Hernia Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Hernia, including details on hiatal, inguinal, umbilical, abdominal, treatment.

Laparoscopic modified Thal fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux in a patient with severe scoliosis and sliding esophageal hiatal hernia.

Tatekawa Y, Kanehiro H, Nakajima Y

Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara 634-8522, Japan. tatekawa3966@s5.dion.ne.jp

A 14-year-old girl with severe scoliosis and sliding esophageal hiatal hernia underwent laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux. Of various fundoplication procedures, anterior partial fundoplication (Thal fundoplication) was performed because it is effective, with less postoperative gas bloat syndrome. Laparoscopic fundoplication in severely scoliotic children could allow improved operative visibility and easier access to the hiatus in comparison with the open approach. In our "modified anterior partial fundoplication," the sutures between the crura and the esophagus and the sutures on the left of esophageal wall with the fundus of the stomach could be exactly performed by laparoscopic surgical technique. The wrapping of the esophagus in fundoplication was done over the ventral 180 degrees to 270 degrees. Six months postoperatively, the patient did not develop gas bloat syndrome, distal esophageal obstruction from fundoplication, and delayed gastric emptying. Modified anterior partial fundoplication achieves effective control of reflux symptoms.

Published 2 October 2006 in J Pediatr Surg, 41(10): E15-8.
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