The Belsey operation for hiatal hernia: a twenty year experience.

A twenty year experience with the Belsey operation for hiatal hernia repair demonstrated good to excellent results in 80 per cent of patients, a fair outcome in 15 per cent, and unacceptable results in 5 per cent of patients. Good results included the absence of reflux symptoms, pleasant swallowing, the preservation of a normal capacity for belching and vomiting, minimal flatulence, and a comfortable incision. Although most recurrent symptoms appear within five years after operation, symptoms first recur ten or more years after operation in 10 per cent of patients.