Due to copyright reasons, an electronic copy of the thesis must be ordered from the faculty. In order for the faculty to have time to process the order, it must be received by the faculty no later than 2 days prior to the public defence. Orders received later than 2 days before the defence will not be processed. Inquiries regarding the thesis after the public defence must be addressed to the candidate.
Trial Lecture – time and place
See Trial Lecture.
Adjudication committee
- First opponent: Associate Professor Maud Y.A Lindeboom, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Second opponent: Associate Professor Nigel Hall, University of Southampton, UK
- Third member and chair of the evaluation committee: Associate Professor Magnus Løberg, University of Oslo
Chair of the Defence
Professor Ketil Størdal, University of Oslo
Principal Supervisor
Adjunct Professor Kristin Bjørnland, University of Oslo
Summary
Since its introduction in the 1990s, laparoscopic fundoplication has gradually replaced open fundoplication as the gold standard for surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children. Despite its widespread use, there is sparse scientific evidence that laparoscopic fundoplication actually gives better results than its open counterpart.
This thesis is based on a randomized controlled trial conducted at Oslo University Hospital from 2003 to 2009. Children younger than 15 years were randomized to laparoscopic (LNF) or open Nissen fundoplication (ONF), and the participants were followed for over a decade to compare the postoperative outcome of the two surgical techniques.
The children operated with LNF had significantly higher recurrence rates than those operated with ONF, and recurrence occurred earlier after LNF than after ONF. Short- and long-term satisfaction with the fundoplication was equally good in the two groups. There were no differences in length of hospital stay, complication rate or recovery after LNF and ONF. Because LNF is associated with an increased risk of recurrence compared to ONF, surgical technique should be discussed with parents and/or patients.
Additional information
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