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Laparoscopic fundoplication in infants and children
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Alabama, 300 ACC, 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
Surgical Endoscopy
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Laparoscopic fundoplication offers a faster recovery and shorter hospital stay for pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease. This minimally invasive approach shows comparable or improved complication rates versus open surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition in children.
- Laparoscopic fundoplication is an emerging surgical technique for managing pediatric GERD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication in a cohort of pediatric patients.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 160 children undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication.
- Procedures included Nissen or Toupet fundoplication, with concurrent gastrostomy and gastric outlet procedures as needed.
Main Results:
- Conversion to open surgery occurred in 7.5% of patients.
- Laparoscopic gastrostomies and gastric outlet procedures were performed in 75.7% and 41.9% of patients, respectively.
- Complication rates were low (7.4% for fundoplication, 8.0% for gastrostomy, 4.8% for gastric outlet procedures), with one surgical mortality (0.7%).
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic fundoplication facilitates quicker patient recovery and reduced hospital stays.
- The complication rates are comparable or superior to traditional open fundoplication, supporting its use in pediatric GERD treatment.

