Oral dysfunction following Nissen fundoplication

In this case report we describe a child with mild neurologic impairment who developed debilitating gagging and retching, and severe oral-motor dysfunction following Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy tube placement. All oral intake ceased after the operation. Evaluation for postoperative dumping syndrome was negative, and the child's symptoms failed to improve despite numerous medical and surgical measures. However, immediately following reversal of the Nissen fundoplication, the child's gagging and retching ceased, and his oral-motor function began to improve. This is a previously undescribed complication of Nissen fundoplication, a surgical procedure commonly employed in children with neurologic impairment.