Retroesophageal hiatal plasty and gastropexy in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux with or without hiatus hernia in childhood.

The results of 214 children operated upon for cardial insufficiency with or without hiatus hernia are reported. For follow-up, 160 patients were reexamined: 83% were without symptoms, and 15% showed mild symptoms without pathological radiological findings. Recurrences occurred in 1.8%, all following thoracic operations performed during the early years of this series. A retroesophageal hiatopexy and gastropexy through an abdominal approach was performed on 146 patients. There was no recurrence in this group. Five patients died (2.3%). However, the mortality rate has been zero for the last 12 years. General aspects, diagnosis, and indication for operation are considered. The operative technique is described in detail.