Gastroesopliageal reflux is a common cause of repeated emrnesis, failure to thrive, repeated pulmonary infection, and asthma in infants and children. The 24-hour pH test (97%), Tuttle test (85%), esophagrarn (83%), and manometry (66%) are the most helpful tests available for objectively selecting patients for operation. Transabdominal gastroesophagcal fundoplication with gastrostomy may be performed with a low risk of complications. Almost all csophageal strictures due to reflux may be permanently corrected by fundoplication combined with postoperative dilatations. The excellent clinical results following fundoplication indicate that this procedure should be used early in the management of infants and children with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux.

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