Paraoesophageal hiatus hernia: surgery for all ages.

The results of surgery for paraoesophageal hiatus hernia over a 10-year period have been studied. From a group of 26 symptomatic patients, elective repair has been undertaken in 20 (mean age of 65.6 years) and emergency repair in four (mean age of 73.1 years). Emergency surgery was associated with a fivefold increase in mortality, and anatomical repair gave a satisfactory result in 90% (CI 77-100) of survivors. Surgical treatment should be considered for all symptomatic patients with paraoesophageal hiatus hernia.