Efficacy of the Nissen fundoplication in the management of gastroesophageal reflux following esophageal atresia repair.

From January 1974 to December 1988, 80 patients with esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) were treated at the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital with division of their TEF and esophagoesophagostomy. Thirty-four in this group developed gastroesophageal reflux (GER). After an unsuccessful trial of medical management, 21 underwent Nissen fundoplication, and an additional child with refractory GER died intraoperatively before completion of her fundoplication. Following fundoplication, only eight patients had an uncomplicated course with elimination of reflux and no postoperative dysphagia. Wrap disruption and recurrent reflux occurred in 7 of the 21 (33%), a markedly higher incidence than the 10% figure seen in 220 children without EA who have undergone fundoplication at this institution. Upward tension on the wrap due to the presence of a shortened esophagus probably predisposes to an increased frequency of fundoplication failure in the EA child. In addition, postoperative dysphagia requiring prolonged gastrostomy feedings complicated eight otherwise successful initial or redo-fundoplications. Prolonged dysphagia in this group is likely related to the inability of the dyskinetic esophagus, common in EA, to overcome the increased resistance caused by the Nissen fundoplication. Three deaths (14%) from complications related to antireflux surgery occurred in the series. Although 15 of the 21 children (71%) eventually had excellent long-term results following initial or redo-fundoplication with elimination of reflux and normalization of oral intake, morbidity and mortality were clearly significant. Due to the high incidence of postoperative dysphagia and recurrent reflux, the transabdominal Nissen fundoplication may not be appropriate in EA patients.