Fundoplication For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Research Articles

Transoral incisionless fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux disease: Techniques and outcomes.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common disorder that results primarily from the loss of an effective antireflux barrier, which forms a mechanical obstacle to the retrograde movement of gastric content. GERD can be currently treated by medical therapy, surgical or endoscopic transoral intervention. Medical therapy is the most common approach, though concerns have been increasingly raised in recent years about the potential side effects of continuous long-term medication, drug intolerance or unresponsiveness, and the need for high dosages for long periods to treat symptoms or prevent recurrences. Surgery too may in some cases have consequences such as long-lasting dysphagia, flatulence, inability to belch or vomit, diarrhea, or functional dyspepsia related to delayed gastric emptying. In the last few years, transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) has proved an effective and promising therapeutic option as an alternative to medical and surgical therapy. This review describes the steps of the TIF technique, using the EsophyX(®) device and the MUSE(TM) system. Complications and their management are described in detail, and the recent literature regarding the outcomes is reviewed. TIF reconfigures the tissue to obtain a full-thickness gastro-esophageal valve from inside the stomach, by serosa-to-serosa plications which include the muscle layers. To date the procedure has achieved lasting improvement of GERD symptoms (up to six years), cessation or reduction of proton pump inhibitor medication in about 75% of patients, and improvement of functional findings, measured by either pH or impedance monitoring.

Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease-related cough: a report of 70 cases

To investigate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-related cough. Retrospective review of 70 patients with GERD-related cough who received laparoscopic fundoplication in GERD Department of The Second Artillery General Hospital during June 2008 to June 2013 was carried out. GERD-related symptoms (reflux, heartburn, cough, expectoration, globus sensation and hoarseness) before and after surgery were compared through questionnaire, and the symptom remission rate (preoperative symptom score - postoperative symptom score)/preoperative symptom score×100%) was calculated. Complication morbidity and satisfaction degree of patients were investigated. The GERD-related symptom scores of regurgitation, heartburn, cough, expectoration, globus sensation and hoarseness all significantly decreased (all P<0.01) after the anti-reflux laparoscopic fundoplication, with the corresponding symptom remission rates as (79.4±23.2)%, (82.0±21.5)%, (72.2±28.5)%, (62.6±28.9)%, (76.1±31.5)% and (70.8±39.3)% respectively. No major complication and death occurred. Five cases (7.1%) had pneumoperitoneum-related chest or neck subcutaneous emphysema, 17 cases (24.3% ) had various degree of early and late dysphagia, 6 cases (8.6%) had increased flatus and 2 cases had bloating after surgery. All the complications could be cured by appropriate treatment. Among all the patients, 16 cases (15.7%) felt very satisfied, 37 cases (52.9%) felt satisfied, 11 cases (15.7%) felt acceptable, 4 cases (5.7%) felt unsatisfied and 2 cases felt very unsatisfied with the surgery. Laparoscopic fundoplication is safe and effective for GERD-related cough, with quite high satisfaction degree form patients.

Dynamics of quality of life improvement after floppy Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

IntroductionGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a negative impact on global quality of life (QOL) of patients. In patients affected by GERD, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is one of the most commonly performed laparoscopic procedures worldwide.AimTo prospectively analyze the dynamics of QOL as well as severity of pain in patients with GERD, before and after laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication.Material and methodsThe study involved 104 consecutive patients operated on for GERD in whom laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication was performed. QOL was assessed before surgery and 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after. The following instruments were used: FACIT-G, FACIT-TS-G, GIQLI, GERD symptom scale.ResultsIt was found that symptom relief and quality of life improvement presented different dynamics in the postoperative course. Observations revealed relief of symptoms 1 month after surgery and improvement in QOL related to the gastrointestinal tract and pain 3 months after surgery. Global QOL increased significantly as late as 12 months after surgery.ConclusionsGastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disease of long duration, leading to impairment of quality of life. Patients, apart from typical symptoms of GERD, suffer from pain of significant severity. QOL improves significantly after surgery. Surgical treatment results in relief of GERD symptoms, which leads to gradual improvement of QOL.

Over 250 Laparoendoscopic Single Site (LESS) Fundoplications: Lessons Learned

Laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) surgery is a more recent advance in the progression of minimally invasive surgery. This study was undertaken to assess lessons learned after our first 250 LESS fundoplications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). All patients undergoing LESS fundoplications were prospectively followed from 2008 to 2014. Patients scored the frequency/severity of their symptoms before/after LESS fundoplication using a Likert scale (0 = never/not bothersome to 10 = always/very bothersome). Patients also scored satisfaction with their incision using a Likert scale (1 = revolting to 10 = beautiful). A total of 300 patients undergoing LESS fundoplication for GERD were not different by age or gender. Surgeons undertook 190 Nissen fundoplications and 110 Toupet fundoplications; 28 of which were "redo" fundoplications. Preoperative symptoms were notable, especially heartburn (frequency = 8, severity = 7). Symptoms were ameliorated postoperatively (e.g., heartburn: frequency = 0, severity = 0, P < 0.01). Postoperatively, patients scored satisfaction of their incisions with a median score of 10. Eighty-three per cent of patients were at least satisfied with their overall experience; 92 per cent would undergo the operation again knowing what they know now. Patients report significant symptom relief, high satisfaction, and excellent cosmesis after LESS fundoplication. LESS fundoplication safely ameliorates symptoms of GERD with pronounced satisfaction, in part, because of the cosmetic outcome (i.e., lack of scaring), and its application is encouraged.

A Single Institutions First 100 Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Fundoplications: Where are They 20 Years Later?

Although anti-reflux surgery has been used liberally over the past decades for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), few studies report follow-up after 10 years. This study was undertaken to report follow-up on 100 consecutive GERD patients up to 22 years after utilizing a laparoscopic fundoplication. Hundred consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD were prospectively followed beginning in 1992. The frequency and severity of symptoms before and after laparoscopic fundoplication were scored on a Likert scale (1 = never/none to 10 = always/very bothersome). Median data are reported. Of the 100 patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication for their GERD, nine were reoperations. Twenty-six patients are deceased on average 11 years after their fundoplications. Seventy-four patients are alive, with 27 patients, actively followed for 19 years after their fundoplications. At most recent follow-up, patients experienced long-term amelioration of symptom frequency and severity after fundoplication (e.g., heartburn frequency = 8-2, severity = 8-1; P < 0.01 for each). Eighty-four per cent of patients rated their symptom frequency as less than once per month. Eighty-eight per cent of patients were satisfied with their postoperative results, and 95 per cent of patients confirmed they would have the operation again knowing what they know now. Long-term follow-up documents high patient satisfaction and durable symptomatic relief up to two decades after laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD. Patients should seek this operation not only for symptomatic relief, but to mitigate the deleterious effects of long-term acid exposure and anti-acid therapy.

Long-term and ‘patient-reported’ outcomes of total esophagogastric dissociation versus laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease in the severely neurodisabled child

AimFundoplication has high failure rates in neurodisability: esophagogastric dissociation (TOGD) has been proposed as an alternative. This study aimed to compare the long-term and ‘patient-reported’ outcomes of TOGD and laparoscopic fundoplication (LapFundo). MethodsMatched cohort comparison comprises (i) retrospective analysis from a prospective database and (ii) carer questionnaire survey of symptoms and quality of life (CP-QoL-Child). Children were included if they had severe neurodisability (Gross Motor Function Classification System five) and spasticity. ResultsGroups were similar in terms of previous surgery and comorbidities. The TOGD group was younger (22 vs. 31.5months, p=0.038) with more females (18/23 vs. 11/24, p=0.036). TOGD was more likely to require intensive care: operative time, length of stay and time to full feeds were all longer (p<0.0001). Median follow-up was 6.3 and 5.8years. Rates of complications were comparable. Symptom recurrence (5/24 vs. 1/23, p=0.34) and use of acid-reducing medication (13/24 vs. 4/23, p=0.035) were higher for LapFundo. Carer-reported symptoms and QoL were similar. ConclusionsTOGD had similar efficacy to LapFundo (with suggestion of lower failure), with comparable morbidity and carer-reported outcomes. However, TOGD was more ‘invasive,’ requiring longer periods of rehabilitation. Families should be offered both procedures as part of comprehensive preoperative counseling.

A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials to Compare Long-Term Outcomes of Nissen and Toupet Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

AimIn recent years, several studies with large sample sizes and recent follow-up data have been published comparing outcomes between laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication. It is now timely to be re-evaluated and synthesized long-term efficacy and adverse events of both total and partial posterior fundoplication.Materials and MethodsElectronic searches for RCTs comparing the outcome after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication were performed in the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials. The data of evaluation in positive and adverse results of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication were extracted and compared using meta-analysis.Results13 RCTs were ultimately identified involving 814 (52.05%) and 750 (47.95%) patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication, respectively. The operative time, perioperative complications, postoperative satisfaction, recurrence, and the rates of medication adoption or re-operation due to recurrence were not significantly different between two groups. The two types of fundoplication both reinforced the anti-reflux barrier and elevated the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. However, rates of adverse results involving dysphasia, gas-bloat syndrome, inability to belch and re-operation due to severe dysphasia were significantly higher after LNF. In the subgroup analysis of wrap length≤2cm, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was associated with a significantly higher incidence of postoperative dysphagia. However, in the subgroup wrap length>2cm, the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionLaparoscopic Toupet fundoplication might be the better surgery approach for gastroesophageal reflux disease with a lower rate of postoperative adverse results and equal effectiveness as Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Predictive factors for short gastric vessels division during laparoscopic total fundoplication.

to determine clinical variables that can predict the need for division of the short gastric vessels (SGV), based on the gastric fundus tension, assessing postoperative outcomes in patients submitted or not to section of these vessels. we analyzed data from 399 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The section of the SGV was performed according to the surgeon evaluation, based on the fundus tension. Patients were divided into two groups: not requiring SGV section (group A) or requiring SGV section (group B). the section was not necessary in 364 (91%) patients (Group A) and required in 35 (9%) patients (Group B). Group B had proportionally more male patients and higher average height. The endoscopic parameters were worse for Group B, with larger hiatal hernias, greater hernias proportion with more than four centimeters, more intense esophagitis, higher proportion of Barrett's esophagus and long Barrett's esophagus. Male gender and grade IV-V esophagitis were considered independent predictors in the multivariate analysis. Transient dysphagia and GERD symptoms were more common in Group B. the division of the short gastric vessels is not required routinely, but male gender and grade IV-V esophagitis are independent predictors of the need for section of these vessels.

Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation with the LINX Device for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease after U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approval

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) of the gastroesophageal junction with the LINX Reflux Management System is an alternative to fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2012. This is a prospective observational study of all patients who underwent placement of the LINX at two institutions from April 2012 to December 2013 to evaluate our clinical experience with the LINX device after FDA approval. There were no intraoperative complications and only four mild postoperative morbidities: three urinary retentions and one readmission for dehydration. The mean operative time was 60 minutes (range, 31 to 159 minutes) and mean length of stay was 11 hours (range, 5 to 35 hours). GERD health-related quality-of-life scores were available for 83 per cent of patients with a median follow-up of five months (range, 3 to 14 months) and a median score of four (range, 0 to 26). A total of 76.9 per cent of patients were no longer taking proton pump inhibitors. The most common postoperative complaint was dysphagia, which resolved in 79.1 per cent of patients with a median time to resolution of eight weeks. There were eight patients with persistent dysphagia that required balloon dilation with improvement in symptoms. MSA with LINX is a safe and effective alternative to fundoplication for treatment of GERD. The most common postoperative complaint is mild to moderate dysphagia, which usually resolves within 12 weeks.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation and fundoplication for GERD in clinical practice: one-year results of a multicenter, prospective observational study.

The techniques available for antireflux surgery have expanded with the introduction of the magnetic sphincter augmentation device (MSAD) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A prospective, multicenter registry evaluated MSAD and laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) in clinical practice (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01624506). Data collection included baseline characteristics, reflux symptoms, proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use, side effects, and complications. Post-surgical evaluations were collected at one year. At report, 249 patients (202 MSAD patients and 47 LF patients) had completed one-year follow-up. The LF group was older and had a greater frequency of large hiatal hernias and Barrett's esophagus than the MSAD group (P < 0.001). The median GERD-health related quality of life score improved from 20.0 to 3.0 after MSAD and 23.0 to 3.5 after LF. Moderate or severe regurgitation improved from 58.2 to 3.1% after MSAD and 60.0 to 13.0% after LF (P = 0.014). Discontinuation of PPIs was achieved by 81.8% of patients after MSAD and 63.0% after LF (P = 0.009). Excessive gas and abdominal bloating were reported by 10.0% of patients after MSAD and 31.9% following LF (P ≤ 0.001). Following MSAD, 91.3% of patients were able to vomit if needed, compared with 44.4% of those undergoing LF (P < 0.001). Reoperation rate was 4.0% following MSAD and 6.4% following LF. Antireflux surgery should be individualized to the characteristics of each patient, taking into consideration anatomy and propensity and tolerance of side effects. Both MSAD and LF showed significant improvements in reflux control, with similar safety and reoperation rates. In the treatment continuum of antireflux surgery, MSAD should be considered as a first-line surgical option in appropriately selected patients without Barrett's esophagus or a large hiatal hernia in order to avoid unnecessary dissection and preserve the patient's native gastric anatomy. MSAD is an important treatment option and will expand the surgeon's role in treating GERD.

Outcome of Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Non-responders to Proton Pump Inhibitors

BackgroundGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common public health problem. Medical treatment remains the first line of treatment of GERD. Failure of medical treatment may occur in up to 45 % of GERD patients. This study aims to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) as a means of antireflux surgery in patients with poor response to anti-reflux medication. Patients and MethodsThis is a prospective study of patients who underwent LNF in the period between January 2000 and December 2010 in the Gastrointestinal Surgical Center, Mansoura University, Egypt. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively, after 1 year, by clinical examination, esophagogastroscope, barium esophagography, esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring. Patient satisfaction after surgery was also graded through a questionnaire. ResultsThe study population was 370 patients. 296 patients were good responders to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) while 74 patients were PPI non-responders. Preoperatively, atypical reflux symptoms were significantly more in PPI non-responders (P = 0.006). On follow-up, PPI responders significantly reported relief of heartburn (P = 0.01) and regurgitation (P = 0.04). Patient satisfaction was more in PPI responders (P = 0.04). Both groups were comparable regarding anatomical and functional assessment. Integrity of the wrap was higher in PPI responders (P = 0.04). ConclusionPPI non-responders should not be precluded from LNF. Thorough assessment is mandatory to confirm GERD diagnosis. A substantial proportion of PPI failures show good response to LNF but significantly than clinical response in PPI responders. Increased likelihood of poor outcome after surgery should be discussed with the patient.

Minimally Invasive Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Fundoplication failure offers Excellent Gastroesophageal Reflux Control

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) may represent a superior alternative to reoperative fundoplication in patients with symptomatic failure. Our goal was to assess early outcomes of patients after RYGB for failed fundoplication. Records of patients who underwent fundoplication takedown and RYGB from March 2007 to June 2013 were reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, operative findings, and perioperative outcomes. Data are reported as medians (range). Forty-five patients who had undergone 64 prior antireflux procedures (range, one to three fundoplications) were identified. Median patient age was 56 years (range, 25 to 72 years) with a body mass index of 33 kg/m(2) (range, 22 to 51 kg/m(2)). Most patients had comorbidities: hypertension (60%), anxiety/depression (44.4%), dyslipidemia (33.3%), asthma (31%), obstructive sleep apnea (26.7%), arthritis (22.2%), and diabetes (11.1%). Median symptom-free interval was 3 years (range, 0 to 25 years). All patients had an anatomic reason for failure: 83 per cent had a hiatal hernia and 35 per cent had a slipped Nissen fundoplication. The procedures were accomplished laparoscopically in 28, robotically in 13, and open in four cases. Median operative time was 367 minutes (range, 190 to 600 minutes) and estimated blood loss averaged 100 mL (range, 25 to 500 mL). Five patients (11%) required reoperation: one for an anastomotic leak, one for anastomotic obstruction, and three for early obstruction resulting from adhesions. Two patients developed respiratory failure requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. Length of stay averaged four days (range, 1 to 33 days) with two readmissions: one for melena and one for vomiting and dehydration; neither required intervention. There was no mortality. At 11 months of follow-up (range, 2.3 to 54 months), 93.3 per cent of patients were symptom-free. When primary fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease fails, fundoplication takedown and RYGB can be accomplished safely with minimally invasive techniques. The conversion to a RYGB has an acceptable perioperative morbidity and excellent early symptom control, and, therefore, should be considered for reoperative patients gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Robotic Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a meta-analysis of prospective randomized controlled trials.

Since its introduction, the Da Vinci surgical system for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been the subject of much controversy. Several prospective randomized controlled trials, conducted to assess its effectiveness and safety, have revealed differences. We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the efficiency and safety of robotic Nissen fundoplication for GERD. We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and OVID-MEDLINE, from 1950 to the present, with daily updates generated by a computer, to identify all published papers on robotic Nissen fundoplication for the treatment of GERD. The meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager Version 5.0. Differences of the overall effect were considered significant at P<0.05 with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Five studies with a collective total of 160 patients were included. Apart from intra-operative and post-operative complications, which were excluded because of incomplete primary data, there were no significant differences in outcomes, including of total operation interval (P=0.16), effective operation interval (P=0.95), post-operative dysphagia (P=0.94), intra-operative conversion (P=0.94), re-operation (P=0.43), hospital stay (P=0.97) and in-hospital costs (P=0.08). As current data do not clarify the advantages of the Da Vinci surgical system in Nissen fundoplication for GERD, we believe that a large a multi-center controlled trial is warranted.

Dextranomer Hyaluronic Acid Copolymer Effects on Gastroesophageal Junction

The outcomes of fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease are suboptimal in many children, and alternatives are clearly needed. Dextranomer hyaluronic acid (DxHA) copolymer, an agent with proven efficacy in vesicoureteral reflux, was studied with respect to its effects on the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Twelve New Zealand white rabbits underwent measurement of lower esophageal sphincter pressure followed by laparotomy and injection into the muscular layer of the GEJ (controls, 1.0 mL saline; low-dose DxHA [0.5 mL]; high-dose DxHA [1.0 mL]). After a 12-week survival period, the animals underwent manometry, sacrifice, and necropsy. Organs were examined histologically by pathologists blinded to the injection delivered. All animals survived. Weight gain was equal in the 3 groups. There was no significant difference in mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure from baseline in any group (control 2.3 mmHg [95% confidence interval, CI -3.3 to 7.9]; low-dose group 3.2 mmHg [95% CI -0.8 to 7.2]; high-dose group -4.0 mmHg [95% CI -18.95 to 10.95]). Histologically, DxHA injection produced an intramural implant, with a foreign body giant cell reaction, and fibroblastic infiltration with collagen deposition. High-dose injection did not consistently result in a qualitative increase in the magnitude of the reaction. There was no mucosal injury or luminal stenosis. In this first study evaluating the effects of DxHA injection at the GEJ, a histologic bulking effect was observed without obvious functional complications. The agent may have a role in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Perioperative outcome of esophageal fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease in obese and morbidly obese patients

BackgroundTo determine the perioperative safety of esophageal fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2. MethodsA retrospective review of 4,231 patients who underwent fundoplication for GERD from 2005 to 2009 was performed. Patients were identified via National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and grouped by BMI < 35 versus BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2. Univariate analysis compared 30-day outcomes. ResultsOf the 4,231 patients, 3,496 (83%) had BMI < 35 kg/m2 and 735 (17%) had BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2. Mean BMI for each cohort was 27.9 versus 39.1, respectively. Patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 had significantly longer operative times (129.7 vs 118 minutes, P < .0001) and increased American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (2.43 vs 2.3, P = .001). The overall complication rate was 1.96%. No difference was demonstrated by BMI in complication rate or hospital length of stay. Increased American Society of Anesthesiologists score, diabetes, black race, longer operative time, and intraoperative transfusion significantly increased postoperative complication rates. ConclusionsNo increased risk is conferred to morbidly obese patients who undergo fundoplication for GERD management. This study identified independent patient risk factors for postoperative complication following esophageal fundoplication.

Systematic review: Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease in partial responders to proton pump inhibitors

To assess laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) in partial responders to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We systematically searched PubMed and Embase (1966-Dec 2011) for articles reporting data on LF efficacy in partial responders. Due to a lack of randomized controlled trials, observational studies were included. Of 558 articles screened, 17 were eligible for inclusion. Prevalence data for individual symptoms were collated across studies according to mutually compatible time points (before and/or after LF). Where suitable, prevalence data were presented as percentage of patients reporting symptoms of any frequency or severity. Due to a lack of standardized reporting of symptoms, the proportion of patients experiencing symptoms was recorded across studies where possible. After LF, the proportion of partial responders with heartburn was reduced from 93.1% (5 studies) to 3.8% (5 studies), with similar results observed for regurgitation [from 78.4% (4 studies) to 1.9% (4 studies)]. However, 10 years after LF, 35.8% (2 studies) of partial responders reported heartburn and 29.1% (1 study) reported regurgitation. The proportion using acid-suppressive medication also increased, from 8.8% (4 studies) in the year after LF to 18.2% (2 studies) at 10 years. In the only study comparing partial responders to PPI therapy with complete responders, higher symptom scores and more frequent acid-suppressive medication use were seen in partial responders after LF. GERD symptoms improve after LF, but subsequently recur, and acid-suppressive medication use increases. LF may be less effective in partial responders than in complete responders.

Outcomes of Pediatric Laparoscopic Fundoplication: A Critical Review of the Literature

Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common procedures performed in children. A critical literature review was performed to evaluate the level and quality of evidence supporting the efficacy of this procedure. Systematic reviews of the EMBASE, PubMed and CENTRAL databases were conducted to retrieve all articles published over a 15-year period (1996 to 2010) reporting medium- to long-term outcomes (minimum six months follow-up) of laparoscopic fundoplication for the treatment of pediatric GERD. Articles were critically appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale and the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Extracted outcomes included GERD recurrence, need for reoperation, postoperative morbidity and mortality. A total of 5302 articles were retrieved. Thirty-six studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria, including five prospective (level 2b), four retrospective comparative (level 3b) and 27 case series (level 4). No studies compared laparoscopic fundoplication with medical treatment. Thirty-six per cent of studies did not describe the symptoms used to suspect GERD; 11% did not disclose the diagnostic modalities used; and 41% did not report the findings of diagnostic modalities. Only 17% of studies provided a definition of recurrence, and only 14% attempted to control for confounding variables. The follow-up intervals were inconsistently reported, ranging between two months and nine years. Significant heterogeneity among studies limited the ability to pool outcomes. Mean (± SD) recurrence rates varied between 0% and 48±19.6% of patients. Reoperation was required in 0.69±0.95% to 17.7±8.4% of patients. Mortality ranged between 0% and 24±16.7%. The level and quality of the evidence supporting laparoscopic fundoplication are extremely poor. Higher-quality data are required before the procedure can be considered to be an effective intervention in the treatment of pediatric GERD.

Fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: regional variability and factors predicting operative approach

We have recently shown that the majority of patients undergoing fundoplication in the United States are women. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that nonbiological factors contribute to the decisions on surgical reflux therapy. Using State Inpatient Databases of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, we extracted annual fundoplication rates, sex distribution, age cohorts, racial background, and insurance coverage. To account for potential differences in state populations, the results were normalized and correlated with Census data, adult obesity rates, median income, poverty rates, and physician workforce within the state. Fundoplication rates varied fivefold between states, ranging from 4.1±0.1 per 100,000 in New Jersey to 21.8±0.4 per 100,000 in Oregon. Higher poverty rates and a higher fraction of Caucasians within a state independently predicted higher fundoplication rates. While the majority of operations were performed laparoscopically, surgical approaches also differed between states with rates of laparoscopic ranging from 52.3±1.8% in Oklahoma to 87.4±1.7% in Hawaii. A lower number of pediatric and Medicaid-insured patient and a higher fraction of privately insured patients best predicted higher rates of laparoscopic surgery. Our study shows significant regional variation in surgical reflux management, which cannot be explained by differences in disease mechanisms. Insurance coverage and racial background influenced the likelihood of surgery, suggesting a role of financial incentives.

Two Decades of Experience with Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication in Infants and Children: A Critical Evaluation of Indications, Technique, and Results

Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease has become a common procedure performed in infants and children over the last 20 years. This report describes a 20-year experience with nearly 2000 consecutive laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications. With Institutional Review Board approval, the data of all patients undergoing fundoplication from 1992 to 2011 were reviewed. Data were kept prospectively from the time of first encounter with each patient. Ages ranged from 5 days to 18 years, and weight ranged from 1.2 to 120 kg. The 2008 fundoplications were performed by or under the direct supervision of a single surgeon. Patients were divided into groups based on age: <6 months, 6-12 months, 1-6 years, and >6 years. Data on indications, surgical demographics, postoperative course including any complications, and long-term follow-up were kept prospectively on each patient. Average operative time dropped dramatically from 109 minutes for the first 30 cases compared with 35 minutes for the last 30. Of the 283 procedures that were redo fundoplications, 85 patients had had previous open surgery, and 198 cases had had previous laparoscopic surgery. Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were 0.13% and 4.0%, respectively, in the primary group but were 2.2% and 4.2%, respectively, in the redo group. Average time to discharge post-fundoplication for the primary group was 1.1 days. The overall wrap failure rate for primary fundoplications was 4.6% and was highest in the <6-month age group. The failure rate in the redo group was 6.8%. The most common causes of wrap failure were hiatal hernia (46%) and slipped Nissen (34%). This study shows in a large operative experience over 20 years that laparoscopic fundoplication is safe and effective in the pediatric population. Technical considerations are paramount to improved outcomes, and key points include adequate creation of intraabdominal esophagus, limited hiatal dissection, creation of a tension-free and appropriate orientation, and positioning of the wrap. Clinical results are favorable to the traditional open fundoplication but with a significant decrease in morbidity and hospitalization. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication should be considered the gold standard for antireflux procedures.

A literature review of the outcomes after robot-assisted laparoscopic and conventional laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux disease in children

Robot-assisted surgery is a promising technical innovation. Given the similarities between laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery it is unlikely that randomized controlled trials would be conducted to disclose any differences between these two technical instruments. Thus, skepticism remains due to lack of any definitive conclusions in the literature. The aim of the study was to disclose any difference in outcome after robot-assisted (RNF) versus conventional laparoscopic (LNF) Nissen fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux disease in children. A literature review was carried out. Only studies comparing the two modalities were included. Operative time, duration of hospital stay, 30 days morbidity, mortality, conversion, recurrence and complication rates were analyzed. Review Manager 5.1.6 software, from the Cochrane library, was used for statistical analysis. Three case series fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in this review. Data on 174 children were identified; 89 were operated on using the computer-assisted technology and 85 controls were operated on using the conventional laparoscopic technique. Data showed no significant difference between these two modalities. This literature review demonstrates no significant difference between patients operated on with robot-assisted surgery and those undergoing conventional laparoscopic surgery regarding the parameters studied. The robot-assisted Nissen fundoplication in children is a safe alternative to conventional laparoscopic surgery. No data support the need for case selection to one of these two minimally invasive procedures.