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

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.

Assessment of quality of life after laparoscopic GERD surgery in children: a prospective study

The purpose of this study is to assess quality of life (QoL) after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS) in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and to evaluate GERD symptoms and their impact on daily life and school. From June 2016 to June 2019, all children with GERD from 2 to 16 years of age, without neurologic impairment or malformation-related reflux, were prospectively included in a monocentric study. Patients (or their parents according to the age of the child) answered the Pediatric Questionnaire on Gastroesophageal Symptoms and QoL (PGSQ) before surgery and 3 and 12 months after surgery. Variables were compared by paired, bilateral Student t-test. Twenty-eight children (16 boys) were included. The median age at surgery was 77 months (IQR: 59.2-137) with median weight of 22 kg (IQR: 19.8-42.3). All had a laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication. Median duration of follow-up was 14.7 months (IQR: 12.3-22.5). One patient (4%) had a recurrence of GERD symptoms without abnormalities on follow-up examinations. Preoperative total PGSQ score was 1.42 (± 0.7) and decreased significantly 3 months (0.56 ± 0.6; p < 0.001) and 12 months after surgery (0.34 ± 0.4; p < 0.001). PGSQ subscale analysis revealed a significant decrease at 3 and 12 months for GERD symptoms (p < 0.001), impact on daily life (p < 0.001), and impact on school (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

There was a significant improvement in symptoms and their frequency after LARS in children, as well as an improvement of QoL, in the short and medium term. The impact of GERD should be taken into consideration in the treatment decision, given that surgery clearly improves the QoL.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS) is an established and effective treatment option in pediatric patients with severe GERD refractory to medical treatment. • Effect of LARS on the quality of life (QoL) has been mainly investigated in the adult population but there is very little data on the effect of LARS on the QoL in pediatric patients.

WHAT IS NEW

• Our prospective study was the first to analyze the effect of LARS on QoL in pediatric patients without neurologic impairment using validated questionnaires at two postoperative time points with a significant improvement in postoperative QoL at 3 and 12 months. • Our study emphasizes the importance of evaluating QoL and impact of GERD on all the aspects of daily life and of taking these into consideration in the treatment decision.

Comparative study of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication versus Hill-Snow procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition in children. Complete fundoplication provides better reflux control but it results in more dysphagia and gas-bloat symptoms. Antireflux surgery without wrap has fewer adverse effects but a higher failure rate in controlling reflux. Until now, there is little evidence as to whether complete or partial fundoplication is the optimal procedure in this age group.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication versus Hill-Snow procedure among children with GERD.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, single-blinded, comparative trial that included 40 children with a diagnosis of GERD, who were scheduled to undergo surgery. Children were randomly allocated to undergo laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication or Hill-Snow procedure.

Results

While the incidence of postoperative dysphagia was similar between both groups, the duration of dysphagia was significantly shorter in the Hill-Snow group. Likewise, the incidence of bloating was significantly lower in the Hill-Snow group than the Nissen group (0% versus 55%, respectively). We found three recurrent Hill-Snow cases versus two recurrent Nissen cases. The operative time was significantly longer in the Hill-Snow procedure (150 ± 52 min) than in the Nissen group (120 ± 48 min).

Conclusions

The Hill-Snow procedure is an effective alternative to Nissen fundoplication with no bloating and much less dysphagia, leading to faster recovery of ordinary eating patterns.

Impact of previous abdominal surgery on the outcome of fundoplication for medically refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease in children and young adults

Importance

Fundoplication (FP) is a well-established surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refractory to medical therapy in children and young adults. During FP, previous abdominal surgery (PAS) can impair the patient’s outcome by causing technical difficulties and increasing intra- and postoperative complication rates.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of PAS on the short- and long-term outcome following FP for refractory GERD in a cohort of patients aged < 23 years.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 182 patients undergoing a total of 201 FP procedures performed at our university center for pediatric surgery from February 1999 to October 2019. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative variables were recorded and their impact on the rate of intraoperative complications and revision FP (reFP) was analyzed.

Results

A total of 201 FP procedures were performed on 182 patients: 119 (59.2%) as Thal-FP (180° anterior wrap) and 82 (40.8%) as Nissen-FP (360°circular wrap; 67.2% laparoscopic, 32.8% open, 8.9% conversion). The presence of PAS (95 cases, 47.3%) was associated with significantly longer operative times for FP (153.4 ± 53.7 vs.126.1 ± 56.4 min, p = 0.001) and significantly longer hospital stays (10.0 ± 7.0 vs. 7.0 ± 4.0 days, p < 0.001), while the rates of intraoperative surgical complications (1.1% vs. 1.9%, p = 1.000) and the rate re-FP in the long term (8.4% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.19) during a follow-up period of 53.4 ± 44.5 months were comparable to the group without PAS.

Conclusion

In cases of PAS in children and young adults, FP for refractory GERD might necessitate longer operative times and longer hospital stays but can be performed with surgery-related short- and long-term complication rates comparable to cases without PAS.

Anti-reflux surgery in neonates and infants: analysis of indications, outcomes, and link to mortality among primary and secondary gastroesophageal reflux patients

Background

The indications and benefits of anti-reflux surgery (ARS) in neonates and infants are uncertain. Prematurity, operation before 1 year of age, neurological impairment (NI), and chronic lung disease (CLD) are risk factors for surgical failure. We aim to document the indications, management, and outcomes of ARS in this age group and compare them among primary and secondary gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).

Results

Between January 2008 and December 2019, 24 males and 22 females had ARS; 13 (28.3%) for primary while 33 (71.7%) for secondary GERD. The mean gestational age was 34.6 weeks (range 24–41) and mean birth weight was 2000 gm (range 600–3300). The weight at time of referral ranged from 1.4 kg to 4 kg (mean 2.2 kg). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the previous data. The group of primary GERD presented mainly with recurrent aspiration (n = 8), recurrent apnea (n = 5), and recurrent desaturations with or shortly after feeds (n = 4). The group of secondary GERD were referred for poor sucking with failure to thrive (FTT) (n = 25), recurrent aspiration (n = 20), and gastrostomy request (n = 14). The risk factors for secondary GERD were neurologically impaired (n = 22), post-esophageal atresia (EA) repair (n = 9), hiatus hernia (n = 4), thoracic stomach (n = 2), N-type tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF, n = 4), and congenital esophageal stenosis (CES, n = 4). The operations included open Nissen’s fundoplication (ONF) (n = 4) and modified open Thal’s fundoplication (MOTF) (n = 42). There were 8 mortalities in the secondary group, unrelated to surgery. Morbidities after Nissen’s fundoplication included wrap migration, gas bloat, and reoperation in one, laparotomy for intestinal obstruction (IO) in one. Following MOTF, there were two cases of transient recurrent GERD which improved with time and laparotomy in one for IO.

Conclusions

Diagnostic tests remain a challenge. Isolated TEF and CES may require fundoplication for staged management. Cases of the primary group did better with MTFO. Prematurity, CLD and age < 2 months were not significant risk factors for fundoplication failure or mortality. Neurological impairment was a risk factor for mortality.

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.

SAGES guidelines for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is an extremely common condition with several medical and surgical treatment options. A multidisciplinary expert panel was convened to develop evidence-based recommendations to support clinicians, patients, and others in decisions regarding the treatment of GERD with an emphasis on evaluating different surgical techniques.

METHODS

Literature reviews were conducted for 4 key questions regarding the surgical treatment of GERD in both adults and children: surgical vs. medical treatment, robotic vs. laparoscopic fundoplication, partial vs. complete fundoplication, and division vs. preservation of short gastric vessels in adults or maximal versus minimal dissection in pediatric patients. Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the GRADE methodology by subject experts. Recommendations for future research were also proposed.

RESULTS

The panel provided seven recommendations for adults and children with GERD. All recommendations were conditional due to very low, low, or moderate certainty of evidence. The panel conditionally recommended surgical treatment over medical management for adults with chronic or chronic refractory GERD. There was insufficient evidence for the panel to make a recommendation regarding surgical versus medical treatment in children. The panel suggested that once the decision to pursue surgical therapy is made, adults and children with GERD may be treated with either a robotic or a laparoscopic approach, and either partial or complete fundoplication based on surgeon-patient shared decision-making and patient values. In adults, the panel suggested either division or non-division of the short gastric vessels is appropriate, and that children should undergo minimal dissection during fundoplication.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations should provide guidance with regard to surgical decision-making in the treatment of GERD and highlight the importance of shared decision-making and patient values to optimize patient outcomes. Pursuing the identified research needs may improve future versions of guidelines for the treatment of GERD.

Surgical treatment of GERD: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a high worldwide prevalence in adults and children. There is uncertainty regarding medical versus surgical therapy and different surgical techniques. This review assessed outcomes of antireflux surgery versus medical management of GERD in adults and children, robotic versus laparoscopic fundoplication, complete versus partial fundoplication, and minimal versus maximal dissection in pediatric patients.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched (2004-2019) to identify randomized control and non-randomized comparative studies. Two independent reviewers screened for eligibility. Random effects meta-analysis was performed on comparative data. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias and Newcastle Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

From 1473 records, 105 studies were included. Most had high or uncertain risk of bias. Analysis demonstrated that anti-reflux surgery was associated with superior short-term quality of life compared to PPI (Std mean difference =  - 0.51, 95%CI  - 0.63, - 0.40, I² = 0%) however short-term symptom control was not significantly superior (RR = 0.75, 95%CI 0.47, 1.21, I² = 82%). A proportion of patients undergoing operative treatment continue PPI treatment (28%). Robotic and laparoscopic fundoplication outcomes were similar. Compared to total fundoplication, partial fundoplication was associated with higher rates of prolonged PPI usage (RR = 2.06, 95%CI 1.08, 3.94, I² = 45%). There was no statistically significant difference for long-term symptom control (RR = 0.94, 95%CI 0.85, 1.04, I² = 53%) or long-term dysphagia (RR = 0.73, 95%CI 0.52, 1.02, I² = 0%). Ien, minimal dissection during fundoplication was associated with lower reoperation rates than maximal dissection (RR = 0.21, 95%CI 0.06, 0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence regarding the optimal treatment of GERD often suffers from high risk of bias. Additional high-quality randomized control trials may further inform surgical decision making in the treatment of GERD.

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 ).

A Team-Based Approach for Children With Congenital Cardiac Disease Undergoing Antireflux Procedure With Gastrostomy

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with gastrostomy tube (LPNF-GT) placement is often indicated in children with congenital cardiac diseases (CCDs) for nutritional optimization. This study aims to evaluate institutional outcomes of LPNF-GT, with a team-based approach in operative management.

METHODS

Five years of an institutional database at a tertiary care children's hospital was queried for LPNF-GT in children with CCDs. Descriptive analyses were performed. A national comparison was performed utilizing the 2012-2013 Pediatrics NSQIP database, using propensity score matching. Outcome measures of interest were operative-time, unplanned readmission, and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

A team-based approach was utilized in 51 cases. Median operative time was 68.5 (IQR: 48-89) minutes. All patients tolerated tube feeds postoperatively. All patients survived 30 days post surgery. When compared to 136 similarly matched children nationally, the risk-adjusted operative time with a team-based approach was 47.38 (12.43-82.33) minutes shorter (P < .05). There were no statistically significant differences in the likelihood of being in the hospital past 30 days, unplanned readmissions, and mortality (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

LPNF-GT can be safely performed in children with CCDs. A team-based approach demonstrates improved operative time and achieved similar outcomes when compared nationally.

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.

Total Oesophagogastric Dissociation in Neurologically Impaired Children: 18 Years' Experience and Long-term Follow-up

OBJECTIVES

Total oesophagogastric dissociation (TOGD) is an alternative antireflux surgery for neurologically impaired children because of a 16% to 38% fundoplication failure rate. This study evaluates TOGD's feasibility and its long-term efficacy both as a Primary and as a "Rescue" procedure after failed fundoplication.

METHODS

Thirty patients (18 boys) who underwent TOGD between 2000 and 2018 in 2 Italian Centres were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-three were Primary procedures and 7 were "Rescue" ones. Inclusion criteria were severe neurodisability, intractable gastroesophageal reflux, and dysphagia.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, all children had regurgitation, vomiting or retching, and 93% had unsafe swallowing and aspiration, with recurrent chest infections/aspiration pneumonia. Median relative weight was 77% (48%--118%). All patients were taking antireflux medication before surgery. Median age at TOGD was 6.48 years (0.69--22.18). Median follow-up was 3.5 years (0.6-17.7). No recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and vomiting was recorded. The number of chest infections and length of hospital stay showed a significative decrease (P value <0.0001 for both), whereas median relative weight reached 101% (P value 0.002). Parents'/caregivers' perception of outcome showed a significative improvement. Six patients (20%) experienced early complications and 3 required surgical intervention. Three late complications (10%) also required surgery. There was no surgery-related mortality.

CONCLUSION

TOGD is an effective procedure with an acceptably low complication rate for children with severe neurological impairment and is followed by a major improvement in general health and quality of life for children and families. There was no substantial difference in outcome between Primary and "Rescue" procedures.

Boix-Ochoa (Partial Fundoplication) Treats Reflux, Even in Neurologically Impaired Patients. Can it Take the Title of "Gold Standard" from Total Fundoplication?

BACKGROUND

In 4-5% of cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), surgical treatment is required. The aim of the study was to evaluate the success of Boix-Ochoa antireflux surgery, which is considered more physiologic with a higher failure rate (need for reoperation) than Nissen fundoplication, which is believed to be the gold standard operation.

METHOD

In the 13 years from 2005 to 2018, the medical records of all children who underwent Boix-Ochoa in a single institution by pediatric surgeons were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 133 fundoplications were performed, of which patients were divided into four groups: neurologically impaired, structurally impaired, neurologically and structurally impaired, and neurologically and structurally normal; there were 64, 8, 34, and 27 patients in each group, respectively. Structural impairments included hiatal hernia and esophagus atresia, having previously had a gastrostomy and esophageal stenosis. The most common short-term complication was distal esophageal stenosis (13%), which caused vomiting and dysphagia, and was treated by dilatations. There were six (4.5%) recurrences of GER, one in the neurologically and structurally impaired group with a hiatal hernia and five in the structurally impaired group (three esophagus atresias, two caustic esophageal strictures). The mean follow-up period was 5.27 ± 3.43 years. Neurological impairment did not affect the success rate.

CONCLUSION

Although there has not any literature demonstrating significant benefits of one procedure, we detected with this largest study in the pediatric literature about Boix-Ochoa fundoplication (more physiologic and easily performed) that it was successful (95%) in protecting reflux even in neurologically impaired patients (98%). We consider Boix-Ochoa (partial fundoplication) to be an alternative method to Nissen (complete fundoplication), and it can be done safely with a high success rate.

Analysis of Growth, Nutritional Status and Hospital Visitation Scores Associated with Reflux After Nissen Fundoplication in Neurologically Impaired Children with Gastroesophageal Reflux

BACKGROUND

Neurologically impaired children (NIC) often experience swallowing difficulties and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although these conditions could place children in a state of poor nutritional status and prevent them from thriving, there is insufficient research evaluating growth and nutritional status following fundoplication in these patients.

METHOD

This is a retrospective study of patients who were neurologically impaired and underwent Nissen fundoplication between April 2001 and March 2015. Seventy-six patients were enrolled, and the follow-up period was 12 months or longer. Growth was measured by the change in body weight and height. Nutritional status was measured by the change in body mass index, serum albumin and protein level.

RESULTS

Median age at operation was 1.85 years old, and median body weight was 10 kg. The respective Z scores for weight and height showed significant improvements after 1 year since the operation compared to 1 year within the operation (-2.42 ± 2.19 vs. -1.31 ± 1.96, P < 0.001) (-1.6 ± 2.16 vs. -1.05 ± 1.69, P = 0.002). The respective Z scores for body mass index, albumin and protein also showed improvements after 1 year since the operation compared to 1 year within the operation (-2.07 ± 2.99 vs. -0.89 ± 2.1, P < 0.001) (3.55 ± 0.48 vs. 3.86 ± 0.45, P < 0.001) (6.22 ± 0.76 vs. 6.65 ± 0.51, P < 0.001). Hospital visitation scores associated with reflux were significantly lower after the operation (4.1 ± 3.43 vs. 1.18 ± 1.67, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, after Nissen fundoplication in NIC with GER, growth and nutritional status improved significantly. Also, hospital visitation scores associated with reflux decreased after the operation.

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.

Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication: An Excellent Treatment of GERD-Related Respiratory Symptoms in Children-Results of a Multicentric Study

INTRODUCTION

Respiratory manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), particularly chronic cough, are being recognized with increased frequency in children. This survey aimed to investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for treatment of GERD-related respiratory symptoms not responsive to medical therapy in neurological normal children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We collected data of children with GERD-related respiratory complaints not responsive to medical therapy who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in four European centers of Pediatric Surgery over a 10-year period. We excluded children with neurological impairment.

RESULTS

A total of 220 laparoscopic Nissen procedures were performed in the period 2005-2015. Twenty-four (12 boys and 12 girls, average age 9.5 years) out of the 220 patients (10.9%) presented with chronic cough and other respiratory manifestations, including asthma, reactive airway disease, and recurrent pneumonia. Average operative time was 65 minutes (range 45-100). As for postoperative complications, two tight wraps requiring endoscopic dilatation (IIIb Clavien) and two relapses of GERD for slipped Nissen requiring reoperation (IIIb Clavien) were recorded. None of these complications occurred in the group of patients with GERD-related respiratory symptoms. At follow-up evaluation, respiratory symptoms disappeared with a significant improvement of quality of life scoring (I Grade Visick) in 22/24 patients (91.6%).

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm that GERD should be investigated as one of the possible etiologic factors in any child with persistent respiratory complaints. In patients with symptoms not responsive to medical therapy, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the treatment of choice with a very high success rate (>90% in our series), a very low morbidity, a significant improvement in airway symptoms, and a marked reduction in the need for medications.

Mesh hiatal reinforcement in laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for neurologically impaired children is safe and feasible

Fundoplication is a standard treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in neurologically impaired children. However, it has a high recurrence rate due to wrap herniation and disruption resulting from the failure or enlargement of the esophageal hiatus suture site. In adult patients with GERD, reinforcement of the sutured esophageal hiatus with a mesh significantly reduces the recurrence rate after surgery for esophageal hiatus hernia. In children, there are no big series of fundoplication with mesh reinforcement. Therefore, we confirmed the safety and feasibility of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mesh hiatal reinforcement with fundoplication as an additional procedure for neurologically impaired children. Neurologically impaired children (age, ≥5 years) who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication and gastrostomy at our institution between 2011 and 2013 were included in this study. The operative time, bleeding amount, complications, and recurrence were retrospectively evaluated. Thirteen patients were included in this study. The mean age at operation was 147.2 ± 37.8 months, and mean body weight was 18.5 ± 7.9 kg. The complication rate of epilepsy and scoliosis was 100% and 84.6%, respectively. The operative time was 265.1 ± 38.1 minutes, and mean blood loss was 26.5 ± 34.7 mL. There were no peri- or postoperative complications. None of the patients showed recurrent symptoms such as repeated vomiting and aspiration pneumonia during the mean follow-up period of 2.5 ± 0.6 years. The mesh hiatal reinforcement with fundoplication for neurologically impaired children is safe and feasible.

Fundoplication

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition in infants. Symptoms from pathologic GERD include regurgitation, irritability when feeding, failure to thrive, and respiratory problems. Treatment typically starts with dietary modifications and postural changes. Antireflux medications may then be added. Indications for operative management in neonates and infants include poor weight gain, failure to thrive, acute life-threatening events, and continued respiratory symptoms. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has become the standard of care for surgical treatment of children with GERD. In this procedure, the fundus of the stomach is wrapped 360° posteriorly around the lower esophagus.

Long-Term Outcomes of Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication in a High-Risk Pediatric Population

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is the standard for surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but postoperative complications and pain are common in patients with severe neurological impairment (NI) and those undergoing reoperative procedures. Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is an endoscopic alternative to treat GERD. Long-term results in pediatric populations are unknown.

METHODS

Eleven patients who underwent TIF between January 2008 and September 2010 were included. A retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate long-term patient outcomes. Median follow-up was 5.6 years (range = 0.42-8.76 years).

RESULTS

Average patient age was 16.5 ± 5.1 years. Severe NI was present in 81.8% (9/11) of patients, and 63.6% (7/11) had undergone one or more prior fundoplication attempts. Overall, symptomatic reflux recurred or persisted in 54.5% (6/11) of patients. Recurrent symptoms were more common among those who had previous fundoplications than those who did not (71.4% [5/7] vs. 25% [1/4]). Four patients went on to require reoperation, including one laparoscopic Nissen and three disconnects. At last follow-up, 81.8% (9/11) of patients were still on antireflux medications.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of long-term outcomes for treatment of GERD using TIF in a pediatric population. The recurrence rate was high, likely related to the fact that the population treated was extremely high risk. Recurrence was higher in patients with a prior fundoplication, perhaps identifying prior antireflux operations as a relative contraindication to TIF. Nevertheless, complications were low, and a subset of patients did receive a durable benefit from the procedure.

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.

Current status of surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux in children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Surgical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is controversial with considerable debate ranging from the indications for antireflux surgery to surgical technique. This article will attempt to clarify these issues with the most up-to-date information available on the prevalence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of GERD in children. Although laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) has become the most popular operation performed for pathologic reflux, its superiority over both open surgery and other types of fundoplication is not well established.

RECENT FINDINGS

Large retrospective studies suggest LNF has a lower complication rate than open surgery. However, three prospective randomized controlled trials have been published recently which cast doubt on the superiority of LNF and suggest that LNF may have a higher failure rate compared to open fundoplication. Antireflux surgery has higher morbidity and failure rates in infants and in children with neurologic impairment.

SUMMARY

Based on the best available evidence, LNF may be less morbid, but have a higher rate of failure than open surgery. Pediatric surgeons should be mindful of the risks and benefits of both approaches to best counsel their patients. Larger prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the best treatments for pediatric GERD.

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.

Outcomes of fundoplication for paediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease

PURPOSE

Outcomes of fundoplication in children.

METHODS

In this monocentric retrospective study, chart review was performed on children who underwent fundoplication between 2006 and 2013. Outcomes were defined as the need for redo fundoplication and recommencement of anti-reflux medication (ARM) at 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

119 patients underwent fundoplication with a mean age of 4.76 years and 55.5% of these were male. At 6-month follow-up, 21 (17.6%) required redo fundoplication and 64 (53.8%) were recommenced on ARM. Post-operative complications occurred in 50 (42.2%) of children; 30% of those with complications had surgery at less than 1 year of age, and 36% had an associated comorbid condition. Neither being under the age of one nor associated comorbidity was significantly associated with a poor outcome. Concurrent gastrostomy was associated with a higher risk of being back on ARM at 6-month follow-up (p = 0.003). Neither gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms pre-surgery nor abnormal pre-operative investigations including pH monitoring and endoscopy were predictive of poor outcome post-fundoplication.

CONCLUSION

Although fundoplication has a role in the treatment of severe GORD in children, the majority of children in this study needed to restart their anti-reflux medications within 6 months of surgery.

A novel continuous stitch fundoplication utilizing knotless barbed suture in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot study

INTRODUCTION

The intracorporeal placement and tying of suture (IT) can be challenging leading to prolonged CO2 insufflation, anesthesia, and potential morbidity. The unidirectional barbed knotless suture (V-LOC) has emerged as an innovative technology that has been shown to reduce the time associated with IT. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis comparing our initial experience utilizing V-LOC to perform a novel continuous stitch laparoscopic fundoplication (CF) to standard laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (NF).

METHODS

Institutional review board approval was obtained to analyze data on patients who underwent V-LOC CF and NF. Data retrieval included age, gender, weight, diagnosis, procedure, operative time, major complications (reoperation for wrap failure/migration or recurrent symptoms), and follow up.

RESULTS

Twenty patients underwent the V-LOC CF and gastrostomy placement (GT) from January to October 2013. Seventeen patients underwent NF and GT from March 2012 to February 2013. There were no significant differences in age, weight, or incidence of major complications. V-LOC CF led to a significant 30% reduction in operative time compared to NF (79.1±24.2 min vs. 113.8±25.9 min, respectively, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report documenting the continuous stitch fundoplication utilizing the unidirectional barbed knotless suture in children. Although follow-up is short, the V-LOC CF appears to be a safe and effective technique that may reduce operative time in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease. This technology may be beneficial in other minimally invasive applications in pediatric surgery.

Management of gastroesophageal reflux disease in pediatric patients: a literature review

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER), defined as the passage of gastric contents into the esophagus, is a physiologic process that occurs throughout the day in healthy infants and children. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when gastric contents flow back into the esophagus and produce symptoms. The most common esophageal symptoms are vomiting and regurgitation. Lifestyle changes are the first-line therapy in both GER and GERD; medications are explicitly indicated only for patients with GERD. Surgical therapies are reserved for children with intractable symptoms or who are at risk for life-threatening complications of GERD. The laparoscopic Nissen antireflux procedure is the gold standard for the treatment of this pathology. A literature search on PubMed and Cochrane Database was conducted with regard to the management of GERD in children to provide a view of state-of-the-art treatment of GERD in pediatrics.

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.

Comparison of long-term outcomes between open and laparoscopic Thal fundoplication in children

OBJECTIVES

In recent years laparoscopic fundoplication is increasingly performed in pediatric surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes between open and laparoscopic Thal fundoplication in children.

METHODS

This retrospective study includes children who underwent a Thal fundoplication between 3/1997 and 7/2009. The minimum follow-up time to enter the study was 2 years; the overall median follow-up was 77 months (range, 29-176 months).

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients were included, of which 47 underwent an open and 54 a laparoscopic Thal. Intraoperative problems, early postoperative complications, time to establish enteral feeds and length of stay did not differ among both groups. The mean duration of surgery was significantly less in the open group (OPG) (108.0 (± 7.72) versus 144.1 (± 6.36) minutes; p=0.001) and this was mainly attributed to patients with neurological problems. Severe dysphagia requiring endoscopy was observed in 10 patients, but this did not differ significantly between groups (n=2 in the OPG vs. n=8 in the laparoscopic group (LAPG); p=0.10). Overall 12 patients (11.9%) (6 in each group) required a redo-fundoplication after a median of 18.7 months (range, 6-36 months). In the whole study group, 80 patients (79.2%) were classified as having surgical results being excellent, good or satisfactory and this did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In the long-term open and laparoscopic Thal fundoplication have similarly good outcomes. The laparoscopic approach can be considered as an alternative, however there is not a clear superiority compared with the open counterpart.

Hiatal hernia in pediatric patients: laparoscopic versus open approaches

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic approach for hiatal hernia (HH) in pediatric patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 33 patients younger than 18 years who underwent an operation for HH between January 1999 and December 2012.

RESULTS

The HH symptoms were various and included regurgitation, vomiting, weight loss, cough, hoarseness, and cyanosis. Among the 33 patients, there were 25 sliding types, 1 paraesophageal type, and 7 mixed types. Open surgery (OS) and laparoscopic surgery (LS) were used in 16 and 17 patients, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in sex, age, or body weight between the groups. The median operating time was longer in the LS group (150 minutes; range, 90-250 minutes vs. 125 minutes; range, 66-194 minutes; P = 0.028). Time to oral intake was shorter in the LS group than in the OS group (1 day; range, 1-3 days vs. 2 days; range, 1-7 days; P = 0.001) and time to full feeding was shorter in the LS group than in the OS group (6 days; range, 3-16 days vs. 10 days; range, 3-33 days; P = 0.048). There were no differences in length of hospital stay and complications between the two groups. There was no perioperative mortality or recurrence of HH.

CONCLUSION

A good surgical outcome for laparoscopic correction of HH was seen in pediatric patients.

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.

Laparoscopic Thal fundoplication in children: a prospective 10- to 15-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

To study long-term (10-15 years) efficacy of antireflux surgery (ARS) in a prospectively followed cohort of pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, using 24-hour pH monitoring and reflux-specific questionnaires.

BACKGROUND

Studies on short-term outcome of ARS in pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease have shown good to excellent results; however, long-term follow-up studies are scarce, retrospective, and have not used objective measurements.

METHODS

Between 1993 and 1998, a cohort of 57 pediatric patients (ages 1 month to 18 years; 46% with neurological impairment) underwent laparoscopic anterior partial fundoplication (Thal). Preoperatively and postoperatively (at 3-4 months and at 1-5 and 10-15 years), reflux-specific questionnaires were filled out, and 24-hour pH monitoring was performed.

RESULTS

At 3 to 4 months, at 1 to 5 years, and at 10 to 15 years after ARS, 81%, 80%, and 73% of patients, respectively, were completely free of reflux symptoms. Disease-free survival analysis, however, demonstrated that only 57% of patients were symptom free at 10 to 15 years after ARS. Total acid exposure time significantly decreased from 13.4% before ARS to 0.7% (P < 0.001) at 3 to 4 months after ARS; however, at 3 to 4 months after ARS, pH monitoring was still pathological in 18% of patients. At 10 to 15 years after ARS, the number of patients with pathological reflux had even significantly increased to 43% (P = 0.008). No significant differences were found comparing neurologically impaired and normally developed patients.

CONCLUSIONS

As gastroesophageal reflux persists or recurs in 43% of children 10 to 15 years after laparoscopic Thal fundoplication, it is crucial to implement routine long-term follow-up after ARS in pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Outcomes of pediatric laparoscopic fundoplication: a critical review of the literature

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common procedures performed in children. A critical literature review was performed to evaluate the level and quality of evidence supporting the efficacy of this procedure.

METHODS

Systematic reviews of the EMBASE, PubMed and CENTRAL databases were conducted to retrieve all articles published over a 15-year period (1996 to 2010) reporting medium- to long-term outcomes (minimum six months follow-up) of laparoscopic fundoplication for the treatment of pediatric GERD. Articles were critically appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale and the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Extracted outcomes included GERD recurrence, need for reoperation, postoperative morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 5302 articles were retrieved. Thirty-six studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria, including five prospective (level 2b), four retrospective comparative (level 3b) and 27 case series (level 4). No studies compared laparoscopic fundoplication with medical treatment. Thirty-six per cent of studies did not describe the symptoms used to suspect GERD; 11% did not disclose the diagnostic modalities used; and 41% did not report the findings of diagnostic modalities. Only 17% of studies provided a definition of recurrence, and only 14% attempted to control for confounding variables. The follow-up intervals were inconsistently reported, ranging between two months and nine years. Significant heterogeneity among studies limited the ability to pool outcomes. Mean (± SD) recurrence rates varied between 0% and 48±19.6% of patients. Reoperation was required in 0.69±0.95% to 17.7±8.4% of patients. Mortality ranged between 0% and 24±16.7%.

CONCLUSION

The level and quality of the evidence supporting laparoscopic fundoplication are extremely poor. Higher-quality data are required before the procedure can be considered to be an effective intervention in the treatment of pediatric GERD.

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

Complete fundoplication (Nissen) has long been accepted as the gold standard surgical procedure in children with therapy-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, increasingly more evidence has become available for partial fundoplication as an alternative. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing complete versus partial fundoplication in children with therapy-resistant GERD. PubMed (1960 to 2011), EMBASE (from 1980 to 2011), and the Cochrane Library (issue 3, 2011) were systematically searched according to the PRISMA statement. Results were pooled in meta-analyses and expressed as risk ratios (RRs). In total, eight original trials comparing complete to partial fundoplication were identified. Seven of these studies had a retrospective study design. Short-term (RR 0.64; p = 0.28) and long-term (RR 0.85; p = 0.42) postoperative reflux control was similar for complete and partial fundoplication. Complete fundoplication required significantly more endoscopic dilatations for severe dysphagia (RR 7.26; p = 0.007) than partial fundoplication. This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that reflux control is similar after both complete and partial fundoplication, while partial fundoplication significantly reduces the number of dilatations to treat severe dysphagia. However, because of the lack of a well-designed study, we have to be cautious in making definitive conclusions. To decide which type of fundoplication is the best practice in pediatric GERD patients, more randomized controlled trials comparing complete to partial fundoplication in children with GERD are warranted.

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.

Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease

This article reviews the mechanisms responsible for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), available techniques for diagnosis, and current medical management. In addition, it extensively discusses the surgical treatment of GERD, emphasizing the use of minimally invasive techniques.

Surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: total or partial fundoplication? systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Although the high incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the population, there is much controversy in this topic, especially in the surgical treatment. The decision to use of a total or partial fundoplication in the treatment of GERD is still a challenge to many surgeons because the few evidence found in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To bring more clear evidence in the comparison between total and partial fundoplication.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic review of the literature and metaanalysis with randomized controlled trials accessed from MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane Controlled Trials Database was done. The outcomes remarked were: dysphagia, inability to belch, bloating, recurrence of acid reflux, heartburn and esophagitis. For data analysis the odds ratio was used with corresponding 95% confidence interval. Statistical heterogeneity in the results of the metaanalysis was assessed by calculating a test of heterogeneity. The software Review Manager 5 (Cochrane Collaboration) was utilized for the data gathered and the statistical analysis. Sensitive analysis was applied using only trials that included follow-up over 2 years.

RESULTS

Ten trials were included with 1003 patients: 502 to total fundoplication group and 501 to partial fundoplication group. The outcomes dysphagia and inability to belch had statistical significant difference (P = 0.00001) in favor of partial fundoplication. There was not statistical difference in outcomes related with treatment failure. There were no heterogeneity in the outcomes dysphagia and recurrence of the acid reflux.

CONCLUSION

The partial fundoplication has lower incidence of obstructive side effects.

Effectiveness of a transluminal endoscopic fundoplication for the treatment of pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease

PURPOSE

Although laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the standard surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), surgical complications and post-operative pain are not uncommon, especially for those patients who are neurologically impaired (NI) or undergoing re-operative procedures. To address this challenge, we utilized the transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) procedure to treat GERD via an endoscopic approach.

METHODS

Eleven TIF patients were included with an average age of 16.5 ± 5.1 years and weight of 45.7 ± 13.3 kg. NI was present in nine patients (82%), including a predominant number of patients with a history of seizures and gastrostomy tube feeding. Five patients had a history of a previous failed fundoplication requiring a re-operative procedure (45%). A retrospective chart review evaluated patient outcomes and post-operative complications.

RESULTS

The length of the TIF procedure was 113.3 ± 31.3 min with minimal blood loss. The length of stay was 1.2 ± 0.4 days, although one TIF patient was re-admitted for endoscopic clipping for gastric bleeding. At a follow-up of 8.2 ± 4.2 months, TIF effectively resolved GERD in 10 out of 11 children. A few of the patient's families reported complaints of gagging or dysphagia (30%, 3/11); however it was difficult to determine if complaints were due the procedures itself or baseline NI. All patients who had a follow-up upper GI or pH probe study showed no evidence of reflux. One TIF patient had no recurrent reflux but required an esophago-gastric disconnection for retching.

CONCLUSIONS

The TIF procedure can complement the current surgically and medically available options for children with GERD, especially in complicated patients such as those with NI. However, complications including hemorrhage emphasize the potential risk of the procedure. Further studies with more patients and a longer follow-up course must be conducted to better assess efficacy.

Pureed by gastrostomy tube diet improves gagging and retching in children with fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Children with feeding disorders requiring Nissen fundoplication may develop gagging and retching following gastrostomy feedings. We developed a "pureed by gastrostomy tube" (PBGT) diet in an attempt to treat these symptoms and provide adequate nutrition and hydration.

METHODS

Children post- fundoplication surgery with symptoms of gagging and retching with gastrostomy feedings were selected from our interdisciplinary feeding team. An individualized PBGT diet was designed to meet the child's nutrition goals. The child's weight gain was recorded at each follow-up visit. A telephone survey was performed to determine parents' perceptions of the child's symptoms and oral feeding tolerance.

RESULTS

Thirty-three children (mean age, 34.2 months) participated in the trial. Average weight gain on the PBGT diet was 6.2 g/d. Seventeen children (52%) were reported to have a 76%-100% reduction in gagging and retching. Twenty-four children (73%) were reported to have a ≥ 50% decrease in symptoms. No child had worsened symptoms on the PBGT diet. Nineteen children (57%) were reported to have an increase in oral intake on the PBGT diet.

CONCLUSIONS

A PBGT diet is an effective means of providing nutrition to children with feeding disorders. In children post-fundoplication surgery, a PBGT diet may decrease gagging and retching behaviors.

Long-term outcome of laparoscopic Nissen procedure in pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease measured using the modified QPSG Roma III European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition's questionnaire

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) represents the gold standard for surgical treatment for pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

We report the results of long-term outcome of 36 patients who had undergone LF from January to December 1998, with a follow-up longer than 10 years (range, 11-12 years). The patients were invited, by phone, to undergo a clinical follow-up. All patients underwent the modified European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN)'s Roma III questionnaire; however, only 22 out of 36 patients accepted to be controlled in a day hospital setting, and 10 out of 36 accepted to undergo a telephonic questionnaire. Our study is focused on the data of these 32 patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight out of 32 (87.5%) patients had completely recovered; 4 out of 32 patients (12.5%) had a mild persistent GER; 9 out of 32 patients (28%) referred a mild dysphagia; 21 out of 32 (66%) patients could burp; and only 9 out of 32 (28%) patients could vomit. The cosmetic result was good in 30 out of 32 (94%) patients. The weight/height ratio was satisfactory in 28 out of 32 (87.5%) patients. The quality of life was good in 28 out of 32 (87.5%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience shows that the long-term follow-up after LF produces a good clinical result and a good quality of life. The modified ESPGHAN's Roma III questionnaire seems an effective way to check the long-term results, because it avoids submitting patients to long and not well tolerated instrumental exams.

Population-based comparison of open vs laparoscopic esophagogastric fundoplication in children: application of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality pediatric quality indicators

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Increasing national focus on patient safety has promoted development of the pediatric quality indicators (PDIs), which screen for preventable events during provision of health care for children. Our objective is to apply these safety metrics to compare 2 surgical procedures in children, specifically laparoscopic and open esophagogastric fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis using 20 years of data from national representative state inpatient databases through the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project was conducted. Patients younger than 18 years with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, codes for open or laparoscopic esophagogastric fundoplication were included. Pediatric quality indicators were linked to each patient's profile. Demographics, comorbidities, outcomes, and 8 selected PDIs between open and laparoscopic fundoplications were compared using Pearson χ(2) tests and t tests.

RESULTS

Of 33,533 patients identified, 28,141 underwent open and 5392 underwent laparoscopic fundoplication. Comorbidities occurred more frequently in open surgery. In-hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospital charges were less in laparoscopic surgery. Of the 8 PDIs evaluated, decubitus ulcer (P = .04) and postoperative sepsis (P = .003) had decreased rates with laparoscopic surgery compared with open.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux in children can be performed safely compared with the open approach with equivalent or improved rates of PDIs.

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.

Development of a quality of life instrument for pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease: qualitative interviews

OBJECTIVES

Antireflux procedures (ARP) are commonly performed in children and there is no disease-specific quality of life (QOL) instrument for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) in children. The aim of this study was to identify the relevant domains for developing such an instrument. These domains will be validated in a future study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Parents of 19 patients (age 2 months-18 years) clinically diagnosed with GERD were recruited to complete semistructured interviews. Seven patients with adequate verbal skills were also interviewed. Patients were treated medically (13 patients) or with an ARP (6 patients). The interviews were analyzed using grounded theory.

RESULTS

GERD affects QOL through the following domains: symptom severity, feeding quality, sleep quality, hygiene, growth and development, social quality, self-image, coping skills, family QOL, health care usage, and impact of ARP. A greater-than-expected effect on parental QOL and remarkable use of accommodation were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

A pediatric GERD-specific instrument cannot rely on QOL perception alone, but must address broadly the impact of the disease and the effect of coping skills on the child and his or her family in their activities of daily living and interaction with society. We have identified reproducible domains that will serve as the foundation for such an instrument.

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.