hiatal hernia repair

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441-295-1383

1 Gorham Road, Woodbourne Hall, Pembroke, Bermuda

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What are the Possible Risks of the Procedure?

Hiatal Hernia Repair

Your surgeon will do everything possible to minimize risks, but an hiatal hernia repair like all operations, has risks.

Wound Infection Hernia recurrence Diarrhea Bleeding Bloating Nausea Pain when you swallow Your risk of complications depends on your overall health and the reason for your surgery.

What is an Hiatal Hernia Repair?

Surgery to repair a hiatal hernia may involve pulling your stomach down into your abdomen and making the opening in your diaphragm smaller or reconstructing an esophageal sphincter.

Surgery may be performed using a single incision in your chest wall (thoracotomy) or using a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopy. In laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon inserts a tiny camera and special surgical tools through several small incisions in your abdomen.

The operation is then performed while your surgeon views images from inside your body that are displayed on a video monitor.

Why is it required?

Some people with a hiatal hernia don't experience any signs or symptoms and do not require treatment. If you experience signs and symptoms, such as recurrent heartburn and acid reflux, you may need medication or surgery.

Surgery is generally used for people who aren't helped by medications to relieve heartburn and acid reflux, or have complications such as severe inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus.

What are the symptoms?

hiatal hernias can cause: Heartburn Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus (acid reflux) Difficulty swallowing Chest or abdominal pain Feeling full soon after you eat Shortness of breath Vomiting of blood or passing of black stools, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding

How is it Diagnosed?

A hiatal hernia is often discovered during a test or procedure to determine the cause of heartburn or chest or upper abdominal pain. These tests or procedures include: X-ray of your upper digestive system.

Upper endoscopy to check the inside of your esophagus and stomach for inflammation.