reflux in infants and children

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common esophageal disorder and the most frequent reason why infants are referred to the pediatric gastroenterologist, affecting as much as 30% of the pediatric population. Presenting features of GERD in infants and children are quite variable and follow patterns of gastrointestinal and extra-esophageal manifestations that vary between individual patients and may change according to age. Patients may be minimally symptomatic, or may exhibit severe esophagitis, bleeding, nutritional failure, or severe respiratory problems. GERD is also complex for the diagnostic techniques required to assess its repercussions or explain its origin. Although different abnormalities in motility variables, such as lower eso-phageal sphincter (LES) function, esophageal peristalsis and gastric motor activity can contribute to the development of GERD, the degree of esophageal acid exposure represents the key factor in its pathogenesis. Esophageal pH monitoring, based on both the detection of acid reflux episodes and the measurement of their frequency and duration, has been regarded as the most sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for diagnosing reflux disease. The aim of this paper is to give a concise review for the clinicians encountering this specific disease in infants and children.

Medium-term outcome of endoluminal gastroplication with the EndoCinch device in children

OBJECTIVE

Endoluminal gastroplication (EG) is emerging as a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study is to evaluate the medium-term outcomes after EG in a pediatric patient population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventeen children with a median age of 12.4 years (range 6.1-15.9 years) with GERD underwent EG using a flexible endoscopic sewing device (EndoCinch) over a period of 3 years. Three plications were placed in the gastric tissue below the lower esophageal sphincter. Drug dose requirement, pH measurements, symptom severity and frequency, and validated Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) scores were compared before EG and 1 and 3 years after EG. Statistical analysis was performed using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test and P < 0.05 was the threshold for significance.

RESULTS

All patients showed an immediate posttreatment improvement in symptom severity, symptom frequency, and quality of life scores. Completed 1- and 3-year data were obtained from 16 patients. Four cases (25%) required a repeat procedure as a result of recurrence of symptoms after 2 to 24 months. Fourteen patients (88%) at 1 year and 9 patients (56%) at 3 years remained without a need for any antireflux medication. A sustained improvement in heartburn (P = 0.004), regurgitation (P = 0.017), and vomiting (P = 0.018) was seen at 3 years. The total QOLRAD score (maximum of 175) improved from a median of 87 (range 69-142) to 156 (range 111-175) at 1 year (P < 0.0001) and 153.5 (range 55-174) at 3 years (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

EG is an effective and safe procedure in children. It is a viable option for the treatment of GERD refractory to or dependent on antireflux medications.

Risk factors for recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease after fundoplication in pediatric patients: a case-control study

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease (rGERD) is a common problem after fundoplication. Previous studies attempting to identify risk factors for rGERD have failed to control for confounding variables. The purpose of this study was to identify significant risk factors for rGERD after controlling for potential confounding variables.

METHODS

A retrospective, matched case-control study was conducted at a tertiary children's hospital. Cases (n = 116) met 1 of these criteria: reoperation for rGERD, symptomatic rGERD (confirmed by upper gastrointestinal series, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or pH monitoring), or postoperative reinstitution of antireflux medication for more than 8 weeks. Controls (n = 209) were matched for surgeon, approach (laparoscopic/open), technique (partial/complete), and approximate operative date. Univariate and multivariable associations were analyzed by conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

Significant risk factors for rGERD were age of less than 6 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-7.5), preoperative hiatal hernia (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.4-7.3), postoperative retching (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 2.6-10.0), and postoperative esophageal dilatation (OR, 10.8; 95% CI, 1.8-65.4). Interestingly, significant association was not found between neurologic impairment and rGERD after controlling for potential confounding variables.

CONCLUSION

Age of less than 6 years, preoperative hiatal hernia, postoperative retching, and postoperative esophageal dilatation are independently associated with increased risk of rGERD. Neurologic impairment alone does not increase the risk of developing rGERD.

Long-term results of boerema anterior gastropexy in children

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the long-term results of Boerema anterior gastropexy using the Visick grading system in a university teaching hospital.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 247 children with severe or complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients who underwent primary gastropexy between 1990 and 2001 were divided in 3 groups: (A) neurologic impaired patients (n = 83); (B) esophageal atresia patients (n = 36); and (C) patients without underlying disease (n = 128). The median length of follow-up after gastropexy was 7 years and 8 months (range, 1.5-13 years). Follow-up was carried out using a standardized questionnaire and was obtained by telephone. Postoperative recurrence of symptoms during follow-up was considered as failure of the operation.

RESULTS

Postoperative complications occurred in 20 patients (24%) in group A, in 13 patients (36%) in group B and in 23 patients (18%) in group C. Thirty-three patients died during the follow-up period, 5 of whom during the postoperative period. Six children could not be traced; thus, 208 were available for long-term follow-up. Postoperative failures occurred in 12 patients (23%) in group A, in 11 patients (31%) in group B and in 17 patients in group C (14%). Reoperation for recurrence of symptoms due to GERD was performed in 6 patients in group A, in 7 patients in group B and in 2 patients in group C. The final outcome at the time of interview was successful in 81% of group A, in 88% of group B and in 91% of group C.

CONCLUSIONS

In the long term, Boerema anterior gastropexy is an effective operation for complicated GERD in children without underlying disease as well as in neurologically impaired children and patients with esophageal atresia.

Long-term outcome of laparoscopic Nissen, Toupet, and Thal antireflux procedures for neurologically normal children with gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Nissen fundoplication is the most popular laparoscopic operation for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Partial fundoplications seem to be associated with a lower incidence of postoperative dysphagia, and thus a better quality of life for patients. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcome in neurologically normal children who underwent laparoscopic Nissen, Toupet, or Thal procedures in three European centers with a large experience in laparoscopic antireflux procedures.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed the data of 300 consecutive patients with GERD who underwent laparoscopic surgery. The first 100 cases were recorded for each team, with the first team using the Toupet, the second team using the Thal, and the third team using the Nissen procedure. The only exclusion criteria for this study was neurologic impairment. For this reason, 66 neurologically impaired children (52 Thal, 10 Nissen, 4 Toupet) were excluded from the study. This evaluation focuses on the data for the remaining 238 neurologically normal children. The patients varied in age from 5 months to 16 years (median, 58 months). The median weight was 20 kg. All the children underwent a complete preoperative workup, and all had well-documented GERD. The position of the trocars and the dissection phase were similar in all the procedures, as was the posterior approximation of the crura. The short gastric vessels were divided in only six patients (2.5%). The only difference in the surgical procedures was the type of antireflux valve created.

RESULTS

The median duration of surgery was 70 min. There was no mortality and no conversion in this series. A total of 12 (5%) intraoperative complications (5 Nissen, 5 Toupet, 2 Thal) and 13 (5.4%) postoperative complications (3 Toupet, 4 Nissen, 6 Thal) were recorded. Only six (2.5%) redo procedures (2 Thal, 2 Toupet, 2 Nissen) were performed. After a minimum follow-up period of 5 years, all the children were free of symptoms except nine (3.7%), who sometimes still require medication. The incidence of complications and redo surgery for the three procedures analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test are not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

For pediatric patients with GERD, laparoscopic Nissen, Toupet, and Thal antireflux procedures yielded satisfactory results, and none of the approaches led to increased dysphagia. The 5% rate for intraoperative complications seems linked to the learning curve period. The authors consider the three procedures as extremely effective for the treatment of children with GERD, and they believe that the choice of one procedure over the other depends only on the surgeon's experience. Parental satisfaction with laparoscopic treatment was very high in all the three series.

Gastrointestinal complications of fundoplication

In children with medically refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), fundoplication is effective and safe. However, in a subset of patients, gastrointestinal dysfunction occurs postoperatively. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent dysphagia in 5%, gas bloat in 2% to 4%, diarrhea in up to 20%, and dumping syndrome in up to 30%. Symptoms are often nonspecific, arising from recurrent or persistent GERD, anatomic complications such as disrupted or herniated wrap, functional disturbances such as rapid gastric emptying or altered gastric accommodation, or alternative diagnoses such as cyclic vomiting syndrome or food allergy. Detailed investigation, including various combinations of pHmetry, videofluoroscopy, endoscopy, motility studies, and dumping provocation testing, may be required to clarify pathophysiology and guide management.

The first decade's experience with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in infants and children

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common procedure performed in infants and children. This report describes over a 10-year experience with more than 1000 consecutive laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications.

METHODS

Ages ranged from 5 days to 18 years and weight from 1.2 to 120 kg. The procedures were performed using a 5 trocar technique and with 5- or 3-mm instruments depending on the size of the patient. Of 1050 fundoplications, 1048 were completed successfully through laparoscopy.

RESULTS

Average operative time dropped dramatically from 109 minutes for the first 30 cases compared with 38 minutes for the last 30. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were 0.26% and 4.0%, respectively. Average time to discharge post fundoplication was 1.1 days. The wrap failure rate is 4.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows in a large operative experience for 10 years that laparoscopic fundoplication is safe and effective in the pediatric population. Clinical results are comparable to the traditional open fundoplication but with a significant decrease in morbidity and hospitalization.

Can laparoscopic antireflux surgery improve the quality of life in children with neurologic and neuromuscular handicaps?

PURPOSE

Children with neurologic and neuromuscular handicaps frequently have various symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease. The long-term efficacy of antireflux surgery remains controversial in such children with GER. The clinical results of such patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication were examined in the current study.

METHODS

Between 1997 and 2003, laparoscopic fundoplication was performed in 56 handicapped children (mean age, 6 years), and gastrostomy was performed concurrently in 52. The main symptoms were emesis/hematemesis in 40 and respiratory symptoms, including repeated respiratory infection and distress, in 31.

RESULTS

There were no severe postoperative complications or operative mortality. Emesis/hematemesis was controlled adequately in those without recurrence. Respiratory symptoms were controlled unsuccessfully in 16 patients (52%), 8 of whom required further respiratory care including nasal airway tube, tracheostomy, and laryngotracheal separation. Recurrence of GER disease occurred in 10 patients, 7 of whom underwent a second Nissen fundoplication successfully. Thirteen died within the median follow-up period of 14 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic fundoplication is effective in controlling emesis/hematemesis, but its efficacy is limited in terms of respiratory problems in handicapped children. Further refinements in diagnostic and treatment strategies are mandatory to improve the quality of life in such patients.

Obesity does not adversely affect the outcome of laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS)

BACKGROUND

Because it has been suggested that obesity adversely affects the outcome of LARS, it is unclear how surgeons should counsel obese patients referred for antireflux surgery.

METHODS

A prospective database of patients undergoing LARS from 1992 to 2001 was used to compare obese and nonobese patients. Patients were surveyed preoperatively and annually thereafter. Questionnaires were completed regarding global symptoms and overall satisfaction.

RESULTS

Of the 505 patients, the body mass index (BMI) was <25 (normal) in 16%, 25-29 (overweight) in 42%, and >30 (obese) in 42%. Although the operative time was longer in the obese group than in the normal weight group (137 +/- 55 min vs 115 +/- 42 min, p = 0.003), the time to discharge and rate of complications did not differ. At a mean follow-up of 35 +/- 25 months, there were no differences in symptoms, overall improvement, or patient satisfaction. Further, the rates of anatomic failure were similar among the obese, overweight, and normal weight groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the operative time is longer in the obese, complication and anatomic failure rates are similar to those in the nonobese at long-term follow-up. Obese patients have equivalent symptom relief and are equally satisfied postoperatively. Therefore, obesity should not be a contraindication to LARS.