[Esophageal function after fundoplication (Nissen)].

Manometric, pH-metric, radiological and histological examinations were performed in 15 of 18 consecutive patients with gastro-esophageal reflux before and after fundoplication. In 13 of these 15 patients, reflux symptoms largely or completely disappeared after the operation. In the successfully operated patients, the reflux provocation test markedly improved but lower esophageal sphincter pressure did not rise. Six successfully operated patients in whom hiatus hernia was present after the operation and 7 patients without hernia had similar esophageal function tests. Therefore, success of surgery does not depend on resting pressure and position of the lower esophageal sphincter.