Respiratory function in esophageal hiatus hernia. II. Regional lung function.

64 subjects with hiatus hernia (34 sliding, 22 mixed, and 8 of paraesophageal variety) were divided into 3 groups according to the transverse diameter of the thoracic loculus and examined by 133Xe-radio-spirometry in the supine position. 48 subjects (22 sliding, 18 mixed, and 8 or paraesophageal variety) showed a significant reduction in the regional ventilation, perfusion or lung volume. Significant correlations were found between the diameter of the thoracic loculus and the reduction in these vairables of the affected lung.