Comparison between Laparoscopic and Open Nissen Fundoplication in Pediatric Patients

ABSTRACT

Fundoplication is a common surgical procedure for gastroesophageal reflux Disease (GERD). Recently the procedure has been performed with increased frequency laparoscopically. The aim of this study is to compare laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) and open Nissen fundoplication (ONF) for GERD in children. We studied retrospectively the 88 pediatric patients who underwent the Nissen fundoplication for GERD as primary antireflux surgery from 1994 and 2009. ONF was performed in 34 cases and LNF was in 54 cases. 58 patients have neurologic impairment. Time to initial food intake after the surgery were reduced in the LNF group (p = 0.032).Recurrent GERD symptom occurred in one patient in LNF group and four patients in ONF group within 1 year after the surgery (p = 0.012). There were no statistically significant differences in post operative morbidity and mortality between both groups. In conclusion, our practice of Nissen fundoplication indicates that LNF takes priority in most pediatric patients.