Nationwide Outcomes and Readmission after Pediatric Laparoscopic and Open Fundoplication

Purpose: Fundoplications are a common operation in the pediatric population. This study aims to explore outcomes comparing laparoscopic versus open operative techniques. Methods: From 2010 to 2014 the Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify patients aged 0-18 years who underwent a fundoplication. Propensity score matched analysis was performed based on 87 covariates. Demographics, hospital factors, readmissions, and complications were compared by surgical technique (laparoscopic versus open). Results: There were 4411 patients (47% female) who underwent fundoplication via laparoscopic (69%) versus open (31%) technique. Gastrostomy tubes were placed in 75% of patients also undergoing fundoplication. Newborn made up 64% of the cohort, with 47% of newborns having cardiac anomalies and 96% being premature. Open fundoplications were more likely to be performed in newborns (72% versus 61%) and those in the lowest income quartile compared to laparoscopic (41% versus 31% P < .001), both P < .001. The readmission rate was 20% within 30 days and 38% within the year, with 15% admitted to a different hospital. Only 14% of readmissions were elective. Open fundoplication was associated with more unplanned readmissions (94% versus 84%), conversion to gastrojejunostomy tube (11% versus 5%) along with major (5% versus 3%) and minor (8% versus 2%) complications compared to the laparoscopic approach, all P < 0.001. Conclusion: The majority of fundoplications are being performed in newborns and are being done laparoscopically, which are associated with lower complication and postoperative readmission rates compared to open fundoplications.