Pediatric surgeons and gastroesophageal reflux

Background/Aims: Better antacid medications and the introduction of laparoscopy destabilize the indications for fundoplication. This study aims at raising a discussion among pediatric surgeons on these indications, modalities, and the results of this operation. Materials and Methods: A total of 252 refluxing children operated between 1992 and 2006 were divided into groups according to predominant symptoms (93 digestive, 47 respiratory, and 68 neurologic) or to comorbidities (27 esophageal atresia, 10 diaphragmatic hernia, 5 abdominal wall defects, and 2 caustic stricture), and the indications, complications, mortality, and long-term results were reviewed. Features of open (n = 135) and laparoscopic (n = 117) approaches were compared, and long-term integrity of the wrap was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Digestive, respiratory, and neurologic patients had more often laparoscopic plications, whereas all others rather had an open approach. The rate of complications was 22%, and they were more frequent in children operated by laparotomy (P <.05). Median follow up was 51.3 months (range, 6-160). Overall wrap integrity was maintained in 89% of the children, and the proportions for digestive, respiratory, and neurologic groups were 95%, 95%, and 87%, respectively. For esophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, abdominal wall defects, and caustic stricture, they were 72%, 77%, 100%, and 0%, respectively. The functional results were fully satisfactory in 83% of patients. There were 17 deaths (6.7%), but only 3 in the first postoperative month and only 1 related to the operation (0.4%). Conclusions: Fundoplication is a powerful method of reflux control. It is indicated after failure of medical treatment in gastroesophageal reflux disease and in symptomatic refluxers with some particular comorbidities. Surgery should be offered only after diagnosis has been firmly established, and the indications must remain identical for open and laparoscopic procedures. High technical standards and rigorous report of the results are required for keeping a relevant place of pediatric surgery in the treatment of this disease.