Sequelae of antireflux surgery in profoundly disabled children

Between 1976 and 1989 an antireflux operation (193 Nissen; 5 Thal) was performed in 198 children with profound neurological impairment (NI). Etiology of the NI was a syndrome in 24%, congenital in 30%, and acquired in 46%. The most frequent symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), vomiting and pneumonia, were significantly reduced (P less than .05) after the antireflux operation. Postoperatively, 141 children (71%) developed return of one or more symptoms that had been preoperatively associated with GER, whereas 57 patients (29%) remained asymptomatic. Of the children with symptoms, 86 (61%) underwent diagnostic testing to exclude recurrent GER and 55 (39%) had no diagnostic evaluation. Recurrent GER was documented in 31 patients and a mechanical problem with the fundoplication in 18 children, an operative failure rate of 25%. The symptom-free interval following the antireflux operation averaged 11 months postoperatively; return of symptoms showed no statistical relationship to the etiology of NI, presence of seizures, or degree of muscle tone. The majority of children required multiple outpatient or emergency department visits for evaluation of these symptoms or assessment of gastrostomy tube problems. Survival of all children was 71% at an average postoperative follow-up of 3.5 years.