Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in infants

Data on laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants remain limited. We describe our experience with this operation in children and in particular, infants younger than 12 months old. Medical records of all paediatric patients who had laparoscopic fundoplication done for GERD from 1998 to 2013 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on age: group I: 0-12 months, and group II > 12 months. Data on indications, patient's demographics, operative time, blood loss, conversions, complications, recurrences and duration of hospitalization were studied. A total of 86 patients were reviewed (group I, n = 21; group II, n = 65). While the mean age and body weight for group I were 8 +/- A 2.99 months and 6 +/- A 1.96 kg, the values for group II were 98 +/- A 65 months and 18 +/- A 9.6 kg, respectively. All patients had concurrent laparoscopic gastrostomy for feeding difficulties. The mean operative time was shorter in group I (157 +/- A 55 vs 169 +/- A 52 min, p = 0.66). Both groups had minimal blood loss only. The surgical outcomes in both groups were comparable in terms of recurrence (0 vs 3 %, p = 0.105) and complications (9.5 vs 6 %, p = 0.275). The median follow-up duration for group I and group II was 23 and 40 months, respectively. Sixteen (76 %) patients in group I and 45 (67 %) patients in group II did not develop pneumonia post fundoplication. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication can be safely performed in infants with outcomes comparable to older patients and a shorter operative duration. Low recurrence rate (up to 3 %) is shown by our long term follow-up data. We recommend laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication to be considered in managing infants with GERD.