[Gastroesophageal reflux in childhood].

1. Gastro-oesophageal reflux of infancy and childhood leads to vomiting and frequently to aspiration pneumonia and failure to thrive. 2. Two thirds of all cases can be cured conservatively. One third has to undergo surgery. 3. According to our present knowledge, the mechanism of the cardia seems to be competent at birth, however, peristaltism and reflex activity undergoes a maturation process. 4. The aetiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux in childhood is variable. There is a distinct difference between primary and secondary reflux. The latter occurs in children with cerebral palsy as well as following operations of the oesophagus or the hiatus. 5. The indication for an operative intervention is not as much depending upon the radiographic findings as upon the existence of oesophagitis, stenosis, anemia and aspiration pneumonia. 6. Nissen's fundoplication is not the operation of choice in childhood since this intervention is followed by a high morbidity. For uncomplicated cases, reconstruction of the angle of His and repositioning of the abdominal oesophagus into the abdominal cavity in combination with a semiplication of the fundus is preferable.