Fields of treatment / Surgery, laparoscopy, hernias, excision / Hiatus hernia
Hiatus hernia, hiatus hernia laparoscopic surgery
Hiatus hernia usually does not show any symptoms. However, with a hiatus hernia, you may burp, have a heartburn and pain in your chest. A hiatus hernia is often diagnosed accidentally during a CT abdomen test, gastroscopy exam or when you have your abdomen X-rayed.
What is a hiatus hernia?
A hiatus hernia occurs when some parts of your stomach and oesophagus bulge up through your diaphragm in its weak spot. The most common type is sliding hiatal hernia. It happened when there is an opening in your diaphragm, which separates your oesophagus from your stomach. It often causes acid reflux, which is when stomach acid travels up towards the throat. It is not clear why hiatus hernia happens. It is common in patients with obesity, chronic constipation or those who do intense exercise. It may cause inflammation in your oesophagus and may even develop into an ulcer or malignant tumour in your oesophagus
Hiatal hernia surgical treatments
For hiatal hernia, laparoscopic surgery called Nissen fundoplication is used. The procedure lasts 1 to 1,5 hours. The surgeon makes 4 small cuts to pull the tissue down and back in the abdomen. Also, oesophagus is reconstructed to treat reflux.
Hiatal hernia surgery: hospitalization and recovery time
You will normally stay in the hospital for 3-5 days. After it, you will be sent home where you will spend another 4-6 weeks recovering under a quiet regimen. During your recovery, you will have to eat liquids and soft foods only for a few days first. Then you will be able to move on to the diet you had had before your operation. You should drink plenty of fluids and chew your food thoroughly.
