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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice
Published on: August 25, 2015
Insights
Infants with gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) due to hiatal hernia often improve with conservative treatments like postural therapy. Surgery is reserved for severe or unresponsive cases, with fundoplication being a preferred antireflux operation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) is common in infants.
- Hiatal hernias can cause or exacerbate GER.
- Conservative management is often effective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline management strategies for infant GER associated with hiatal hernias.
- To differentiate treatment approaches based on hernia severity and complications.
Main Methods:
- Review of conservative management options including postural therapy, thickened feeds, and medications (antacids, domperidone, cimetidine).
- Indications for surgical intervention, specifically antireflux surgery (Belsey MK IV fundoplication).
- Management of complicated cases, including strictures and post-atresia repair reflux.
Main Results:
- Conservative management is effective for uncomplicated hiatal hernias.
- Surgical antireflux procedures are indicated for refractory cases or severe hernias.
- Esophageal dilatations may be needed for strictures.
Conclusions:
- Most infant GER with hiatal hernia resolves with conservative care.
- Antireflux surgery is safe and effective for complicated or severe cases.
- Surgical intervention is typically reserved for infants over 12 months unless severe.
Abstract:
Parental reassurance and thickened feeds are the only requirements in the management of infants with reflux when this is the sole detectable gastro-oesophageal abnormality. In view of the strong propensity for spontaneous clinical resolution and the excellent results achieved by conservative management, infants with reflux due to a partial thoracic stomach (hiatal hernia) uncomplicated by a stricture should be treated in the first instance by postural therapy, with or without thickened feeds and supplements of antacids, domperidone, and cimetidine. Those showing no response after an adequate period of conservative treatment should have an antireflux operation. The Belsey MK IV type of fundoplication is preferred. Only an exceptional patient will require to be treated surgically before 12 months of age. The same surgical antireflux procedure, combined with oesophageal dilatations as necessary, is the treatment of choice for patients with a partial thoracic stomach complicated by a reflux oesophageal stricture. A similar treatment regimen should be followed for patients with reflux after repair of an oesophageal atresia. Surgical correction is mandatory for all infants with reflux due to a large combined hiatal hernia.
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