Nissen vs. toupet fundoplication in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a serious phenomenon in pediatric health care. Without proper treatment, complications related to GERD can impede normal development and can lead to multiple hospitalizations and medical conditions. Previously, surgical intervention was limited to one technique, nissen fundoplication; however, the use of various forms of fundoplication surgery, primarily the toupet fundoplication, is currently increasing. Nurses need to be aware of treatment options and care of pediatric patients with severe GERD requiring surgical intervention, including common treatment modalities used prior to surgery and postoperative care necessary to promote positive results following fundoplication surgery.