When would I need hiatal hernia surgery?
A completed laparoscopic repair of a large hiatal hernia with creation of a new lower esophageal valve or sphincter (a.k.a. fundoplication). Some people with a hiatal hernia need surgery. Hiatal hernia surgery is usually considered when treatment medications and lifestyle changes fail to relieve severe reflux symptoms or if you have complications such as chronic bleeding, pain with eating, shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing. An operation for a hiatal hernia can usually be done using minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic surgery). Using small incisions, we use a camera and specialized instruments to repair the hernia and bring the stomach back down into the abdomen where it belongs. Occasionally, it is necessary to perform the hiatal hernia surgery using a traditional (open surgery) approach. This needs to be discussed with you so the best treatment plan can be made for each patient. The majority of our hiatal hernia procedures are performed using laparoscopy because patien
