An Evaluation of Tests for Hiatus Hernia

Abstract

One hundred hiatus hernias were demonstrated in 909 meals using a standardised sequence of procedures, an incidence of 10.9%. This was approximately 3 times the frequency of gastric ulcer. The greatest number was found in the 6th decade. Of the lesser numbers of Ba meals made in the 8th and 9th decades about 1/4 showed herniation. All but 1 of the hernias in this series were demonstrated with the patient prone over a folded pillow. It is considered that tests other than those carried out with the patient prone need not be used as a routine.