Effective surgical therapy of esophagitis. Experience with Belsey, Hill, and Nissen operations

During the years 1971 to 1978, 252 patients needed surgical treatment of primary or secondary esophagitis. Major operations performed were 73 Belsey Mark IV repairs, 55 Hill repairs, and 129 Nissen repairs. In the group with primary reflux, barium swallow tests and endoscopy were useful in confirming the diagnosis in patients with typical symptoms; routine biopsy, lower esophageal sphincter, manometry or an acid infusion test did not add to diagnostic certitude. If symptoms were atypical, a biopsy was helpful but manometry and acid infusion were not. Mean symptom scores in this group of patients were improved by each of the "valve-building" operations. Intraoperative dilation after mobilization of the esophagus coupled with a valve-building operation was successful in managing 26 of 29 strictures. Reoperation after an operation failed carried appreciable morbidity and mortality but resulted in good control of symptoms. Addition of a Belsey or Nissen procedure to myotomy for management of primary esophageal motility disorders diminished symptoms and did not cause disabling obstruction.