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 < 0.05). Fifteen of 18 patients had either abnormal acid exposure and/or a defective lower oesophageal sphincter at manometry. Postfundoplication symptoms were observed in only one of 16 patients at 6 months' follow-up.
Conclusion: Since 15 of 18 patients had abnormal acid exposure or were considered prone to developing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease because of a defective lower oesophageal sphincter, this study strongly supports the need to add an antireflux operation to hernia repair.