Nissen Fundoplication (life span of)

It has been recommended that because my child with CdLS had reflux surgery at least 10 years ago follow-up should be done to ensure that the wrap is not coming loose. When I went to the specialist his feeling was that if she is not vomiting then a test is not warranted. Is there written information available that says different?

If the child isn’t vomiting and there is no evidence of other complications such as esophagitis or lung disease, I would not look to see if the Nissen is intact because there would be no reason to do anything about the result. A Nissen fundoplication should only be “checked” if there is a problem.

The life of a Nissen is influenced by many things, such as the amount of vomiting and gagging, and luck. Nissens can last as short as a few weeks and much longer than 10 years.

CP/ TK 7-13-10

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