Surgical repair of gastroesophageal reflux with sliding hiatal hernia.

A controlled prospective study of forty-two patients shows it is feasible to correct gastroesophageal reflux complicating sliding hiatal hernia by modifying Allison's repair, using the technic of vertical mattress sutures and Dacron pledgets to approximate the crura and reattach the esophagus to the narrowed hiatus. There was no operative mortality and minimal morbidity. The follow-up period ranges from six to eighty-two months (mean, 38.5 months). One recurrence was noted clinically and verified by esophagogram, esophagoscopy, and motility studies. The remainder have no symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, and no recurrence has been seen on repeat esophagograms.