Fundoplication with gastrostomy vs gastrostomy alone: a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes and complications

The consensus of the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología on the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a frequent normal phenomenon in children of any age. It is more common in infants, in whom the majority of episodes are short-lived and cause no other symptoms or complications, differentiating it from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The diagnosis and management of GER and GERD continue to be a challenge for the physician. Therefore, the aim of the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología was to adapt international documents to facilitate their adoption by primary care physicians, with the goal of standardizing quality of care and reducing the number of diagnostic tests performed and inappropriate medication use. The ADAPTE methodology was followed, and the recommendations were approved utilizing the Delphi strategy. The executive committee carried out the review of the guidelines, position papers, and international reviews that met the a priori quality criteria and possible applicability in a local context. The recommendations were taken from those sources and adapted, after which they were approved by the working group. The consensus consists of 25 statements and their supporting information on the diagnosis and treatment of GER and GERD in infants. The adapted document is the first systematic effort to provide an adequate consensus for use in Mexico, proposing a practical approach to and management of GER and GERD for healthcare providers.

Feasibility of Laparoscopic Fundoplication Without Removing the Preceding Gastrostomy in Severely Neurologically Impaired Patients: A Multicenter Evaluation of the Traction Technique

Purpose: Severely neurologically impaired patients sometimes require anti-reflux surgery with preceding gastrostomy. We apply a traction technique for laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) without gastrostomy takedown (GTD) in such cases. We conducted a multicenter review to assess the feasibility of our approach. Materials and Methods: In brief, the traction technique involves left-lateral-traction of the stomach body, right-lateral-traction of the round ligament of the liver, and elevation of the left liver lobe to create a sufficient field for manipulating the forceps. Patients who underwent LF with Nissen's procedures in 2010-2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were analyzed by a one-way analysis of variance. Results: The operative approaches included the traction technique (n = 16; Group 1), GTD and reconstruction (n = 5; Group 2), and LF followed by gastrostomy (n = 92; Group 3). In comparison with Group 1, significant differences were only found in pneumoperitoneum time (Group 1 versus Group 2 versus Group 3: 174.4 minutes versus 250.4 minutes versus 179.5 minutes; P = .0179). Operating time (222.7 minutes versus 303.0 minutes versus 239.7 minutes; P = .0743), duration to full-strength enteral nutrition (10.4 days versus 17.2 days versus 11.0 days; P = .0806), and length of hospital stay (17.2 days versus 31.0 days versus 18.5 days; P = .3247) were equivalent. No re-fundoplication was required in Group 1. Conclusion: The traction technique secures the operative quality and outcome of LF without GTD.

Prophylactic antireflux procedures are not necessary in neurologically impaired children undergoing gastrostomy placement

PURPOSE

Fundoplication is frequently used in children with neurologic impairment even in the absence of reflux due to concerns for future gastric feeding intolerance, but supporting data are lacking. We aimed to determine the incidence of secondary antireflux procedures (fundoplication or gastrojejunostomy (GJ)) post gastrostomy tube (GT) placement in children with and without neurologic impairment.

METHODS

Children under 18 undergoing a GT placement without fundoplication between 2010 and 2020 were identified utilizing the PearlDiver Mariner national patient claims database. Children with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy or a degenerative neurologic disease were identified and compared to children without these diagnoses. The incidence of delayed fundoplication or conversion to GJ were compared utilizing Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 14,965 children underwent GT placement, of which 3712 (24.8%) had a diagnosis of neurologic impairment. The rate of concomitant fundoplication was significantly higher among children with a diagnosis of neurologic impairment as compared to those without (9.3% vs 6.4%, p < 0.001). While children with neurologic impairment had a significantly higher rate of fundoplication or GJ conversion at 5 years compared to children without (12.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 11.4%-13.8%] vs 8.6% [95% CI 8.0%-9.2%], p < 0.001), the overall incidence remained low.

CONCLUSION

Although children with neurologic impairment have a higher rate of requiring an antireflux procedure or GJ conversion than other children, the overall rate remains less than 15%. Fundoplication should not be utilized in children without clinical reflux on the basis of neurologic impairment alone.

The Community Cost of Maintaining Gastrostomies in Pediatric Patients

The use of gastrostomies in children is increasing and their need for long-term management following insertion presents a potentially significant financial and resource challenge to local healthcare systems.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the yearly cost of maintaining a gastrostomy in a pediatric patient.

Methods

A retrospective, bottom-up cost-analysis was conducted in a cohort of 180 patients with gastrostomies aged 0-19 years. One in 5 patients were randomly selected for individual cost analysis (n = 36). Their electronic health record was interrogated from the period of March 1, 2019-March 1, 2020. Costs included in the analysis were staff contact time from the community nursing and nutrition teams, and equipment costs.

Results

The mean cost of maintaining a pediatric gastrostomy across all ages was £709.87 (SD 403.18) per year. Mean annual cost varied by age, underlying diagnosis, and gastrostomy device, but this variation was only statistically significant for the type of device, with Mic-Key buttons having a mean annual cost of £834.66 (SD 307.85), Mini buttons £799.06 (SD 395.01), and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes £279.34 (SD 297.45; P = 0.004).

Conclusion

The mean cost of maintaining a gastrostomy in a pediatric patient is just over £700 per year. The cost is the highest as a child enters adulthood. Button devices have higher maintenance costs compared with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes.

Outcomes of Gastrostomy Tubes in Newborns With Congenital Heart Disease and Comparison of Techniques

INTRODUCTION

Gastrostomy tube (GT) placement for enteral access is one of the most common procedures for infants with numerous conditions such as congenital heart disease (CHD). Discrepancies in the literature exist regarding outcomes of newborns with CHD undergoing GT placement. This study sought to characterize postoperative outcomes and readmission complications in this patient population.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmission Database was queried from 2010 to 2014 for all newborns who underwent GT placement during their index hospitalization. Newborns with or without CHD other than an isolated atrial or ventricular septal defect were compared using standard statistical tests. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed among newborns with or without CHD using > 100 covariates.

RESULTS

Seven thousand seven hundred thirty six patients underwent GT placement. Newborns with CHD (27%) more frequently underwent open GT (59% versus 55%) and less frequently underwent laparoscopic (17% versus 19%) or percutaneous (24% versus 26%) GT placement compared to those without CHD, P = 0.043. GT-related complications on index admission were similar between groups (7% versus 7%, P = 0.770). Newborns with CHD had higher overall readmission rates (39% versus 31%), more GT-related readmission complications (7% versus 3%), and higher readmission costs ($35,787 versus $20,073) compared to newborns without CHD, all P < 0.001. Laparoscopic GT was associated with the lowest rate of GT-related complications (0%) and overall readmission rates (27%) compared to open or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to newborns without CHD, newborns with CHD had higher rates of overall readmissions, readmission costs, and GT-related complications on readmission. The laparoscopic GT approach was underused despite fewer complications and readmissions.

Useful traction technique for laparoscopic fundoplication without removing proceeding gastrostomy in a neurologically impaired patient with a body deformity

Severely neurologically impaired patients often require the creation of a gastrostomy when they develop difficulty with oral intake followed by antireflux surgery. We use a traction technique for laparoscopic fundoplication without removing the gastrostomy in such cases. Right lateral traction of the round ligament of the liver and left lateral traction of the stomach body are performed using a needle device. The left liver lobe is elevated with a liver retractor inserted via the epigastrium. This traction technique allows a sufficient surgical field for manipulating forceps to be created in cases with a gastrostomy, enabling fundoplication to be performed safely without removing the gastrostomy.

Influence of laparoscopy-aided gastrostomy on gastroesophageal reflux in neurologically impaired patients using multichannel intraluminal impedance pH measurements

BACKGROUND

Development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after gastrostomy remains debatable. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether laparoscopy-aided gastrostomy (LAG) influence on the occurrence of GERD in neurologically impaired (NI) patients. Furthermore, we investigated whether preoperatively excluding NI patients with GERD can reduce the number of patients requiring subsequent anti-reflux surgery (ARS) after LAG.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 35 NI patients (median age: 11.0; interquartile range 5.0-23.5 years) who underwent LAG according to our criterion from October 2012 to June 2020 and MII-pH before and after LAG. MII-pH parameters were compared in all patients and among three age groups between before and after LAG.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in MII-pH parameters before and 1 year after LAG in all patients, and no patient underwent subsequent ARS. Only one paediatric patient with 64 number of reflux episodes before LAG required subsequent ARS 3 years after LAG.

CONCLUSIONS

Generally, LAG did not influence the postoperative GERD at 1 year after LAG, and our criteria could reduce the number of patients requiring subsequent ARS. However, paediatric NI patients with higher number of reflux episodes in preoperative MII-pH study may need careful long-term follow-up after LAG.

Is fundoplication mandatory in children with neurological impairment undergoing gastrostomy?

AIM

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and surgical gastrostomy (SG) are common procedures in children with neurological impairment (NI) with swallowing difficulties. Pulmonary aspirations are a major concern and performing concomitant or delayed fundoplication is still controversial, especially among these patients. The aim of our study was to review our experience with fundoplication performed concomitantly with gastrostomy or later and to evaluate patient outcomes.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, cohort study including all paediatric patients who underwent SG or PEG with or without Nissen fundoplication at Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel between the years 2007 and 2018. Patients' clinical and surgical data were recorded and analysed.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2018, 345 patients underwent SG or PEG. Of these, 89 patients underwent fundoplication. Of the patients who underwent PEG/SG, 158 (45.8%) were neurologically impaired. Most of the patients who underwent fundoplication (n = 69, 77.5%) were NI patients (P = 0.0001). NI patients with refractory seizures showed almost no improvement in terms of relief of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms following fundoplication (P = 0.0001) compared to NI patients without refractory seizures.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that in NI patients a concomitant fundoplication is not mandatory and is not efficacious in preventing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in patients with refractory seizures.

Pediatric Gastrostomy Tube Placement: Less Complications Associated with Laparoscopic Approach

Background: There are few nationwide studies comparing outcomes of open, laparoscopic (LAP), and percutaneous endoscopic (PEG) gastrostomy tube (GT) placement in the pediatric population. Materials and Methods: The Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014 was used to identify patients ≤18 years (excluding newborns) who underwent GT placement. Demographics, hospital characteristics, and outcomes were compared by the GT approach. Results: There were 3278 patients (41% female, age 3 ± 5 years) identified who underwent GT placement (40% open versus 32% PEG versus 28% LAP). Following an open approach, there were higher rates of GT-related complications (10% versus 4% LAP versus 3% PEG) and postoperative gastrointestinal issues (24% versus 12% LAP versus 9% PEG) on index hospitalization, both P < .001. Readmission within 30 days and 1 year were 18% and 43%, respectively. Overall readmission rates were not affected by the GT approach (44% open versus 44% LAP versus 43% PEG, P = .773). However, readmission for GT-related complications was the lowest following the LAP approach (<0.3% versus 2% open versus 2% PEG, P < .001). When those who also underwent fundoplication were excluded, conversion to gastrojejunostomy or jejunostomy (GJ/J) on readmission was higher following open and PEG approaches (4% open versus 2% PEG versus 0% LAP, P = .039). Conclusions: Compared with PEG gastrostomy and open gastrostomy, LAP GT placement appears to have lower index complications and reoperation rates, and at least comparable readmission outcomes. Despite these advantages, LAP GT placement remains underutilized.

Comparing Different Techniques in Children With or Without a Simultaneous Fundoplication: Does the Gastrostomy Technique Matter?

Purpose: To evaluate the results of different gastrostomy techniques and the impact of simultaneous fundoplication. Materials and Methods: The patients who underwent a gastrostomy procedure between 2009 and 2019 in a single tertiary center were evaluated retrospectively. The patients are divided into groups depending on the gastrostomy techniques as open gastrostomy (OG), laparoscopic gastrostomy (LG), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), and laparoscopy-assisted PEG (LAPEG). Preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes are compared among the groups. Results: Two hundred forty-four patients (75, 60, 91, and 18 patients in OG, LG, PEG, and LAPEG groups, respectively) are enrolled in the study. Although rates of minor or major complications did not demonstrate a significant difference among the groups, no major complications were encountered in the LAPEG group, while the lowest minor complications were observed in the PEG group (P > .05). Length of postoperative initiation of enteral feeding and length of hospital stay (LOS) were highest in the OG group (P = .000). Performing a concurrent fundoplication procedure significantly delayed the initiation of enteral feeding and increased the LOS in all of the groups (P < .005). Conclusions: Although PEG is a safe and reproducible technique of gastrostomy in selected patients, LAPEG may expand the boundaries of PEG by reducing the major complication rates. Although simultaneous fundoplication may complicate the perioperative period, it does not have significance on outcomes.

What Is the Correct Way to Manage Children Requiring Gastrostomy? Single Center Experience

Children with complex medical issues often present different comorbidities that cause feeding difficulties. Gastrostomy is often helpful, and should be performed when nutritional supplementation is necessary for longer than 6 weeks. Recently, different techniques have been used for gastrostomy in children. The authors report on their experiences regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic management of children requiring gastrostomy. All patients managed in the last 10 years were reviewed, retrospectively. Everyone underwent investigation to exclude gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A total of 148 patients: 111 cases (75%) were neurologically impaired patients, 18 (12%) had complex heart disease, 10 (6%) had metabolic diseases, 4 (3%) had fibrosis cystic, 4 (3%) had muscle disease, and one had chromosomopathy. After investigation, 49 patients had GERD. PEG was performed in 101 cases (68%), laparo-assisted gastrostomy was performed in 44 cases (29.7%), open gastrostomy was performed in three cases. At follow-up, all patients reported weight gain, but 13 cases had major complications. Currently, the surgeon has the possibility of choosing between several safe techniques for gastrostomy. In our experience, PEG is the most useful technique for patients without GERD, while a laparo-assisted technique is better for patients who require laparoscopic fundoplication.

Long-term outcome and efficiency of symptom-selective approach to assess gastroesophageal reflux prior to gastrostomy in neurologically impaired children

PURPOSE

To evaluate the necessity of preoperative screening for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) prior to gastrostomy in neurologically impaired children.

METHODS

Medical records of neurologically impaired children, who have undergone laparoscopic gastrostomy between January, 2004 and June, 2018, were retrospectively reviewed. Before the year of 2014, all patients who required gastrostomy had been routinely screened for GER pre-operatively, but after the year of 2014, only the ones with GER-related symptoms were tested. The characteristics and outcomes of Routine Screening (RS) and Selective Screening (SS) periods were compared.

RESULTS

There were 55 and 54 patients in the RS and SS periods, respectively. Demographics, primary pathologies, and mean follow-up durations (> 2 years) were similar. The rate of GER screening was significantly lower in the SS period (29.6% vs. 63.6%). The rate of Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF) combined with gastrostomy was significantly lower in the SS period (14.8% vs. 38.2%). During follow-up, the rates of new-onset GER symptoms (13% vs. 11.7%) and LNF requirement later on (6.5% vs. 8.8%) were statistically similar between the two periods.

CONCLUSION

Routine screening for GER is not necessary prior to gastrostomy in neurologically impaired children. Symptom-selective screening algorithm is safe and efficient in the long term.

Pulmonary Manifestations of Gastrointestinal, Pancreatic, and Liver Diseases in Children

Pulmonary manifestations of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are often subtle, and underlying disease may precede overt symptoms. A high index of suspicion and a low threshold for consultation with a pediatric pulmonologist is warranted in common GI conditions. This article outlines the pulmonary manifestations of different GI, pancreatic, and liver diseases in children, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and complications of chronic liver disease (hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension).

Concomitant gastrostomy tube insertion during laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux disease: analysis of risk factors for fundoplication failure

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) and gastrostomy tube (GT) placement may be performed concomitantly in children with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and failure to thrive. We aimed to evaluate the rate and risk factors for LNF failure in children undergoing concomitant LNF/GT.

METHODS

A retrospective multi-institutional cohort study was conducted, reviewing patients that underwent LNF (2005-2014). Data collected included patient demographics, comorbidities, and type of GT (laparoscopy- or endoscopy-assisted). The primary outcome measure was LNF failure. Data was compared using contingency tables or Mann-Whitney tests, when appropriate. An exploratory analysis by Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to determine predictors of time to LNF failure after LNF/GT.

RESULTS

Of 189 children that underwent LNF, 99 (52%) had a concomitant GT (55% laparoscopy-, 45% endoscopy-assisted). LNF failed in 15% after LNF/GT and in 17% after LNF alone (p = 0.84), at a median age of 23 months (IQR 8-41). Using univariate analysis, we found that a younger age at the time of surgery (p = 0.05), prematurity (p = 0.0018), esophageal atresia (p = 0.01), and endoscopy-assisted GT (p = 0.02) were potential predictors of LNF failure after LNF/GT. After multivariate regression analysis, prematurity (p = 0.007) remained significantly associated with LNF failure after LNF/GT. No predictive factors for LNF failure after LNF alone were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant GT insertion and LNF is a common practice, as half of the children that undergo LNF also received GT insertion. Children born preterm or with esophageal atresia comprise a fragile population at high-risk of LNF failure after LNF/GT. Prospective, multicentric studies are needed to evaluate the best GT technique to use in children undergoing LNF.

Comparison of the Laparoscopic and Open Methods of Gastrostomy at Neonates and Infants Up To Three Months of Age

Background: An open surgical intervention is a common approach for gastrostomy tube placement in neonates and infants. Also available, however less often used, is a laparoscopic technique for low-profile gastrostomy tube (button) placement. In this study we compare the pre-, intra-, and post-procedural outcomes of each technique. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated all open and laparoscopically inserted gastrostomies at our department from January 2002 to December 2016 and compared them in terms of operative parameters and outcomes. Results: In the study interval, 44 open and 90 laparoscopically placed low-profile (button) gastrostomies were performed. There were no significant differences in gender distribution, mean age (42.54 versus 34.16 days), and mean weight (3311 versus 3476 g). The frequency of concomitant Nissen fundoplication was higher in the laparoscopy group (18% versus 47%; P < .05). The duration of G-tube placement by laparotomy was significantly longer (mean difference 16 minutes), than by laparoscopy, as were time periods between G-tube insertion and the onset of first feeding (mean differences 8.4 and 19.6 hours, respectively). Children in the laparoscopy group spent nearly 15 fewer days in the hospital than those who received a G-tube by laparotomy (29.0 versus 13.9; P < .05). Major complications were observed in 3 (6.82%) patients in the laparotomy group in the form of gastric content leak into the abdominal cavity and resulting peritonitis; complications were lower in the laparoscopy group (68.18% versus 13.33%; P = .03). Conclusions: Compared with open gastrostomy, the laparoscopic approach appears to be advantageous with respect to procedural duration, initiation of feedings, hospitalization duration, and rate of complications. Another difference was the frequency of concomitant Nissen fundoplication. Further prospective studies may determine the role of these patient-specific factors regarding who benefits most from the laparoscopic technique.

Laparoscopic Gastrostomy in Children: 10 Years of Experience

Objectives

Laparoscopic gastrostomy is a widely used procedure in children with failure to thrive, feeding disorders, or neurologic impairment. Various methods of laparoscopic gastrostomy and fixing stomach to abdominal wall have been described. Trocar site primary gastrostomy under laparoscopic control is a simple and easy technique that does not require special instruments and a kit. The aim of this study was to present 10 years of experience in laparoscopic gastrostomy.

Methods

The charts of 128 children who underwent laparoscopic gastrostomy between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The data, including demographics, operative procedures, and complications, were recorded. All children underwent preoperative contrast imaging and 24-hour Ph monitorization. In all patients, the trocar site primary gastrostomy was done. A gastrostomy tube or a button was inserted into the stomach in the center of a purse-string suture loop, and the stomach was fixed to the anterior rectus sheath extracorporeally.

Results

There were 49 girls (38.3%) and 79 boys (61.7%). The mean age was 50 months at surgery (1 day-18 years), and the average body weight was 13 kg (2300 gr-65 kg). Both laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy were done in 116 (90.6%) patients, and 12 (9.4%) patients had only laparoscopic gastrostomy. Infection at the site of gastrostomy, which was treated by antibiotics, was the most common complication, observed in 14 (11%) patients. Peritoneal leakage within 30 days was seen in 9 (7%) patients. Severe dislodgement of gastrostomy resulting in operative intervention occurred in 5 (3.9%) patients. Granuloma developed in 4 (3.1%) patients and was treated with silver nitrate.

Conclusion

The trocar site primary laparoscopic gastrostomy is a safe and easy technique with complication rates comparable to other gastrostomy methods.

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.