1.   Forty three with reflux oesophagitis were studied to investigate the effect of healing on oesophageal function.

2.   Because of the uncertainty surrounding this important issue we undertook this study, looking at a much larger number of patients and measuring several indices of oesophageal function.

3.   There have been a number of studies attempting to look at the vexed question of the effect of healing of oesophagitis on oesophageal function.

4.   We have shown that the abnormalities of oesophageal motor function in patients with reflux oesophagitis do not improve after complete healing of oesophagitis.

5.   The purpose of this study was to evaluate the longterm clinical and endoscopical effects of Nissen fundoplication performed for reflux, including assessment of oesophageal function.

6.   If oesophagitis is not relieved by conservative treatment, the operation should be performed before oesophageal function is severely damaged.

7.   Acid clearance time is a useful parameter of impaired oesophageal motor function.

8.   Thus, acid clearance times can be used to assess the impairment of the oesophageal motor function in PSS.

9.   Acid clearance time is a useful index of impaired oesophageal motor function.