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What is Paediatric Nissen Fundoplication?
Nissen Fundoplication is a surgical repair where the upper curve of the stomach (fundus) is wrapped 360 degrees around the lower end of the oesophagus. This reinforces the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) valve, preventing stomach acid, food, and fluids from refluxing back up into the oesophagus and lungs.
Who Needs Paediatric Nissen Fundoplication?
Indications arise when gastroesophageal reflux leads to failure to thrive, severe pain, or dangerous respiratory complications despite maximal medical management.
Key clinical indicators include:
- Severe GERD unresponsive to acid-suppressing medications.
- Recurrent aspiration pneumonia or chronic asthma triggered by acid reflux.
- Apnea episodes or life-threatening events (BRUE) related to regurgitation.
- Severe oesophagitis, oesophageal strictures, or ulcerations.
- Requirement for long-term enteral tube feeding (G-tube) due to neurological or swallowing difficulties where reflux is present.
Types of Fundoplication
- Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication: Gold standard minimally invasive 360-degree complete wrap.
- Thal or Toupet Fundoplication: Partial (270-degree) wrap used in children with poor oesophageal motility.
- Fundoplication with Gastrostomy (G-Tube): Combined wrap and stomach feeding tube insertion for children needing long-term nutritional support.
Benefits of Nissen Fundoplication
- Stops acid reflux and regurgitation completely.
- Protects the lungs from life-threatening aspiration pneumonia.
- Enables weight gain and reverses failure to thrive.
- Allows healing of chronic oesophageal inflammation and pain.
What to Expect Before Surgery?
- Diagnostic Workup: Barium swallow study, 24-hour pH impedance monitoring, and upper endoscopy.
- Nutritional Assessment: Optimizing fluid and electrolyte balance prior to surgery.
- Anesthetic Clearance: Comprehensive cardiopulmonary check.
Complete Procedure
The laparoscopic technique follows these steps:
- Administration of general anaesthesia.
- Creating 4 to 5 small keyhole incisions in the upper abdomen.
- Mobilizing the lower oesophagus and hiatal diaphragm area.
- Repairing any accompanying hiatal hernia (narrowing the diaphragmatic hiatus).
- Wrapping the stomach fundus around the lower esophagus and suturing it securely in place.
- Checking wrap tension to ensure it prevents reflux while allowing food entry.
What to Expect During Surgery?
Surgery takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Post-surgery, the child is monitored in the paediatric ward or HDU/ICU depending on baseline health conditions.
Open vs Laparoscopic Nissen
| Feature | Open Surgery | Laparoscopic Nissen |
|---|---|---|
| Incision | Single long upper abdominal cut. | 4–5 small keyholes (3–5 mm). |
| Post-Op Pain | Higher. | Significantly reduced. |
| Bowel Recovery | 3–5 days. | 1–2 days. |
| Hospital Stay | 5–7 days. | 2–4 days. |
Success Rate and Safety
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has a high success rate (>90%) in controlling reflux symptoms and protecting pulmonary health.
Cost Estimate for Paediatric Nissen Fundoplication
| Procedure Option | Cost Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication | ₹1,20,000 - ₹2,50,000 |
| Fundoplication + Gastrostomy Placement | ₹1,60,000 - ₹3,50,000 |
Disclaimer: Total cost depends on PICU stay requirement, underlying neurological conditions, and length of hospital stay.
Recovery Guide & Post-Operative Care
Recovery Timeline
- Day 1–2: Intravenous fluids; gradual introduction of clear liquids via oral or G-tube route.
- Day 3–5: Transition to liquid or pureed diet; discharge home once tolerating soft feeds.
- Week 2–4: Gradual diet advancement from blended foods to soft solids.
- Month 2: Full diet resumption and cessation of anti-reflux medications.
Post-Op Precautions & Care
- Dietary Progression: Strictly follow the pureed-to-soft diet transition to prevent gas bloat or difficulty swallowing.
- Small Frequent Meals: Offer smaller feed volumes more frequently.
- Burping & Gas Care: Temporary gas bloat is normal as the new valve prevents easy belching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child be able to vomit after Nissen fundoplication?⌄
The wrap creates a one-way valve, making vomiting difficult or impossible. Dry heaving may occur, but acid reflux is successfully stopped.
How long does a Nissen fundoplication wrap last?⌄
In most children, the wrap lasts for many years or a lifetime, though growth spurts or retching can occasionally require adjustment.
When can my child start eating normally after surgery?⌄
Children start with liquids, move to pureed foods over 2 to 3 weeks, and return to solid foods by 4 to 6 weeks.
Can fundoplication be performed at the same time as G-tube placement?⌄
Yes, combining fundoplication with gastrostomy tube placement is very common in children who need long-term feeding assistance.
What is gas-bloat syndrome?⌄
It is a temporary post-op condition where swallowed air gets trapped in the stomach because belching is reduced. It resolves as the wrap relaxes.