Evaluation of Nissen fundoplication in neurologically impaired children.
The value of performing Nissen fundoplication in neurologically impaired children is a controversial issue. To evaluate the benefit of fundoplication in these children, hospital records were reviewed for 77 children who underwent fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Fifty-two children were neurologically impaired; 25 children had no neurological impairment. Impaired children had significantly fewer hospital admissions (1.8 v 0.7; P less than .005) and total days of hospitalization (36 v 14; P less than .005) during the first postoperative 6 months, compared with the immediate preoperative 6-month period. Normal children had fewer hospital admissions and days postoperatively, but the difference was not significant. Impaired children with preoperative failure to thrive (FTT had significantly increased average monthly weight gain over the first 6-month period postoperatively, compared with preoperative growth rate (3.0% v 0.9% of total body weight; P less than .05). Average monthly weight gain at 1 and 2 years postoperatively was not significantly different from preoperative values for impaired children. Growth rate of normal children with FTT did not change significantly postoperatively. Symptomatic relief was comparable in the normal and impaired children. Perioperative mortality was 0% in the normal children and 6% in the impaired children. This study demonstrates that Nissen fundoplication in neurologically impaired children with GER can be performed safely, reduces the frequency of hospitalization, and improves short-term weight gain.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- Weight Gain
- Treatment Outcome
- Surgical Procedures, Operative
- Postoperative Complications
- Pediatrics
- Nervous System Diseases
- Male
- Infant
- Humans
- Hospitalization
Citation
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Weight Gain
- Treatment Outcome
- Surgical Procedures, Operative
- Postoperative Complications
- Pediatrics
- Nervous System Diseases
- Male
- Infant
- Humans
- Hospitalization