When is hiatus hernia surgery necessary?
If the hiatus hernia is in danger of becoming constricted or strangulated (so that the blood supply is cut off), surgery may be needed to reduce the hernia, meaning put it back where it belongs. Hiatus hernia surgery can be performed as a laparoscopic, or “minimally invasive” or “keyhole” procedure. During this type of surgery five or six small (5 to 10mm) incisions are made in the abdomen. The laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions. The surgeon is guided by the laparoscope, which transmits a picture of the internal organs to a monitor. The advantages of laparoscopic surgery include smaller incisions, less risk of infection, less pain and scarring, and a more rapid recovery. Many patients are able to walk around the day after hernia surgery. Generally there are no dietary restrictions and the patient can resume his or her regular activities within a week. Complete recovery will take two to three weeks, and hard labour and heavy lifting should be avoid
