AbstractThe ability to belch was evaluated by a novel test, after gaseous stomach distension to standard volume, in 16 patients after antireflux surgery and nine healthy volunteers. A structured assessment of dyspeptic symptoms was also carried out in both groups. Repeat studies in volunteers showed acceptable reproducibility for the new test of belching capacity (within‐subject coefficient of variance 4·5 per cent). After antireflux surgery, patients had lower volume individual belches (median(range) 27·5(0–104) ml in patients versus 76(15–165) ml in volunteers; P<0·02) and belched less gas within 1 h of the stimulus than volunteers (median(range) 205(0–1363) ml in patients versus 456(45–818) ml in volunteers; P<0·05). Belching frequency was similar in both groups. The incidence and severity of symptoms were unrelated to belche