Factors predicting failure of redo Nissen fundoplication in children

Pediatric nutritional surgery and its implications: results from a unicentric retrospective analysis

PURPOSE

Existing guidelines provide weak recommendations on the surgical management of nutritional problems in children. The objective was to design a management pathway to address the best nutritional surgery (NS) procedure in a given patient.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of children treated at our department from January 2015 to December 2019. The sample was divided into two groups according to presence or absence of neurological impairment (NI). Patients with NI (Group 1) were classified in three subgroups based on presenting symptoms: A-Dysphagia without gastroesophageal reflux (GER); B-GER with or without dysphagia; C-Symptoms associated with a delayed gastric emptying.

RESULTS

A total of 154 patients were included, 111 with NI. One-hundred-twenty-eight patients underwent only one procedure. Complications and mortality were superior in Group 1. In subgroup A, isolated gastrostomy was the first NS in all patients. In subgroup B most of patients were subjected to a Nissen fundoplication, while in 5 cases total esophagogastric dissociation (TEGD) was the first intervention. Considering the entire sample, 92.3% patients who underwent a TEGD did not require further procedures.

CONCLUSION

NS encompasses various procedures depending on presenting symptoms and neurological status. A management flowchart for these patients is proposed.

Outcome a decade after laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication in children: results from a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing long-term outcome after laparoscopic (LF) and open fundoplication (OF) in children are lacking. Here we report recurrence rates and time to recurrence, frequency of re-interventions, use of antisecretory drugs, gastrointestinal symptoms, and patient/parental satisfaction a decade after children were randomized to LF or OF.

METHODS

Cross-sectional long-term follow-up study of a two-center RCT that included patients during 2003-2009. Patients/parents were interviewed and medical charts reviewed for any events that might be related to the fundoplication. If suspicion of recurrence, further diagnostics were performed. Informed consent and ethical approval were obtained.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov: NCT01551134.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight children, 56 (64%) boys, were randomized (LF 44, OF 44) at median 4.4 [interquartile range (IQR) 2.0-8.9] years. 46 (52%) had neurological impairment. Three were lost to follow-up before first scheduled control. Recurrence was significantly more frequent after LF (24/43, 56%) than after OF (13/42, 31%, p = 0.004). Median time to recurrence was 1.0 [IQR 0.3-2.2] and 5.1 [IQR 1.5-9.3] years after LF and OF, respectively. Eight (19%) underwent redo fundoplication after LF and three (7%) after OF (p = 0.094). Seventy patients/parents were interviewed median 11.9 [IQR 9.9-12.8] years postoperatively. Among these, use of anti-secretory drugs was significantly decreased from preoperatively after both LF (94% vs. 35%, p < 0.001) and OF (97% vs. 19%, p < 0.001). Regurgitation/vomiting were observed in 6% after LF and 3% after OF (p = 0.609), and heartburn in 14% after LF and 17% after OF (p = 1.000). Overall opinion of the surgical scars was good in both groups (LF: 95%, OF: 86%, p = 0.610). Patient/parental satisfaction with outcome was high, independent of surgical approach (LF: 81%, OF: 88%, p = 0.500).

CONCLUSIONS

The recurrence rate was higher and recurrence occurred earlier after LF than after OF. Patient/parental satisfaction with outcome after both LF and OF was equally high.

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).

Total Esophagogastric and Cologastric Dissociation in Neurologically Normal Children: Systematic Review

Total esophagogastric dissociation (TEGD) was first described by Bianchi as a definitive procedure for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in neurologically impaired children. In the last 20 years, different centers extended the indication to neurologically normal (NN) patients with GERD associated with congenital or acquired esophageal anomalies. The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of TEGD in this cluster of patients. A PubMed and Google Scholar search was conducted. All cases of NN children who underwent TEGD for GERD were collected. Patient characteristics and outcomes were analyzed. Complications were classified according to Clavien–Dindo classification. Forty-eight children were identified. In 56.25%, TEGD was the first anti-reflux procedure, while in 43.75% it was performed after failed fundoplications. Mean follow-up was 5.5 years. Mortality related to surgery was 2.08%. All of the survivors improved their condition, with resolution of GERD and weight gain. In addition, 50% of children weaned off enteral nutrition, with 14.6% having their gastrostomy removed, while 41.67% maintained partial enteral supplementation. Respiratory symptoms almost disappeared in 54.17% of patients. This review suggests that TEGD can also be considered for NN children where conventional methods seem insufficient to control reflux and preserve pulmonary function. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up is still required.

Long-term outcomes following failure of Nissen fundoplication

PURPOSE

To determine the management and outcomes of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) that requires further intervention following failure of Nissen fundoplication (NF).

METHODS

After institutional audit department approval, a retrospective review of paediatric patients who had further intervention following failure of primary NF between January 2006 and December 2015 for GOR at our centre was performed. Data are presented as median (range).

RESULTS

Of 820 patients who underwent NF, 190 (23%) received further procedures for GOR management at a median of 21 months of age (6-186); 90/190 (47%) had gastro-jejunal feeding (GJ). Of these, 67 (74%) remained on GJ feeds up to a median of 48 months and 23/90 (26%) had a second NF after GJ feeding. 97/190 (51%) had a redo fundoplication without having had a GJ; thus, 120/190 (63%) of patients having a further procedure went on to have a second NF after a median period of 15 months (1-70 months). Three patients (2%) had early emergency wrap revision 4 days after first fundoplication (we classed this as an 'early complication'). Of the seven patients who failed a 3rd NF, 4 continued GJ feeding, 2 of had oesophagogastric dissociation; 2 had 4th NF of which 1 was successful and 1 patient had gastric pacemaker and is successfully feeding orally. Patients who were finally successfully managed with GJ underwent 2 (2-5) tube changes/year. We found patients who had a previous GJ were more likely to have failure of the redo fundoplication than those who had not to have the GJ (16/24 vs. 30/90, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

The chance of success decreases with every further attempt at fundoplication. The only factor significantly associated with failure of redo fundoplication was whether the patient previously had a GJ tube. In patients with failed fundoplications, when symptom free on jejunal feedings, further anti-reflux surgical intervention should be avoided. A randomized prospective study is needed for patient selection.

Short and long-term outcomes after pediatric redo fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Redo fundoplication (RF) is the most common surgical treatment for recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children, but outcomes after RF are rarely reported. The aim of this study was to assess short- and long-term outcomes after RF in childhood.

METHODS

The study is a follow-up study of patients undergoing RF from 2002 to 2020 at a teriary care center. Patients/parents were sent questionnaires recording symptoms of recurrent GERD, troublesome side-effects and satisfaction. Retrospective chart review was also performed.

RESULTS

24/28 (86%) patients were included median 9 (1.6 months-17.7 years) years after RF. 16 (67%) had neurologic impairment. Indications for RF was recurrence of GERD (n = 18), discomfort or dysphagia from a herniated wrap (n = 5) and dysphagia from a slipped fundoplication (n = 1). Median operating time was 128 (95-250) min. Six (25%) patients experienced early major complications, of which two were gastrostomy related. Five (21%) patients experienced recurrence after RF. Three of these were symptom free at follow-up with medical treatment or re-RF. The most common symptom at follow-up was stomach pain (37%) and excessive flatulence (38%). 18/22 (95%) patients/parents would choose RF again, and 21/22 would recommend RF to someone in a similar situation.

CONCLUSIONS

RF is successful in treating recurrent GERD after primary fundoplication, and patient/parental satisfaction is high.

Postfundoplication retching: Strategies for management

BACKGROUND

Retching is a common symptom in children following antireflux surgery, particularly in those with neurodisability. There is now a strong body of evidence that implicates retching as a major cause of wrap breakdown. Retching is not a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease; it is a component of the emetic reflex. In addition to causing wrap breakdown, it is indicative of the presence of nausea. It is a highly aversive experience and warrants treatment in its own right.

METHODS

A framework was constructed for the management of postoperative retching, with strategies targeting different components of the emetic reflex. The impact of differing antireflux procedures upon retching was also considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Once treatable underlying causes have been excluded, the approach includes modifications to feeds and feeding regimens, antiemetics and motility agents. Neuromodulation and other, novel, therapies may prove beneficial in future. Children at risk of postoperative retching may be identified before any antireflux surgery is performed. Fundoplication is inappropriate in these children because it does not treat their symptoms, which are not because of gastroesophageal reflux, and may make them worse. They are also at risk of wrap disruption. Alternative strategies for symptom management should be employed, and fundoplication should be avoided.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II-V.

Total esophagogastric dissociation (TEGD): Lessons from two decades of experience

BACKGROUND

Total esophagogastric dissociation (TEGD) has been performed in our institution since 1994, predating its published description by Bianchi in 1997. Originally it was considered a rescue procedure when conventional antireflux surgery failed. Recently TEGD has been considered a viable primary option for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in severely neurological impaired (NI) patients. We describe our institution's experience of TEGD in this selected cohort of patients.

METHODS

An institutional retrospective review was performed detailing our total experience of open TEGD between 1994 and 2015 in severely neurologically impaired (NI) patients. Demographic, complications, and outcome were analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixty-six NI patients underwent TEGD between 1994 and 2015 (39 female). Primary TEGD was performed in forty-nine patients (74.2%), while the remainder were rescue procedures following the failure of previous antireflux surgery. In 98% of cases no recurrence of clinically significant reflux was reported. The mean hospital length of stay was 10.2 days. There were sixteen reported complications in twelve patients representing 18.2% of the cohort. One death was attributable to the procedure (1.5%). Median follow-up was 31.6 months (range, 1.3-137.9 months).

CONCLUSION

TEGD appears to be a valid surgical option to treat severe GERD in severely neurologically impaired children, both as a primary procedure and as a rescue procedure following failure of anti-reflux surgery. Further studies comparing TEGD versus laparoscopic fundoplication are desirable to understand which of these procedures can be the most effective in this compromised group of patients.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective study Level of evidence: IV.

A Comparison of Laparoscopic Redo Fundoplications for Failed Toupet and Nissen Fundoplications in Children

Purpose:

We compared laparoscopic redo fundoplications performed for failed laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) and failed laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications (LNFs).

Methods:

Redo LTF (R-LTF; n = 4) and redo LNF (R-LNF; n = 6) performed between 2007 and 2014 were assessed retrospectively for severity of intraperitoneal adhesions on a scale of 0–3, identification/preservation of the anterior/posterior/hepatic branches of the vagus nerve (VN), complications, and outcome.

Results:

Redos were performed after a mean of 34 months in R-LTF and 32 months in R-LNF (P = ns) indicated for sliding hernia (n = 3; 2 with partial wrap dehiscence) and partial wrap dehiscence (n = 1) in R-LTF and sliding hernia (n = 6; 4 with partial wrap dehiscence) in R-LNF. The mean adhesion severity score was 1.5 in R-LTF and 2.5 in R-LNF (P < 0.05). The mean number of VN branches identified/preserved was 2.0 in R-LTF and 0.8 in R-LNF (P < 0.05). Mean operative times and mean blood loss were similar. Intraoperative complications were accidental local trauma (n = 1 in R-LTF and n = 3 in R-LNF, one requiring conversion to open repair) (P = ns). Gastric outlet obstruction developed in two R-LNF cases; both were managed conservatively. There have been no further recurrences to date.

Conclusion:

Although our series is small, adhesions were less, and identification/preservation of VN was easier during R-LTF.

Gastroesophageal reflux in children with neurological impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Neurologically impaired children (NIC) suffer severe gastroesophageal reflux (GER) with poor fundoplication outcome. Aims of the study were: (1) to determine the recurrence of GER after fundoplication in NIC; (2) to compare fundoplication versus gastro-jejunal tube feeding insertion (GJ) and fundoplication versus total esophagogastric dissociation (TEGD) in primarily treating GER in NIC. Using defined search strategy, two investigators identified all comparative studies reporting the mentioned procedures to primarily treat GER in NIC. The study was conducted under PRISMA guidelines. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. Data are mean ± SD. Of 3840 titles/abstracts screened, 14 studies on fundoplication (2716 pts.) reported a recurrence/persistence of GER higher in NIC (14.2 ± 8.3%) than in neurologically normal (9.4 ± 5.2%; p = 0.0001), with an increased incidence of re-do fundoplication (12.6 ± 7.0% versus 9.1 ± 4.5%; p < 0.01). Three studies revealed a similar risk of undergoing subsequent fundoplication after GJ (4.9 ± 2.1%) or initial fundoplication (12.0 ± 0.6%; p = ns). Four studies showed a lower recurrence of GER following TEGD (1.4 ± 1.1%) than fundoplication (24.8 ± 1.4%; p = 0.002). NIC are at risk of recurrence/persistence of GER after fundoplication or GJ. TEGD seems more effective to primarily treat GER in NIC. Prospective randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish which is the ideal treatment of GER in NIC.

Impact of Esophageal Atresia on the Success of Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux

OBJECTIVES

Fundoplication is commonly performed in patients with a history of esophageal atresia (EA), however, the success of this surgery is reduced, as reflected by an increased rate of redo fundoplication. We aimed to determine whether EA impacts the prevalence of fundoplication, its timing, and performance of a redo operation.

STUDY DESIGN

A single-center, retrospective review of all patients undergoing fundoplication over a 20-year period (1994-2013) was performed. Redo fundoplication was used as a surrogate for surgical failure.

RESULTS

A total of 767 patients (patients with EA 85, those who did not have EA 682) underwent fundoplication during the study period. Median age (months) at primary fundoplication was lower in patients with EA (7.2 vs those who did not have EA 23.3; P < .001). Redo fundoplication rates between groups were not significantly different (EA 11/85 vs 53/682; P = .14). Median time (months) between primary and redo fundoplication was greater in patients with EA (36.2 vs 11.7; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to popular belief, the incidence of redo fundoplication was not significantly increased in patients with a history of EA. However, patients with EA underwent fundoplication at younger ages, which may be related to early life-threatening events in these patients. These results inform perioperative counseling, and highlight the importance of sustained surgical follow-up in patients with EA.

Indications for total esophagogastric dissociation in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Total esophagogastric dissociation (TED) is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux (GER) after failed fundoplication in neurologically impaired patients. It is now performed for some otherwise healthy patients with severe GER. In this procedure, the gastrointestinal tract is reconstructed in a non-physiological way with a Roux-en-Y esophagojejunal anastomosis and jejuno-jejunostomy. Although TED eliminates almost all GER, some patients experience late complications. In this review, we investigated the long-term outcomes after TED to determine the best indications. In total, 147 neurologically impaired patients and 28 neurologically normal patients were identified. The total rate of complications requiring re-operation was 17.2% in neurologically impaired patients and 32.1% in normal patients, both higher than the rates associated with fundoplication. Although most authors added pyloroplasty when there was a concern of gastric emptying, this sometimes caused bile reflux. Nutritional and metabolic complications, including dumping syndrome and chronic digestive malabsorption, were also reported to occur after TED. TED is an option for the treatment of neurologically impaired patients with recurrent GER after fundoplication or who are at a high risk of recurrence of GER with fundoplication. However, neurologically normal patients who have the ability to obtain nutrition orally should consider options other than TED, as postoperative complications are frequent.

Total esophagogastric dissociation: single center experience

AIM

Fundoplication fails in approximately 20% of children with severe neurodisability. We aimed to evaluate total esophagogastric dissociation (TOGD) as a primary procedure and as a ‘rescue’ procedure for severely neurologically impaired children with significant swallowing discoordination and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

METHODS

Casenotes of 40 children with severe neurodisability who underwent TOGD between 2005 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 33 were primary procedures and 7 were ‘rescue’ procedures following failed fundoplication.

RESULTS

Median age at surgery was 3 years 7 months (range 1 month to 13 years 11 months). Preoperatively, all children had symptoms of regurgitation, retching or vomiting and 70% of children had an unsafe swallow. There were 5 early complications related to surgery in 4 children requiring surgical intervention. One child died following relaparotomy for esophagojejunal anastomotic breakdown because of multiorgan failure. Gastrostomy feeding was established by a median of 6 days (range 2 to 25 days) and median hospital stay was 10 days (range 4 to 280 days). There were 5 late complications. Median follow-up was 13 months (range 1 month to 8 years 4 months). All children have had resolution of gastroesophageal reflux. Thirteen percent of children experience bloating or pain on feeding and 26% of children experience retching unrelated to gastroesophageal reflux. There were 8 late deaths unrelated to surgery.

CONCLUSION

TOGD should be considered as a primary and definitive procedure in selected severely neurodisabled children who are at higher risk of failure of fundoplication, recurrent aspiration and a reduced quality of life.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in children

Despite the frequency with which antireflux procedures are performed, decisions about gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment remain challenging. Several factors contribute to the difficulties in managing gastroesophageal reflux. First, the distinction between physiologic and pathologic gastroesophageal reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD) is not always clear. Second, measures of the extent of gastroesophageal reflux often poorly correlate to symptoms or other complications attributed to reflux in infants and children. A third challenge is that the outcome of antireflux procedures, predominately fundoplications, are relatively poorly characterized. All of these factors contribute to difficulty in knowing when to recommend antireflux surgery. One of the manifestations of the uncertainties surrounding GERD is the high degree of variability in the utilization of pediatric antireflux procedures throughout the United States. Pediatric surgeons are frequently consulted for GERD and fundoplication, uncertainties notwithstanding. Although retrospective series and anecdotal observations support fundoplication in some patients, there are many important questions for which sufficient high-quality data to provide a clear answer is lacking. In spite of this, surgeons need to provide guidance to patients and families while awaiting the development of improved evidence to aid in these recommendations. The purpose of this article is to define what is known and what is uncertain, with an emphasis on the most recent evidence.

Pediatric surgery - a changing field: national trends in pediatric surgical practice

BACKGROUND

Over the last decade, our institution has experienced a relative increase in the number of mundane cases, such as appendectomy and incision and drainage of abscess, versus index (complex) cases. We sought to determine if this trend is present at the national level.

METHODS

A retrospective review of surgical case volume at 36 freestanding children's hospitals was performed between January 2004 and December 2013 using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database. Procedures were classified as "mundane" or "index", and 10 procedures of each type were selected for analysis. Results were reported as a percentage of total cases. Statistical analysis of linear trends was performed with the Mann-Kendall test.

RESULTS

Overall, index procedures had a significant downward trend (p<0.01), whereas mundane procedures had a significant upward trend (p<0.01). Individually, 5 mundane procedures had significant upward trends, and 3 had downward trends. Five index procedures had significant downward trends, and none had an upward trend.

CONCLUSION

The field of pediatric surgery is undergoing change with mundane procedures constituting an increasing proportion of the surgical caseload, while complex procedures are proportionately decreasing. These trends may be useful to inform decisions regarding future pediatric surgery workforce planning.

Long-term outcome and need of re-operation in gastro-esophageal reflux surgery in children

BACKGROUND

Fundoplication is considered a mainstay in the treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux. However, the literature reports significant recurrences and limited data on long-term outcome.

AIMS

To evaluate our long-term outcomes of antireflux surgery in children and to assess the results of redo surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent Nissen fundoplication in 8 consecutive years. Reiterative surgery was indicated only in case of symptoms and anatomical alterations. A follow-up study was carried out to analyzed outcome and patients' Visick score assessed parents' perspective.

RESULTS

Overall 162 children were included for 179 procedures in total. Median age at first intervention was 43 months. Comorbidities were 119 (73 %), particularly neurological impairments (73 %). Redo surgery is equal to 14 % (25/179). Comorbidities were risk factors to Nissen failure (p = 0.04), especially children suffering neurological impairment with seizures (p = 0.034). Follow-up datasets were obtained for 111/162 = 69 % (median time: 51 months). Parents' perspectives were excellent or good in 85 %.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant positive impact of redo Nissen intervention on the patient's outcome was highlighted; antireflux surgery is useful and advantageous in children and their caregivers. Children with neurological impairment affected by seizures represent significant risk factors.

The "omega" jejunostomy tube: A preferred alternative for postpyloric feeding access

AIM

We present our technique for construction of the "Omega Jejunostomy" (OJ), a novel method of postpyloric feeding using a pouched-jejunal loop capable of accommodating a balloon gastrostomy button. We describe potential indications for the procedure and outcomes in a complex patient population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed records of patients who underwent an OJ at our institution between 2005 and 2014. Primary outcomes include operating time, length of hospital stay, time to feeding goals, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

We identified 12 children (6 males) with multiple comorbidities who underwent OJ procedures. The median age at surgery was 11years (range 3months-23years). Eleven patients had failed previous alternative feeding access or antireflux procedures. All patients eventually reached their feeding goals. Eight were at goal feeds in <10days. Two achieved goal feeds <1month, one <4months, and one within 7months. There was one OJ failure because of fistula formation requiring surgical revision, and one child was treated successfully but died of unrelated causes. Four children eventually transitioned to PO or G-tube feeds, and six were tolerating feeds via OJ at last follow-up (8-74months).

CONCLUSIONS

OJ provides a durable alternative to gastrojejunostomy tube for patients who are poor candidates for or have failed Nissen fundoplication. It is technically easier to perform than a gastroesophageal disconnect procedure, has minimal surgical comorbidities, and can provide durable feeding access and achievement of goal feeds in a complex and refractory patient subset.

Evaluation of laparoscopic management of recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia: long term results and evaluation of changing trends

INTRODUCTION

Recurrent gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) following fundoplication remains a common problem. This study evaluates a long-term experience with laparoscopic management of these cases.

METHODS

From January 1994 to December 2012, 252 patients with recurrent GERD underwent a laparoscopic redo Nissen (LRN) fundoplication with average age of 6.8years. Eighty-four had previous open fundoplications and 144 previous LNRs. Thirty-two had more than one previous fundoplication.

RESULTS

All procedures were completed laparoscopically. The average operative time was 82min. The intra-operative complication rate was 5.1%, the most common being a gastrostomy during the mobilization. The average time to full feeds was 1.4days, and the average hospital stay was 1.6days. The post-operative complication rate was 3.6%. The wrap failure rate was 6.2%. The most common cause of wrap failure was H/H, with increasing incidence of slipped wrap during the second half. The highest recurrence rate was in patients receiving their LNR before 4months of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Redo Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is safe and effective, with the same benefits as a primary laparoscopic Nissen, with low morbidity and quick recovery. A change in the etiology of recurrence suggests that there is a failure to adequately identify and mobilize the GE junction in laparoscopic cases.

Two decades of experience with laparoscopic nissen fundoplication in infants and children: a critical evaluation of indications, technique, and results

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease has become a common procedure performed in infants and children over the last 20 years. This report describes a 20-year experience with nearly 2000 consecutive laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

With Institutional Review Board approval, the data of all patients undergoing fundoplication from 1992 to 2011 were reviewed. Data were kept prospectively from the time of first encounter with each patient. Ages ranged from 5 days to 18 years, and weight ranged from 1.2 to 120 kg. The 2008 fundoplications were performed by or under the direct supervision of a single surgeon. Patients were divided into groups based on age: <6 months, 6-12 months, 1-6 years, and >6 years. Data on indications, surgical demographics, postoperative course including any complications, and long-term follow-up were kept prospectively on each patient.

RESULTS

Average operative time dropped dramatically from 109 minutes for the first 30 cases compared with 35 minutes for the last 30. Of the 283 procedures that were redo fundoplications, 85 patients had had previous open surgery, and 198 cases had had previous laparoscopic surgery. Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were 0.13% and 4.0%, respectively, in the primary group but were 2.2% and 4.2%, respectively, in the redo group. Average time to discharge post-fundoplication for the primary group was 1.1 days. The overall wrap failure rate for primary fundoplications was 4.6% and was highest in the <6-month age group. The failure rate in the redo group was 6.8%. The most common causes of wrap failure were hiatal hernia (46%) and slipped Nissen (34%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows in a large operative experience over 20 years that laparoscopic fundoplication is safe and effective in the pediatric population. Technical considerations are paramount to improved outcomes, and key points include adequate creation of intraabdominal esophagus, limited hiatal dissection, creation of a tension-free and appropriate orientation, and positioning of the wrap. Clinical results are favorable to the traditional open fundoplication but with a significant decrease in morbidity and hospitalization. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication should be considered the gold standard for antireflux procedures.

A multicenter study of the incidence and factors associated with redo Nissen fundoplication in children

AIM

The objective of this study was to identify the incidence and factors associated with redo Nissen fundoplication in children.

METHODS

After Institutional Review Board approval (5100277), data for children under 18 years of age from two children's hospitals with fundoplication performed between January 1994 and December 2010 were reviewed. Children with one fundoplication were compared to those with redos to identify factors associated with redo. Variables were compared using t-tests for continuous and chi-square tests for categorical variables. Logistic regression evaluated for independence.

RESULTS

There were 823 patients and 54.7% were male. A redo fundoplication was required in 100 (12.2% of cohort); 82 had 1 redo, 14 had 2 redos, and 4 had 3 redos. Follow-up ranged from 0.01 to 16.9 years (median: 2.9 years). Factors associated with redo were: younger age at first fundoplication, (p=0.002), hiatal dissection (p<0.001), and male gender (p=0.008). Independent predictors of redo were: hiatal dissection at first fundoplication, OR: 8.45 (95% CI: 2.45-29.11), retching, OR: 3.59 (95% CI: 1.56-8.25) and younger age at first fundoplication, OR: 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97-0.98).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of redo fundoplication in children is 12.2%. The risk of redo is significantly increased if patients are younger, have retching, and if the esophageal hiatus is dissected at the first fundoplication.

Morbidity and mortality in total esophagogastric dissociation: a systematic review

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Total esophagogastric dissociation has been described as both a primary and a rescue procedure for patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux. Although most commonly used in the neurologically impaired, it has also been used in those with no neurological impairment. The main objective of this study was to determine morbidity and mortality for this procedure.

METHODS

All published cases of esophagogastric dissociation in children were identified. Series were updated where possible by personal communication with the author. Patient characteristics, indications, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-one cases were identified. One hundred seventeen were primary operations and 64 were rescue procedures. There were 29 (16.0%) early complications and 28 (15.5%) late complications with 6 (3.3%) deaths related to the procedure of a total of 35 deaths. Twenty-one patients (11.6%) required re-operation in the study periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Esophagogastric dissociation has an acceptable morbidity and mortality. It is useful as both a primary and a rescue procedure.

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.

Collis-Nissen fundoplication using a computer-powered right angle linear cutting stapler in children

We reviewed our clinical experience of using a computer-powered right angle linear cutter (CPRALC) for Collis-Nissen fundoplication (CNF) in three children with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or failed Nissen associated with short esophagus. Case 1 was a 13-month-old female with persistent GER after type-C esophageal atresia repair. Case 2 was a 2-year-old female with dysphagia secondary to fundic wrap migration after laparoscopic Nissen. Case 3 was a 3-year-old male with post type-C esophageal atresia repair, dysphagia secondary to fundic wrap migration after open Nissen. All had short esophagus confirmed pre- or intra-operatively. After the esophagus was mobilized, Collis vertical gastroplasty was performed using CPRALC parallel to the lesser curve to elongate the esophagus. Nissen fundoplication was performed loosely around the neo-esophagus. There were no intra- or post-operative complications, although case 3 still has mild dysphagia, requiring dilatation. This is the first report of CNF performed using CPRALC in children. It would appear to be safe and effective for treating children with GER or failed Nissen associated with short esophagus.

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.