Laparoscopic fundoplication in children--an audit of fifty cases.
Critical evaluation of new laparoscopic procedures in childhood are essential. The aim of this study was to audit fifty laparoscopic fundoplications in children.


METHODS
Evaluation of the financial implications, hospital stay, analgesia requirements, operative morbidity and symptom control was undertaken.


RESULTS
50 laparoscopic fundoplications were performed on children (6 months to 13 years) with a median follow-up period of 31.8 months. The conversion rate to an open procedure was 8%. The median length of opiate requirement for opiate analgesia was 1 day (range 1-5), post-operative stay 2 days (range 2-15). The operative morbidity was 8% (respiratory infection, pneumothorax, two patients, oesophageal perforation one patient). The recurrences rate was 6%. Whilst a prospective randomised trial is essential to satisfy the requirements of evidence-based medicine, the results of our review of laparoscopic fundoplication are encouraging.
Dick
A C
AC
Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Northern Ireland, UK.
Potts
S R
SR
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018662:Fundoplication / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008485:Medical Audit; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid