All You Need To Know About Hiatal Hernia Surgery

A hernia is a condition where an internal body organ pushes through a muscle or a tissue in the abdominal region to extend into an area where it doesn’t belong. The muscular wall separating the chest cavity and the abdomen is called the diaphragm. When the stomach bulges through the diaphragm to enter the chest cavity, it is called a hiatal hernia. In this article, we shall discuss the causes, symptoms and treatment options of hiatal hernia. 

Causes & Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia

There is no single cause of hiatal hernia. A person is born with a larger hiatus opening, the gap in the diaphragm for the oesophagus to pass through, has a higher risk of hiatal hernia. Increased pressure on the diaphragm due to pregnancy, obesity, weakened muscles due to age or applying pressure to pass bowel movements can pose a risk for hiatal hernia. Women are more susceptible to hiatal hernia as opposed to men. 

Symptoms of hiatal hernia include heartburn, chest pain, vomiting, nausea or GERD. More often, those suffering from hiatal hernia do not display any significant symptoms.

Types of Hiatal Hernia

There are two types of hiatal hernia:

• Sliding Hiatal Hernia

This is the more common type of hiatal hernia where the oesophagus and the section of the stomach connecting to the oesophagus push through the diaphragm to enter the chest cavity. 

• Paraesophageal Hernia

A paraesophageal hernia is less common but relatively more severe condition wherein the stomach and the oesophagus remain in their normal position but a part of the stomach pushes through this hiatal opening and lands near the oesophagus. This type of hiatal hernia may not display any symptoms. The risk involved in the strangling of the stomach or restricted or no blood supply to the stomach.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Hiatal Hernia

A medical expert can diagnose hiatal hernia by conducting an endoscopy or a specialized X-ray using barium swallow test. This specialized X-ray involves swallowing a chalky white substance called barium that is mixed in water. It coats the gastrointestinal tract and shows up as a white coat on an X-ray, giving your medical expert a precise look at the position of your stomach and oesophagus. 

In conditions wherein the hernia is causing the stomach to be strangulated and blood supply to be cut off, a prompt Hiatal Hernia Surgery in Dallas may be recommended. The procedure can be conducted using a minimally invasive approach with a 5-10 mm incision. The surgery is conducted to bring the organ back to its original position and rectify any damage or tear to the muscle tissue of the diaphragm. 

Recovery From Hiatal Hernia Surgery

In the case of a laparoscopic approach, recovery is much faster and easier. Usually, a patient can walk the same day of their Hiatal Hernia Surgery in Fort Worth. There are usually no dietary restrictions and regular activities can be assumed within a month post surgery. Any heavy lifting or pushing should be avoided for at least three months post surgery or as directed by the medical expert. 

Wrap Up

Hernia demands prompt medical attention to avoid worsening the situation and causing internal organ damage. To have your concerns answered on diagnosing and treating hiatal hernia and ensuring prompt recovery, get in touch with the experts at DFW Bariatrics and General Surgery to solicit medical treatment from the best minds in minimally invasive surgery. Call us at 469 620 0222 or send us an SMS at 469 620 8055. You can also email us at [email protected].