Antireflux surgery outcomes in pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease.
OBJECTIVE
Antireflux surgery is performed frequently in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Few comparative studies exist which assess the indications for and short- or long-term outcome of open Nissen fundoplication (ONF) and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) for pediatric GERD. We investigated the frequency of reoperation and factors that might influence its occurrence.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective, follow up cohort study of all children </=5 years, who underwent LNF or ONF at our institution from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2002, where five pediatric surgeons perform fundoplication. Mean follow up time was 36.2 months. The following information was obtained: surgical indications, hospital course data, and long-term surgical outcomes. Data were analyzed using univariate and multiple logistic regressions.


RESULTS
Overall, 456 (150 [32.9%] ONF vs. 306 [67.1%] LNF) cases were analyzed. Reoperation was performed in 55 (12.06%), LNF 43 (14.05%), and ONF 12 (8%). The mean interim to reoperation for LNF was 11 months compared to 17 months for ONF (p= 0.007). The reoperation rate at 12 and 24 months were 10.5%, 13.4% and 4%, 6.7% respectively, when LNF was compared to ONF (p= 0.01). The multivariate analysis showed that initial LNF and prematurity were the main predictors for reoperation.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of reoperations for both LNF and ONF occurred in the first year after initial operation; LNF had a significantly higher reoperation rate than ONF. The probability of reoperation for LNF and ONF increases with the presence of comorbidities, especially prematurity and chronic respiratory conditions.
Diaz
Diego M
DM
Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
Gibbons
Troy E
TE
Heiss
Kurt
K
Wulkan
Mark L
ML
Ricketts
Richard R
RR
Gold
Benjamin D
BD
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D018662:Fundoplication / Q000009:adverse effects; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D012086:Reoperation