[Palatophanyngeal mechanism of Gastroesophageal reflux in Pierre-Robin sequence].

During the period between 1993 and 1998 thirty-one children with symptoms of Pierre-Robin sequence were treated. Since gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is known to occur in patients with Pierre - Robin sequence, each child before surgery was checked for GER. In 28 cases GER was confirmed. We obtained rapid clinical improvement and possibility of early discharge from hospital after surgical treatment (palatoplasty, SRFM - subperiosteal release of the floor of the mouth, repair of the palato-pharyngeal ring). Follow up investigations few months after surgery showed no clinical symptoms of GER. The authors find evidence of " palatal mechanism" of GER in Pierre-Robin sequence and in their opinion early closure of the impaired palto-pharyngeal ring and elimination of mechanism causing posterior rotation of the tonque can reduce indications for such surgical procedures as glossopexy, gastrostomy, tracheostomy and Nissen fundoplication.