The uncut Collis-Nissen fundoplication: results for 79 consecutively treated high-risk children.
OBJECTIVE
The Nissen fundoplication fails to control gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in up to 25% of children with neurological impairment or chronic lung disease. The uncut Collis modification lengthens the intraabdominal esophagus, improving the antireflux function without opening the stomach. This study reviews the results of the uncut Collis-Nissen fundoplication in a pediatric series.


METHODS
Seventy-nine children had an uncut Collis-Nissen fundoplication performed over a 5-year period. The median age was 1.4 years. Associated problems included neurological impairment (77%), chronic lung disease (38%), and esophageal atresia (3%). Surgery was undertaken only in children with objective documentation of pathological GER, who had GER complications unresponsive to medical treatment. The usual complications that led to surgery were pulmonary (73%), esophagitis (67%), or failure to thrive (35%). Liquid gastric emptying was assessed routinely preoperatively, and was delayed in 42% patients who then had concomitant pyloroplasty.


RESULTS
GER was controlled in 97% of patients after a median follow-up of 1.8 years. All children with recurrent symptoms were restudied, and only two children had documented recurrent GER. One of these required a repeat fundoplication. Thirty-three percent were on promotility medication for feeding difficulties, gagging, or retching. There were postoperative complications in 26% (minor 23%, major 3%) and one postoperative mortality. Eleven late deaths were unrelated to surgery or GER.


CONCLUSIONS
The uncut Collis-Nissen fundoplication provides excellent control of GER in children and is associated with acceptable morbidity and low mortality. It should be particularly considered in children with neurological impairment or chronic lung disease.
Cameron
B H
BH
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA, USA.
Cochran
W J
WJ
McGill
C W
CW
D000293:Adolescent; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D018662:Fundoplication / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D018579:Patient Selection; D010414:Pennsylvania / Q000453:epidemiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications