Hiatus Hernia Surgery: Effective Treatment for Relief and Recovery
A hiatus hernia occurs when a part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, including heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and even shortness of breath While some individuals with a hiatus hernia may not experience symptoms, others may require treatment to alleviate their discomfort and prevent complications When conservative measures like medication or lifestyle changes are insufficient, Hiatus Hernia Surgery becomes a viable and effective solution.
In this blog, we will discuss the importance of Hiatus Hernia Surgery as a treatment option, the various types of surgery available, and why choosing the Best Hiatus Hernia Surgery in Delhi NCR can significantly improve your quality of life.
What is a Hiatus Hernia?
A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm's opening (the hiatus) into the chest The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen and plays a crucial role in breathing. The opening in the diaphragm allows the esophagus to pass through and connect to the stomach When a hiatus hernia forms, it causes the stomach to push up into the chest, potentially leading to discomfort and a range of digestive issues.
There are two main types of hiatus hernias:
● Sliding Hiatus Hernia: This is the most common type, where the stomach and the section of the esophagus that connects to the stomach slide up into the chest through the hiatus.
● Paraesophageal Hiatus Hernia: In this type, part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm next to the esophagus, potentially leading to more severe complications
While many people with a hiatus hernia may not experience symptoms, those who do often deal with painful heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain, and swallowing difficulties
When is Hiatus Hernia Surgery Necessary?
In most cases, a hiatus hernia can be managed with lifestyle changes, medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and antacids to control acid reflux symptoms. However, if the hernia causes severe or persistent symptoms, surgery may be required Surgery is often recommended in the following situations:
● Severe Acid Reflux: When acid reflux becomes chronic and cannot be controlled with medications or lifestyle changes, surgery may be necessary to prevent long-term damage to the esophagus.
● Hiatal Hernia Complications: If the hernia causes complications like strangulation (when the blood supply to the herniated stomach portion is cut off), it can lead to severe pain, nausea, or vomiting, requiring urgent surgery.
● Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): A large hernia can obstruct the esophagus, making swallowing difficult or painful.
● Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Persistent GERD symptoms, such as regurgitation and heartburn, may indicate the need for surgery if they do not improve with lifestyle modifications or medication.
If conservative treatments fail and your symptoms persist, surgery may be the best option for long-term relief and to prevent further complications.
Types of Hiatus Hernia Surgery
There are several surgical options for treating hiatus hernias, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health The two most common surgical treatments are:
1. Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the most widely performed surgery for treating a hiatus hernia, particularly when acid reflux is a major concern In this procedure, the surgeon wraps the top of the stomach (fundus) around the lower esophagus to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which helps prevent acid reflux The laparoscopic approach uses small incisions, resulting in faster recovery, less pain, and minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery.
2. Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair
This minimally invasive procedure is specifically designed to repair the hernia itself. The surgeon makes small incisions to reposition the stomach and pull it back into the abdominal cavity Any abnormalities in the diaphragm are corrected, and the opening is usually tightened to prevent the hernia from recurring. Like Nissen fundoplication, laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair offers shorter recovery times and fewer complications