Hiatal Hernia Surgery Facts
Although hiatal hernia surgery is not something that you will want to undergo for
the simple reason that it is invasive surgery, your doctor will consider it under certain circumstances. But first, what is a hiatal hernia?
If you are a healthy individual, your diaphragm contains a small opening known as the hiatus. In turn, it allows the esophagus to pass through the diaphragm and into the stomach, thus, connecting the respiratory and digestive systems, in a manner of speaking.
However, the stomach can push up through the hiatus and result in hiatal hernia. There are many ways with which it can happen including injury to the area, a congenital condition and persistent pressures on the surrounding muscles.
Conditions Warranting Surgery
Not all individuals are good candidates for hiatal hernia surgery since many do respond to medications and lifestyle changes. This is especially true for small hiatal hernias where symptoms are non-existent. However, when a large hiatal hernia occurs, then surgical repair along with medications becomes necessary.
You should see your doctor when you experience symptoms like severe heartburn, severe esophageal inflammation, esophageal narrowing, chronic lung inflammation brought by the frequent aspiration of the gastric fluids and chest pain. Only a doctor can provide for a definitive diagnosis, often when he is searching for another disorder. Diagnosis is usually achieved with a barium x-ray and an endoscopy exam.
In the Operating Room
Hiatal hernia surgery can be performed either on an outpatient or an inpatient basis depending on the case conditions. Your general surgeon may also opt for general anesthesia for the operation.
Basically, the operation involves pulling your stomach back down into your abdomen. Then, your surgeon may choose to either make the hiatal hernia smaller or reconstruct your weak esophageal sphincter or remove the entire hernia sac.
A small scar may result from the surgery since an incision in either your chest wall or your abdomen is necessary. Also, special tools like an endoscope are used to see inside your stomach.
Recovery from Surgery
Although hiatal hernia surgery is considered a major operation, it is generally a safe one with very low mortality rate. You can get back to your normal activities within 2-4 weeks after surgery although certain measures must be adopted to avoid complications.
You will be advised to refrain from activities that will place intense, persistent and undue pressure on the incision site. These activities include sneezing and coughing, crying and vomiting, exerting pressure during bowel movements and fast changes in body posture from the lying to the seated as well as from seating to standing positions.
Risks after Surgery
Hiatal hernia repair is not without its risks considering that it is a major surgical operation. You can experience gas bloating and pain with swallowing as well as recurrence of the hernia after the surgery. You may also suffer from adverse reactions to the anesthesia and the surgery including breathing problems, bleeding and infection.
Still, despite these risks of hiatal hernia surgery, it is a lifesaving operation that you must undergo. The trick is in choosing the best general surgeon and following his after-surgery recommendations.
by: Andrew Long
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