Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Total Esophagogastric Dissociation for Children with Severe Neurodisability

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Around 70% of children with neurodisability (ND) present pharyngeal neuromuscular incoordination and severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). METHODS: This is a pilot study with the Robotic-assisted minimally invasive total esophagogastric dissociation (TOGD). RESULTS: We included 4 patients, 2 males and 2 females, with ND and severe GORD refractory to medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacological management of GORD is often unsuccessful and antireflux surgery is common, but it has a high failure rate with symptom recurrence, requiring re-do surgery. TOGD is a good option for these patients.