Is the severity of gastroesophageal reflux dependent on hiatus hernia size?

Table 1 Percentages of symptoms graded 2 or 3 for pharyngeal burn sensation, heartburn, acid regurgitation in all three hernia groups

Hiatus hernia size	Pbr	Hbr	Acr	Chest pain	GER (%) (ranges)
< 3 cm (n = 25)	36%	40%	40%	40%	2.2% (0%-9.0%)
3 to < 5 cm (n = 25)	48%	44%	44%	40%	1.9% (0%-25.3%)
5 cm more (n = 25)	56%	48%	56%	44%	5.4% (0%-55.7%)

Median values and ranges of 24-h pH test (GER %) are given. Pbr: Pharyngeal burn sensation; Hbr: Heartburn; Acr: Acid regurgitation; GER: Gastroesophageal reflux.