Late results after surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in childhood
Snajdauf, J.; Vyhnánek, M.; Vondráková, L.; Jenerál, P.; Horák, J.
Rozhledy V Chirurgii Mesicnik Ceskoslovenske Chirurgicke Spolecnosti 76(8): 370-373
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-9351 PMID: 9471755 Document Number: 473077
The authors present their long-term experience with surgical treatment of gastrooesophageal reflux (GER) in childhood. During the period between 1984-1993 they operated 243 children from neonatal age to 18 years. In 241 patients Nissen fundoplication was performed, once Thal's operation and once a modification of Boix-Ochoy's operation. Of 243 children 18 children (7.4%) died without any association with the operation, 5 children were re-operated on account of ileus, 5 developed a dehiscence of the surgical wound, 4 a paraoesophageal hernia and 2 a relapse of the reflux. The most frequent indication for surgery were relapsing bronchopneumonias 71 (29%), apnoe 44 (18%), impaired nutrition and growth 43 (17%), asthma bronchiale 38 (15%), oesophageal stricture 20 (8%), suffocating laryngitis 14 (6%) and incoordinated deglutition (5%). Two hundred and nine patients attended check-up examinations 3-13 years after surgery. 174 children (83%) do not have clinical manifestations of GER and no difficulties with swallowing. 27 children (13%) report marked improvement of the clinical manifestations of GER or slight difficulties when swallowing. Nissen fundoplication was a success in 96% children with GER. The authors recommend Nissen fundoplication for the surgical treatment of GER in child age because the long-term results with this method are favourable.