The Options For Hiatal Hernia Surgery

Have you ever suffered from a hiatal hernia? If so

, you know that in minor cases, this condition can easily be treated by a person's diet and eating habits. In more serious cases though, this condition becomes dangerous and may require hiatal hernia surgery.

This type of hernia is the bulging of the upper part of the stomach up the thorax. This occurs due to a rip or weakening of the diaphragm. There are several symptoms such as acid reflux, too much belching, heartburn, stomach pain and swelling that indicate the presence of a herniation. Although there are a number of symptoms for this condition, sometimes a hiatus hernia is asymptomatic. This is why it's always a good idea to do a routine medical check-up at least once a year.

Several factors and activities are known to contribute to the risk of acquiring hiatal hernia. Activities like heavy lifting, hard sneezing and hard coughing are known to cause abdominal pressure that may lead to herniation. Stress, smoking and drug use can also result to this ailment. Heredity also plays a key role in herniation risk.

If a person encounters one or more of the signs mentioned above, the next step is to visit the doctor's office. If required, a hiatal hernia surgery will be performed. Although the surgery is invasive, it's considered risk-free because the operation is fairly simple.

The human body has no natural way of treating a strangulated hiatal hernia, therefore, the operation needs to be done to solve the problem. The condition cannot be left untreated because over time, the hernia will damage the sphincter muscle. A damaged sphincter will bring about more health complications.

There are two general types of hiatal hernia surgery. The more traditional one is called Nissen Fundoplication. The modern type of hiatal hernia surgery is called the Stretta Procedure.

During a Nissen Fundoplication, the upper portion of the stomach is banded around the esophagus. Once the stomach is secured in its position, the doctor performing the operation then stitches the area. This operation can be performed through small incisions called keyholes. This doesn't only reduce post-operation scarring it also reduces the risk of open wound infections.

On the other hand, the more technically advanced Stretta procedure works in a different manner. Radio energy is used to perform this type of hiatal hernia surgery. Minute burns within the stomach are achieved by radio energy exposure. These burns will naturally heal over time. As they heal, scar tissue will be formed making the area thicker and stronger.

Recovery time after a hiatal hernia surgery is fairly quick. Some adjustments may be made to the patient's diet such as the elimination of foods that cause excessive gas. Also, avoiding any heavy lifting and activities that are highly strenuous are advised after the operation. The Nissen Fundoplication requires a patient to stay in the hospital for a number of days after the surgery. The Stretta treatment on the other hand, is an out-patient operation.

by: Andrew Long

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