Open versus laparoscopic approach to gastric fundoplication in children with cardiac risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Gastric fundoplication is the most common noncardiac operation in children with congenital cardiac disease. While prior studies validated safety of laparoscopy in this population, we hypothesize that children with cardiac risk factors (CRFs) are likelier to undergo open fundoplication (OF) but experience greater morbidity than after laparoscopic fundoplication (LF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Utilizing 2013 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatrics Public-Use-File, pediatric patients undergoing LF and OF were stratified to none, minor, major, or severe CRFs. Multivariate logistic regression determined preoperative variables and postoperative outcomes associated with LF or OF. RESULTS: A total of 1501 fundoplication patients were identified with 92% undergoing LF. OF patients were likelier to have minor (odds ratio [OR]: 2.36, P < 0.001), major (OR: 2.41, P = 0.003), and severe CRFs (OR: 4.36, P < 0.001). Children ≤ 1 y (OR: 3.38, P = 0.048) and those with tracheostomy were likelier to have OF (OR: 2.3, P = 0.006). Overall, the OF group had higher postoperative morbidity (OR: 2.41, P < 0.001). Specifically, children with minor or major CRFs experienced more complications following OF compared to LF. CONCLUSIONS: OF is more common in patients ≤1 y old; patients with minor, major, or severe CRFs; and those with tracheostomy. LF should be considered in children with minor and major CRFs, as OF in those patients results in greater pulmonary, infectious, and hematological sequelae.

Closure of a Traumatic Esophagomediastinal Fistula in a Child by Endoscopic Fulguration and Fibrin Injection.

Posttraumatic esophagomediastinal fistula is an uncommon clinical entity that warrants surgical awareness due to its life-threatening potential. Its management, especially in previously operated field, is controversial and several endoscopic methods are being proposed as alternatives. Ours is the first report of endoscopic fulguration and fibrin injection in successful closure of such fistula. A 9-year-old female sustained complete tracheoesophageal transection from a gunshot wound to the neck and underwent immediate primary repair. She presented nine months later with fevers and swelling over anterior neck. CT revealed air tracking posteriorly to the dorsal neck and inferiorly to the mediastinum. Considering difficulty of open surgical approach, endoscopic intervention was attempted. Posterior wall fistula was identified via microlaryngoscopy above the esophageal anastomosis. The fistula tract was de-epithelialized via a Bugbee fulgurating electrode and then sealed with fibrin glue. Consequent imaging studies demonstrated complete occlusion of the fistula. Posterior posttraumatic esophagomediastinal fistula presents a challenging scenario from a surgical standpoint, as it combines difficulty of safe approach, high rate of injury to surrounding structures, and significant postoperative recurrence rate. Endoscopic Bugbee fulguration and fibrin glue injection are a safe and effective alternative to the traditional approach.