title: Long-term results of the Belsey Mark IV antireflux operation in relation to the severity of esophagitis.
abstract: A retrospective analysis of the results of the Belsey Mark IV operation has been conducted, relating these to the degree of esophagitis present preoperatively. Analysis of 89 patients showed a 91.7% success rate in patients without esophagitis. Good results diminished steadily as the severity of esophagitis increased, giving 76.5%, 75%, 66.7%, and 50% success rates for first-, second-, third-, and fourth-degree esophagitis, respectively. We believe that shortening of the esophagus is an important factor in this. Shortening is obvious in third- and fourth-degree esophagitis but subtle in first- and second-degree esophagitis. We conclude that the Belsey operation is adequate for patients without esophagitis, but for patients with any degree of esophagitis more effective reflux control is needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, City Hospital, Nottingham, England.
authors.forename: F D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Salama
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lamont
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies