The surgical treatment of complicated peptic esophagitis

Healing of stenosing peptic esophagitis was proved by endoscopy and biopsy in 22 of 27 patients treated by transthoracic Nissen fundoplication and esophageal dilation during a follow-up period extending to 14 years. Four additional patients did not have follow-up endoscopy because three expired from intercurrent disease before endoscopy could be carried out and one refused to have the procedure because of lack of symptoms. Postoperative reflux has not been demonstrated in any patient either endoscopically or by contrast studies. Dysphagia, requiring repeat dilation, occurred in two patients after operation. Transthoracic fundoplication with intraoperative stricture dilation is a reasonable alternative in treating complicated esophagitis.