Long-term outcome of laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication for neurologically impaired and normal children

Background This study aimed to assess the long-term effects of laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication (LNF) on clinical and pH evaluations of children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) according to neurologic status. Methods The study examined 127 children (73 neurologically impaired and 54 neurologically normal with primary GERD) who consecutively underwent LNF from 1992 to 2003. The follow-up protocol included evaluations at 3, 15, and more than 36 months (long-term evaluation) postoperatively, which consisted of physical examination and 24-h pH monitoring. Recurrences were defined as abnormal pH-metry exhibited by symptomatic children. Results The long-term follow-up period averaged 5.5 years. Of the 73 neurologically impaired children, 9 (12%) had GERD recurrences, which occurred during the evaluation period and required redo surgery in four cases, including two Bianchi procedures. In the neurologically normal group, one recurrence (2%) occurred 3 months after surgery. The long-term complications in this group included dyspepsia (n = 3), occasional dysphagia (n = 2), gas bloat syndrome (n = 1), and alimentary disorders (n = 2). Conclusions For children with primary GERD, LNF is a long-term efficient procedure. For the neurologically impaired children, the results were good, with more than 85% of the children symptom free after 5 years, although repeated evaluations are required to diagnose late recurrences related to evolving dysmotility disorders.