Complete versus partial fundoplication in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease: results of a systematic review and meta-analysis

Fundoplication for Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes

Background This study aimed to evaluate the indications, techniques, and outcomes of fundoplication in pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at a tertiary hospital in Yemen. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted at Al-Thawra Modern General Hospital, Sana'a, Yemen, between January 2015 and January 2022. The study included 45 pediatric patients under 18 years of age who underwent fundoplication for GERD. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics, surgical type, postoperative complications, and follow-up outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results The median age of the 45 pediatric patients was two years (range: two months to 10 years), with 25 males (56%) and 20 females (44%). The primary indications for fundoplication included GERD with hiatal hernia in 20 patients (44.4%), persistent symptoms despite medical management in 9 patients (20%), recurrent chest infections associated with neurological disorders in 7 patients (15.6%), esophageal stricture in 8 patients (17.8%), and both hiatal hernia and esophageal stricture in 1 patient (2.2%). Nissen fundoplication was performed in 36 patients (80%), and Thal fundoplication was performed in 9 patients (20%). Complete symptom resolution was achieved in 31 patients (68.89%). Dysphagia due to postoperative esophageal stricture was the most common complication, affecting 13 patients (29%). A structured dilatation protocol resulted in improvement after one session in four patients (30.8%), regular sessions in six patients (46.2%), and irregular sessions in three patients (23.1%). The mortality rate was two patients (5.56%), both of whom had cerebral palsy and died due to recurrent chest infections unrelated to GERD recurrence or esophageal stricture. Conclusions Fundoplication is a safe and effective surgical treatment for pediatric GERD, with a high success rate and manageable complications. A structured postoperative dilatation protocol is essential for managing esophageal strictures and improving outcomes. Early diagnosis and intervention, alongside adherence to postoperative protocols, are crucial for optimal results. Further research with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up is recommended to confirm these findings and improve clinical practice.

10 Year Follow-Up of Randomized Trial of Laparoscopic Nissen Versus Thal Fundoplication in Children

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic complete (Nissen) fundoplication (LNF) with laparoscopic partial (Thal) fundoplication (LTF) in children. This is the only prospective, randomized study to follow patients up for more than 10 years. Interim results published in 2011 at median 2.5 year follow-up showed that LNF had a significantly lower failure rate compared with LTF. Materials and Methods: A randomized, controlled trial of LNF versus LTF in children (<16 years) was performed. The primary outcome measure was "absolute" failure of the fundoplication-recurrence of symptoms that merited either reoperation or insertion of transgastric jejunostomy (GJ). Secondary outcomes were "relative" failure (need for postop antireflux medication), complications (e.g., dysphagia), and death. Results: One hundred seventy-five patients were recruited; 89 underwent LNF, and 86 underwent LTF. Eight patients had no follow-up recorded. At long-term follow-up, 59 patients had died (35%); LNF 37/85 (43.5%) and LTF 22/82 (26.8%), P = .02. Median length of follow-up in survivors was 132 months. There was no statistically significant difference in "absolute" failure rate between LNF 8/85(9.4%) and LTF 15/82 (18%), P = .14. There was no difference in "relative" failure between LNF 7/85 (8.2%) and LTF 12/82 (14%), P = .23. Long-term dysphagia affected 5 out of 108 (4.6%) patients; 3/48 (6.2%) of LNF and 2/60 (3.3%) of LTF (P = .65). Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference in 'absolute' failure between LNF and LTF at long-term follow-up. Neurologically impaired children have a high mortality rate following fundoplication due to comorbidities. This trial commenced in 1998 and was approved by the Oxfordshire Research Ethics Committee (No. 04.OXA.18-1998).

Feeding and nutrition in children with medical complexity

Providing adequate and appropriate nutrition to children with medical complexity (CMC) is often a challenging task. These patients are a diverse group whose varying nutritional needs must be carefully assessed and monitored. Optimal feeding and nutrition strategies in CMC require an individual approach and may include oral, enteral (gastric or jejunal), or parenteral provision of nutrients. Complications of enteral feeding, including those associated with medical devices such as feeding tubes, are common, and provider familiarity with some of the more common complaints is helpful. We provide here a summary of different feeding approaches, with exploration of the rationale for each, as well as discussion of common complications and some practical troubleshooting tips.

Minimal esophagus dissection without approximating the hiatus in laparoscopic fundoplication in pediatric population

OBJECTIVE:

An important part of laparoscopic Nissen’s fundoplication (LNF) is a proper wrap, which may only be possible with proper dissection of esophagus and hiatus. However, too much dissection of esophagus and hiatus to gain sufficient length of esophagus increases morbidity. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of minimal esophagus dissection in LNF on recurrence and post-operative hiatal hernia.

METHODS:

The present study includes the children (0–18 years) who underwent LNF with minimal esophagus dissection and without hiatal closure between 2008 and 2016. The charts of the patients analyzed retrospectively and evaluated in terms of recurrence and post-operative hiatal hernia.

RESULTS:

There were 143 children. Mean age was 4.5±4.6 year (20 days–17 years). About 54% of the children (n=78) were neurologically impaired. There were two temporary intestinal obstructions which did not require surgery, one esophageal tightness which resolved with one dilatation session and one recurrence with hiatal hernia which required reoperation.

CONCLUSION:

Minimal esophagus dissection without hiatal closure in LNF avoids dysphagia with no increase in the rate of recurrence and complications.

Five-Year Outcome of Laparoscopic Fundoplication in Pediatric GERD Patients: a Multicenter, Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease in children. When drug treatment fails, laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS) is considered. Short-term follow-up studies report high success rates; however, few studies report long-term results. The aim of this study was to describe the long-term effects of LARS in pediatric patients.

METHODS

A prospective, multicenter study of 25 laparoscopic fundoplication patients was performed. At 3 months and 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively, patients and caregivers were asked to complete the gastroesophageal reflux symptom questionnaire to assess symptoms and the PedsQL™ to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

RESULTS

Reflux symptom severity was still significantly improved 5 years after LARS compared with preoperative levels (p < 0.0001). However, 26% of patients reported moderate or severe reflux symptoms. Dysphagia was reported in 13% of patients 5 years after LARS and was more common in children with neurologic impairment and children who underwent a Nissen procedure. The increase in HRQoL 3 months postoperatively appears to decline over time: 5 years after surgery, HRQoL was lower, though not significantly, than 3 months postoperatively. HRQoL at 5 years was still higher, though also not significantly, than preoperative levels. The presence of reflux symptoms after surgery was not significantly associated with lower HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

LARS is effective for therapy-resistant GERD in children. Five years after surgery, reflux symptoms are still improved. However, we observed a decline in symptom-free patients over time. The initial increase in HRQoL shortly after LARS appears to decline over time.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Dutch national trial registry Identifier: 2934 ( www.trialregister.nl ).

Two-Year Outcome after Laparoscopic Fundoplication in Pediatric Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Introduction: Many studies on short-term efficacy of laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) have shown good to excellent results on reflux symptom control and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Prospective studies on the long-term efficacy, however, are scarce and indicate that the efficacy of symptom control may decline over time. The aim of this study is to assess the 2-year outcome on reflux symptoms and HRQoL after LARS. Materials and Methods: Between 2011 and 2013, 25 children (12 males, median age 6 [2-18] years) with proton pump inhibitor-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease were included in a prospective longitudinal cohort study. To assess reflux symptoms and HRQoL, patients and/or their caregivers were asked to fill out the validated age-appropriate gastroesophageal reflux symptom questionnaire and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ before, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after LARS. Results: Two years after LARS, 29% of patients had moderate to severe reflux symptoms compared with 92% (P < .001) before operation and 12% 3-4 months after operation (P = .219). The significant increase in HRQoL shortly after fundoplication (80.0 compared with 69.5 (P = .004)) is not observed after 2 years (72.0 compared with 69.5, P = .312). Correlation between the impaired HRQoL scores and the recurrence of symptoms could not be verified. Conclusions: Although the efficacy of LARS tends to deteriorate after 2 years, LARS is still effective in controlling reflux symptoms in the majority of patients. The short-term improvement in HRQoL after LARS appears to be transient.

Surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this systematic review by the American Pediatric Surgical Association Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice Committee was to derive recommendations from the medical literature regarding the surgical treatment of pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

Five questions were addressed by searching the MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, Central, and National Guideline Clearinghouse databases using relevant search terms. Consensus recommendations were derived for each question based on the best available evidence.

RESULTS

There was insufficient evidence to formulate recommendations for all questions. Fundoplication does not affect the rate of hospitalization for aspiration pneumonia, apnea, or reflux-related symptoms. Fundoplication is effective in reducing all parameters of esophageal acid exposure without altering esophageal motility. Laparoscopic fundoplication may be comparable to open fundoplication with regard to short-term clinical outcomes. Partial fundoplication and complete fundoplication are comparable in effectiveness for subjective control of GERD. Fundoplication may benefit GERD patients with asthma, but may not improve outcomes in patients with neurologic impairment or esophageal atresia. Overall GERD recurrence rates are likely below 20%.

CONCLUSIONS

High-quality evidence is lacking regarding the surgical management of GERD in the pediatric population. Definitive conclusions regarding the effectiveness of fundoplication are limited by patient heterogeneity and lack of a standardized outcomes reporting framework.

TYPE OF STUDY

Systematic review of level 1-4 studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 1-4 (mainly level 3-4).

A systematic review of the quality of conduct and reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in paediatric surgery

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to evaluate quality of conduct and reporting of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses in paediatric surgery. We also aimed to identify characteristics predictive of review quality.

BACKGROUND

Systematic reviews summarise evidence by combining sources, but are potentially prone to bias. To counter this, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was published to aid in reporting. Similarly, the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) measurement tool was designed to appraise methodology. The paediatric surgical literature has seen an increasing number of reviews over the past decade, but quality has not been evaluated.

METHODS

Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review with a priori design to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses of interventions in paediatric surgery. From 01/2010 to 06/2016, we searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, Web of Science, Google Scholar, reference lists and journals. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data. We assessed conduct and reporting using AMSTAR and PRISMA. Scores were calculated as the sum of reported items. We also extracted author, journal and article characteristics, and used them in exploratory analysis to determine which variables predict quality.

RESULTS

112 articles fulfilled eligibility criteria (53 systematic reviews; 59 meta-analyses). Overall, 68% AMSTAR and 56.8% PRISMA items were reported adequately. Poorest scores were identified with regards a priori design, inclusion of structured summaries, including the grey literature, citing excluded articles and evaluating bias. 13 reviews were pre-registered and 6 in PRISMA-endorsing journals. The following predicted quality in univariate analysis:, word count, Cochrane review, journal h-index, impact factor, journal endorses PRISMA, PRISMA adherence suggested in author guidance, article mentions PRISMA, review includes comparison of interventions and review registration. The latter three variables were significant in multivariate regression.

CONCLUSIONS

There are gaps in the conduct and reporting of systematic reviews in paediatric surgery. More endorsement by journals of the PRISMA guideline may improve review quality, and the dissemination of reliable evidence to paediatric clinicians.

Esophageal mucosal integrity improves after laparoscopic antireflux surgery in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background

Esophageal intraluminal baseline impedance reflects the conductivity of the esophageal mucosa and may be an instrument for in vivo evaluation of mucosal integrity in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) is a well-established treatment option for children with proton pump inhibitory (PPI) therapy resistant GERD. The effect of LARS in children on baseline impedance has not been studied in detail. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of LARS on baseline impedance in children with GERD.

Methods

This is a prospective, multicenter, nationwide cohort study (Dutch national trial registry: NTR2934) including 25 patients [12 males, median age 6 (range 2–18) years] with PPI-resistant GERD scheduled to undergo LARS. Twenty-four hour multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring (MII-pH monitoring) was performed before and 3 months after LARS. Baseline impedance was evaluated during consecutive 2-h intervals in the 24-h tracings.

Results

LARS reduced acid exposure time from 8.5 % (6.0–16.2 %) to 0.8 % (0.2–2.8 %), p < 0.001. Distal baseline impedance increased after LARS from 2445 Ω (1147–3277 Ω) to 3792 Ω (3087–4700 Ω), p < 0.001. Preoperative baseline impedance strongly correlated with acid exposure time (r −0.76, p < 0.001); however, no association between symptomatic outcome and baseline impedance was identified.

Conclusions

LARS significantly increased baseline impedance likely reflecting recovery of mucosal integrity. As the change in baseline impedance was not associated with the clinical outcome of LARS, other factors besides mucosal integrity may contribute to symptom perception in children with GERD.

Effects and efficacy of laparoscopic fundoplication in children with GERD: a prospective, multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) in children primarily aims to decrease reflux events and reduce reflux symptoms in children with therapy-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim was to objectively assess the effect and efficacy of LARS in pediatric GERD patients and to identify parameters associated with failure of LARS.

METHODS

Twenty-five children with GERD [12 males, median age 6 (2-18) years] were included prospectively. Reflux-specific questionnaires, stationary manometry, 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring (MII-pH monitoring) and a ¹³C-labeled Na-octanoate breath test were used for clinical assessment before and 3 months after LARS.

RESULTS

After LARS, three of 25 patients had persisting/recurrent reflux symptoms (one also had persistent pathological acid exposure on MII-pH monitoring). New-onset dysphagia was present in three patients after LARS. Total acid exposure time (AET) (8.5-0.8 %; p < 0.0001) and total number of reflux episodes (p < 0.001) significantly decreased and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressure significantly increased (10-24 mmHg, p < 0.0001) after LARS. LES relaxation, peristaltic contractions and gastric emptying time did not change. The total number of reflux episodes on MII-pH monitoring before LARS was a significant predictor for the effect of the procedure on reflux reduction (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In children with therapy-resistant GERD, LARS significantly reduces reflux symptoms, total acid exposure time (AET) and number of acidic as well as weakly acidic reflux episodes. LES resting pressure increases after LARS, but esophageal function and gastric emptying are not affected. LARS showed better reflux reduction in children with a higher number of reflux episodes on preoperative MII-pH monitoring.

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.

Partial versus complete fundoplication for the correction of pediatric GERD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus as to what extent of "wrap" is required in a fundoplication for correction of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if a complete (360 degree) or partial fundoplication gives better control of GERD.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE and Scopus identified interventional and observational studies of fundoplication in children. Screening identified those comparing techniques. The primary outcome was recurrence of GERD following surgery. Dysphagia and complications were secondary outcomes of interest. Meta-analysis was performed when appropriate. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

RESULTS

2289 abstracts were screened, yielding 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 12 retrospective cohort studies. The RCTs were pooled. There was no difference in surgical success between partial and complete fundoplication, OR 1.33 [0.67,2.66]. In the 12 cohort studies, 3 (25%) used an objective assessment of the surgery, one of which showed improved outcomes with complete fundoplication. Twenty-five different complications were reported; common were dysphagia and gas-bloat syndrome. Overall study quality was poor.

CONCLUSIONS

The comparison of partial fundoplication with complete fundoplication warrants further study. The evidence does not demonstrate superiority of one technique. The lack of high quality RCTs and the methodological heterogeneity of observational studies limits a powerful meta-analysis.

EAES recommendations for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most frequent benign disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Management of GERD has always been controversial since modern medical therapy is very effective, but laparoscopic fundoplication is one of the few procedures that were quickly adapted to the minimal access technique. The purpose of this project was to analyze the current knowledge on GERD in regard to its pathophysiology, diagnostic assessment, medical therapy, and surgical therapy, and special circumstances such as GERD in children, Barrett's esophagus, and enteroesophageal and duodenogastroesophageal reflux.

METHODS

The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) has tasked a group of experts, based on their clinical and scientific expertise in the field of GERD, to establish current guidelines in a consensus development conference. The expert panel was constituted in May 2012 and met in September 2012 and January 2013, followed by a Delphi process. Critical appraisal of the literature was accomplished. All articles were reviewed and classified according to the hierarchy of level of evidence and summarized in statements and recommendations, which were presented to the scientific community during the EAES yearly conference in a plenary session in Vienna 2013. A second Delphi process followed discussion in the plenary session.

RESULTS

Recommendations for pathophysiologic and epidemiologic considerations, symptom evaluation, diagnostic workup, medical therapy, and surgical therapy are presented. Diagnostic evaluation and adequate selection of patients are the most important features for success of the current management of GERD. Laparoscopic fundoplication is the most important therapeutic technique for the success of surgical therapy of GERD.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the background of GERD is multifactorial, the management of this disease requires a complex approach in diagnostic workup as well as for medical and surgical treatment. Laparoscopic fundoplication in well-selected patients is a successful therapeutic option.