Satisfactory long-term results after Nissen fundoplication

• Published in: Acta Paediatrica Vol. 96; no. 5; pp. 702 - 705
• Main Authors: Kristensen, C, Åvitsland, T, Emblem, R, Refsum, S, Bjørnland, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-05-2007; Blackwell
• Subjects: Adolescent; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; Esophageal atresia; Esophagus; Fundoplication; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Gastroesophageal reflux; Gastroesophageal Reflux - surgery; General aspects; Humans; Infant; Long-term results; Malformations; Medical sciences; Other diseases. Semiology; Parents; Patient Satisfaction; Retrospective Studies; Surgery; Treatment Outcome; Gastroesophageal reflux; Pediatrics; Fundoplication; Prognosis; Treatment; Surgery; Esophageal disease; Esophageal atresia; Digestive diseases; Long-term results; Nissen operation; Long term
• ISSN: 0803-5253; 1651-2227
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2007.00282.x

Background: Complications and unsatisfactory long‐term results after antireflux surgery in children have received increased attention. The aim of this study was to report parental assessment of outcome after Nissen fundoplication.
Methods: Ninety‐three patients operated with primary Nissen fundoplication between 1990 and 2001 were included. Medical records were reviewed, and parents were interviewed for evaluation of postoperative results.
Results: Of the 93 children, 51 were neurologically impaired and 14 children had repaired esophageal atresia. Median follow‐up time was 6.0 years. Total mortality for the patient population was 13%. Five children died as a complication of the surgery, whereas eight deaths were unrelated to the Nissen fundoplication. Ninety‐two percent of the parents reported better well‐being of the child after the Nissen fundoplication, and 83% were completely satisfied with the postoperative results. Pulmonary symptoms were reduced in 59%, and quality of sleep improved in 68% of the children. Nine children (10%) had been operated with a redo NF.
Conclusion: The majority of parents were satisfied with the long term results of the Nissen fundoplication.