Between 1985 and 1987, 25 patients had abdominal operations for hiatal hernia and/or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Eight of them had complicated reflux esophagitis. One patient had a Belsey Mark IV repair, the others had a Nissen fundoplication. There was no mortality. After a median follow-up of 16 months (range 3-38) six patients had symptoms of "gas-bloat". The esophagitis was healed in ten patients. 22 patients were completely or fairly satisfied with the results of the surgery. Two patients were not satisfied. Both had complicated reflux esophagitis before they were operated on. Patients with esophagitis should be evaluated for surgery before stricture or Barrett's ulcer develop.