Oesophageal and cardia function in patients with paraoesophageal hiatus hernia

Background: The decision to add an antireflux procedure when a paraoesophageal hernia is repaired is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate oesophageal and cardia function in these patients to verify whether fundoplication was needed. Methods: Eighteen patients with paraoesophageal hernia were evaluated by oesophageal manometry, 24-h pH monitoring, endoscopy and barium swallow. All patients underwent surgery including antireflux fundoplication. Fourteen patients with sliding hernia plus reflux disease and 16 healthy volunteers formed the control groups. Results: Patients with paraoesophageal hernia had a shorter lower oesophageal sphincter and a greater acid exposure than healthy controls (P