Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026
Author Spotlight: Recent Advancements in Reoperative Foregut Surgery
Published on: September 22, 2023
Fundoplication in neonates and infants with primary gastroesophageal reflux
Byung Geon Yoo1, Hea Kyoung Yang2, Yeoun Joo Lee2
1Postgraduate School of Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea.
Insights
Nissen fundoplication effectively resolves severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in infants under 12 months when medical management fails. This surgical approach demonstrated a safe profile with no fundoplication-related complications in the study cohort.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux is common in infants, but severe cases may require intervention.
- Medical management is the first line of treatment for severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Nissen fundoplication is considered for high-risk infants when conservative measures are ineffective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Nissen fundoplication in treating severe GERD in infants.
- To assess the safety and complication profile of Nissen fundoplication in this pediatric population.
- To analyze outcomes in infants under 12 months undergoing surgical intervention for GERD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case analysis of 11 infants under 12 months with severe GERD.
- Patients underwent Nissen fundoplication after failure of medical treatment.
- Data reviewed for symptom resolution and postoperative complications.
Main Results:
- All 11 infants experienced resolution of GERD symptoms post-surgery.
- No complications directly related to the Nissen fundoplication procedure were observed.
- One infant with congenital heart disease died from their underlying condition, unrelated to the surgery.
Conclusions:
- Nissen fundoplication is a safe and effective surgical treatment for severe GERD in neonates and infants.
- The procedure offers a viable solution for refractory infant GERD.
- Outcomes support fundoplication as a beneficial intervention in select pediatric cases.
Purpose:
Gastroesophageal reflux in infant is a physiological process. However, surgery is performed in high risk infants with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when medical management fails. This study focuses on efficacy and safety of Nissen fundoplication for GERD in infants under age 12 months.
Methods:
This study was a retrospective case analysis of 11 neonates and infants under 12 months of age who underwent Nissen fundoplication following a failure of medical treatment between June 2010 and June 2013 at Pusan National University Children's Hospital. The records were reviewed to determine the effect of fundoplication on symptoms and post-operative complications.
Results:
A total of 11 infants consist of four males and seven females. Mean birth weight was 2,305.5±558.6 g (1,390-3,130 g). They had some underlying disease, which are not related with GERD such as congenital heart disease (54.5%), prematurity (45.5%), neurologic disease (18.2%), respiratory disease (18.2%), and other gastrointestinal disease. Mean body weight at surgery was 3,803.6±1,864.9 g (1,938.7-5,668.5 g). Mean age at operation was 99.9±107.6 days (17-276 days). Duration from operation to full enteral feeding was 10.9 days. Symptoms related GERD disappeared in all patients including one who got reoperation. One infant died of congenital heart disease unrelated to surgery. There were no complications related to fundoplication.
Conclusion:
Fundoplication is effective and safe treatment in the neonates and infants with severe GERD.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:30Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
01:25Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
01:25Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
01:15Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube...