Mr Nick Lansdale, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, joined TOFS to share his insights on the subjects of reflux, dilatations, fundoplication and strictures.
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00:00 Welcome
01:28 What’s the best to manage reflux in babies and children?
09:42 Many members have asked whether reflux tends to improve as the child gets older?
11:11 “My child is taking high doses of daily medication but continues to have heartburn daily. Will this ever go away?”
13:28 Can you explain what silent reflux is and suggested treatments?
18:09 Can Gaviscon be used a preventative measure?
19:07 Do you have any suggestions as to what could be causing a 4 year-old OA/TOF to have frequent sickness episodes?
22:30 What is a stricture and what are the signs of a dilatation/stretch being needed?
29:25 “My child’s food sometimes gets stuck, so whenever she drinks the fluid comes back up her nose. It’s a total blockage. But other times she is fine. Is this a stricture forming and does she need a stretch?”
31:30 Many OA/TOF babies have issues when taking a bottle and can struggle with the flow. Does this improve with age and is there anything we can do in the meantime?
33:10 Do children grow out of needing dilatations? Is there anything that can be done to prevent strictures from reoccurring?
35:15 Are there non-surgical options to deal with recurring strictures?
37:14 Is it possible that reflux can become an issue or a stricture develop at a later age if a child has not been affected before?
39:00 Can you give us a brief explanation of what a fundoplication is and it’s benefits?
43:52 How long does a fundoplication usually last?
44:55 Can reflux be managed with diet? Can this lead to children coming off medication?
46:18 “My daughter is 14 now and has stopped taking her medication. She attributes any tummy aches to being lactose intolerant”. Do you have any suggestions that may help her?
49:55 What are the benefits vs the risks of taking PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) long term?
54:00 Can reflux resemble coffee-like colours?
54:25 Can long term use of Omeprazole affect bone density?
55:09 “My 3 year-old has had over 100 dilatations. Can these damage the oesophagus?”
56:26 What are the signs that a fundoplication has come undone?
Information correct at time of recording (2022). Click here to read our disclaimer.
