Related Experiment Videos
Laparoscopic Thal fundoplication in severely scoliotic children
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Wilhelmina, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Surgical Endoscopy
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Laparoscopic Thal fundoplication offers improved surgical access and visibility for treating gastroesophageal reflux in children with severe scoliosis. This minimally invasive approach resulted in good outcomes with short hospital stays and no symptomatic reflux post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux in children with severe scoliosis presents challenges due to limited surgical workspace.
- The deep and often rotated hiatus in these patients complicates exposure during open procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic Thal fundoplication in severely scoliotic children.
- To assess if the laparoscopic approach improves operative visibility and access compared to open surgery.
Main Methods:
- Laparoscopic Thal fundoplication was performed on five severely scoliotic children between February and December 1994.
- Four patients also underwent feeding gastrostomy.
- Postoperative assessment included pH studies at 3 months.
Main Results:
- No intraoperative complications were reported.
- The laparoscopic approach provided enhanced operative visibility and access to the hiatus.
- Mean hospital stay was 3 days.
- All patients showed no symptomatic postoperative gastroesophageal reflux, confirmed by pH studies.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic Thal fundoplication is a viable and effective surgical option for treating gastroesophageal reflux in severely scoliotic children.
- The technique offers advantages in visibility and access over traditional open surgery for this patient population.