Laparoscopic fundoplication for children with hiatal hernia

Objective To investigate the efficacy of the laparoscopic operation for patients with hiatal hernia.Methods The data of patients with hiatal hernia undergoing laparoscopic surgery in this center from June 2002 to Dec 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.Totally 52 patients were reviewed in this study.The age of patients ranged from 3 months to 8 years.All patients had undergone upper gastrointestinal contrast radiography and were diagnosed as hiatal hernia before operation.All patients underwent laparoscopic Nissen Rossetti or modified Thal fundoplication.Results All patients underwent laparoscopic procedure without switching to laparotomy.The diameter of hernias ranged from 3 cm to 5 cm.The operating time ranged from 90 min to 150 min.Two patients had recurrence because of suturing off.Four patients had mild gastroesophageal reflux and were cured with traditional Chinese herbal medicine.One patient with postoperative stenosis in the lower esophagus was cured with esophageal dilation.All patients were fed 24 to 48 hours postoperatively and were discharged 3 to 5 days af ter surgery.All patients were followed up for 2 months to 3 years and they gained good development and growth.Conclusions Laparoscopic procedures for children with hiatal hernia have superiority of minimal invasion compared to the traditional procedures.The evaluation of patients is crucial for the prognosis of patients with hiatal hernia. Key words: Laparoscopy;  Hernia, Hiatal;  Fundoplication