The results of partial gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of persistent or recurrent oesophagitis after failed Nissen fundoplication in six patients were analysed. There were no postoperative deaths. Postoperative complications (pneumonia and atelectases, postoperative ileus) developed in three patients. The results were evaluated by clinical and endoscopic examination 1 to 3.5 years after the operation. Clear clinical and endoscopic improvement was observed in five of the six patients. In the remaining patient the procedure failed to prevent progression of the oesophagitis with development of a Barrett's oesophagus. The results suggest that a partial gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction is an effective and safe procedure in the treatment of persistent or recurrent oesophagitis after failed Nissen fundoplication.