Splenic size after division of the short gastric vessels in Nissen fundoplication in children.

C. Driessen*, G.F. Paulus, S.G. Robben, W.E. Tjon a Ten, A.M. van den Neucker, B.H. Verhoeven, L.W.E. van Heurn

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

PURPOSE: Nissen fundoplication is an effective treatment for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Mobilization of the gastric fundus during fundoplication requires division of short gastric vessels of the spleen, which may cause splenic ischemia. The aim of this study was to determine if Nissen fundoplication results in hypotrophy of the spleen. METHODS: We performed pre-operative and post-operative ultrasound measurements of the spleen in children undergoing Nissen fundoplication. During operation, the surgeon estimated the compromised blood flow by assessment of the percentage of discoloration of the spleen. RESULTS: Twenty-four consecutive children were analyzed. Discoloration of the upper pole of the spleen was observed in 11 patients (48%) of a median estimated splenic surface of 20% (range 5-50%). The median ratio for pre-operative and post-operative length, width, and area of the spleen was 0.97, 1.03, and 0.96, respectively. The percentage of the estimated perfusion defect during surgery was not correlated with the ratios. In three patients, the area ratio was smaller than 0.8 (0.67-0.75), meaning that the area decreased with at least 20% after surgery. In none of these patients a discoloration was observed. CONCLUSION: Discoloration of the spleen after Nissen fundoplication is not associated with post-operative splenic atrophy.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)235-238
Number of pages4
JournalPediatric Surgery International
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2012

Keywords

  • Fundoplication
  • Gastrointestinal reflux
  • Pediatrics
  • Short gastric vessels
  • Spleen
  • Ultrasound
  • GASTROESOPHAGEAL-REFLUX DISEASE
  • BLIND RANDOMIZED TRIAL
  • INFARCTION
  • INFECTIONS
  • PREVENTION
  • INFANTS

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Splenic size after division of the short gastric vessels in Nissen fundoplication in children.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this