The fate of the partial thoracic stomach ('hiatus hernia') in children.

In a previous communication it was estimated that about two of every three clinically affected infants with a partial thoracic stomach cease vomiting spontaneously before 2 years of age in the absence of either postural or surgical therapy (Carre, 1959). What then happens to the gastrooesophageal abnormality in such children? Does the partial thoracic stomach undergo anatomical restitution ? Evidence has been presented elsewhere confirming the value of adequate postural therapy in the management of infants with a partial thoracic stomach (Carre, 1957). What, however, is the effect of such treatment on the radiological 'cure' rate? The present review is aimed at answering these questions.