Short-term parent reported recovery following open and laparoscopic fundoplication.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It is assumed that children recover faster after laparoscopic (LF) than after open fundoplication (OF). As this has not been confirmed in any randomized study (RCT), we have in a subsection of a larger RCT compared parent reported recovery of children after LF and OF. METHODS: Postoperative symptoms, use of analgesics, overall well-being, and time to return to school/day-care were recorded in a subsection of children enrolled in a RCT comparing LF and OF. Ethical approval and parental consent were obtained. RESULTS: Fifty-five children (LF n = 27, OF n = 28) of the 88 enrolled in the RCT, were included in the short term follow up on parent reported recovery. Caregivers were interviewed median 28 days [interquartile range (IQR) 22-36] postoperatively. There was no significant difference regarding improvement in overall well-being (LF 63%, OF 68%, p = 0.70), new-onset dysphagia (LF 30%, OF 18%, p = 0.08), use of analgesics (LF 15%, OF 14%, p = 1.00), or time to return to school/day-care (LF median 7 days [IQR 5-14] vs. OF 12 days [IQR 7-15], p = 0.35). CONCLUSION: We could not demonstrate faster recovery after LF than after OF. Most children had returned to school/day-care after 2 weeks and had improved overall well-being 1 month after surgery. TYPE OF STUDY Randomized controlled trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II.