Chronic reflux-related symptoms like heartburn or difficulty swallowing can take a toll on both your gastrointestinal health and your quality of life. Hiatal hernia is a common cause of reflux-related conditions that cause pain and discomfort and eventually damage the lining of the esophagus. Experts believe that approximately 20% of the population has a hiatal hernia. For some people, the hernia is small and does not cause symptoms or require treatment. However, when a hiatal hernia is large it can cause a painful erosion of the esophagus.
Many patients attempt to control hiatal-hernia symptoms with daily prescription medication which is often unsuccessful, allowing for the continued overproduction of stomach acid to lead to more serious gastrointestinal conditions, Hiatal-hernia surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can resolve reflux and stop the esophagus damage that may be occurring.
Patients are often surprised to learn that anti-reflux surgical options are available. Hiatal-hernia repair may free you from troubling symptoms and a lifetime of medication, with minimal downtime and few side effects. The physicians affiliated with Memorial Hermann are at the forefront of reflux research and reflux surgery techniques and provide treatments to improve overall health and quality of life. If you are living with an uncomfortable or painful hiatal hernia, reflux surgery may provide the relief you seek.
Hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest; it is a fairly common condition that is more prevalent among older adults. This type of hernia may be caused by a weakening of the muscles of the diaphragm which allows stomach acid to travel into the esophagus causing recurring heartburn, swallowing problems and esophageal erosion.
Symptoms of hiatal hernia include:
If a hiatal hernia is small, it often goes unnoticed and does not cause any problems. Larger hiatal hernias cause symptoms and need to be managed to prevent further damage. Surgical repair is often recommended to remove the herniated tissue and repair the defect in the diaphragm.
Because a hiatal hernia is a structural defect, anti-reflux medications usually do not provide adequate symptom relief. The minimally invasive surgical repair is a long-term solution for the ongoing symptoms of hiatal hernia and provides immediate relief for heartburn and swallowing difficulties.
Hiatal hernia can be diagnosed with an endoscopy procedure. If your physician determines that persistent reflux symptoms are caused by a hiatal hernia, they may recommend surgery to repair the defect. Patients with symptoms that are not controlled with medication are usually candidates for the surgery. If the hiatal hernia is small or does not cause significant symptoms, surgery is not needed.
Surgeons use laparoscopic technology to perform the minimally invasive procedure under general anesthesia. Several small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a small, thin instrument is inserted and guided to the area needing repair.
Once the instrument reaches the hernia, the surgeon moves the displaced stomach tissue back to its original position and repairs the hole in the diaphragm that allowed the stomach to protrude. In some cases, repair of the esophagus muscles is also needed to ensure the stomach remains in the correct location and to prevent the recurrence of reflux.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques have fewer side effects than traditional open surgery, but there are still risks involved. Although most people do not experience complications, the following are possible:
Most patients remain in the hospital for one or two days following hiatal hernia repair. Recovery typically lasts between two and six weeks as a normal diet is gradually reintroduced. Patients begin with clear liquids after surgery, and as they recover and are able to tolerate additional foods, soft foods and then sold foods are introduced.
Hiatal hernia repair has a very high success rate, with approximately 90% of patients experiencing relief from painful reflux symptoms without medication. Some patients experience a recurrence of hiatal hernia. If this happens and the hernia is large, a subsequent surgical procedure may be needed.
Medicare and most commercial insurance plans cover costs for anti-reflux surgery. Each insurance carrier has different specifications, and most will require a documented diagnosis from your doctor. Speak with both your doctor's office staff and your insurance provider to determine the specifics of your plan's coverage.
Hiatal hernia repair is a routine procedure that helps many patients find relief from reflux symptoms. If a hiatal hernia is affecting your health or quality of life, it's time to speak with your physician about options that can relieve your pain and discomfort and provide freedom from daily medication.
For a referral to a reflux surgeon, please complete the form below. You may then proceed to enter your insurance information. If you don't have your insurance information ready, you will receive an email with a link to the referral request form that you can submit later at your convenience.