FUNCTION OF PEDIATRIC NISSEN-ROSSETTI FUNDOPLICATION FOLLOWED UP INTOADOLESCENCE AND ADULTHOOD

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the very long-term results of the Nissen-Rosse tti fundoplication performed in young children. Little has been report ed about followup longer than 5 years in homogeneous populations, This study concerns a homogeneous group with a minimum follow-up of 10 yea rs; these former patients, therefore, are now adolescents or adults. S TUDY DESIGN: In 24 consecutive patients without other congenital or ac quired anomalies of the esophagus or stomach, we evaluated the primary postoperative diagnoses, symptoms of recurrent reflux, and their stat e of health in 1994. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 16 years, th e result was excellent in 18 patients, good in 5, and poor in 1 (grade d according to Visick). Patients with recurring reflux symptoms had ev idence of failure of the fundoplication. All but 1 had been given a di agnosis of recurrent reflux within 2 years after the operation. The si tuation after 2 years seems predictive for the later outcome.CONCLUSIO NS: In almost all cases, the Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication is a long- lasting, effective treatment for young children with symptomatic gastr oesophageal reflux.