Nationwide Outcomes and Readmission After Pediatric Laparoscopic and Open Fundoplication

Fundoplications are a common operation in the pediatric population. This study aims to explore outcomes comparing laparoscopic versus open operative techniques. From 2010 to 2014 the Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify patients aged 0-18 years who underwent a fundoplication. Propensity score matched analysis was performed based on 87 covariates. Demographics, hospital factors, readmissions, and complications were compared by surgical technique (laparoscopic versus open). There were 4411 patients (47% female) who underwent fundoplication via laparoscopic (69%) versus open (31%) technique. Gastrostomy tubes were placed in 75% of patients also undergoing fundoplication. Newborn made up 64% of the cohort, with 47% of newborns having cardiac anomalies and 96% being premature. Open fundoplications were more likely to be performed in newborns (72% versus 61%) and those in the lowest income quartile compared to laparoscopic (41% versus 31% P < .001), both P < .001. The readmission rate was 20% within 30 days and 38% within the year, with 15% admitted to a different hospital. Only 14% of readmissions were elective. Open fundoplication was associated with more unplanned readmissions (94% versus 84%), conversion to gastrojejunostomy tube (11% versus 5%) along with major (5% versus 3%) and minor (8% versus 2%) complications compared to the laparoscopic approach, all P < 0.001. The majority of fundoplications are being performed in newborns and are being done laparoscopically, which are associated with lower complication and postoperative readmission rates compared to open fundoplications.