Laparoscopic fundoplication in children - An audit of fifty cases

Critical evaluation of new laparoscopic procedures in childhood are essential. The aim of:this study was to audit fifty laparoscopic fundoplications in children. Method: Evaluation of the financial implications, hospital stay, analgesia requirements, operative morbidity and symptom control was undertaken. Results: 50 laparoscopic fundoplications were performed on children (6 months to 13 years) with a median follow-up period of 31.8 months. The conversion rate to an open procedure was 8%. The median length of opiate requirement for opiate analgesia was 1 day (range 1-5), post-operative stay 2 days (range 2-15). The operative morbidity was 8% (respiratory infection, pneumothorax, two patients, oesophageal perforation one patient). The recurrences rate was 6%. Whilst a prospective randomised trial is essential to satisfy the requirements of evidence-based medicine, the results of our review of laparoscopic fundoplication are encouraging.