Hiatal hernia surgery is considered a safe procedure that rarely has serious complications. However, undergoing the operation carries
some degree of risk as does any other type of surgery. Risks are associated with the use of general anesthesia as well as the surgery
itself.
General anesthesia is required for hiatal hernia surgery. It is possible you could have a reaction to the anesthetic,
or it could be improperly administered and cause adverse consequences. Anesthesia causes you to breathe shallowly which could potentially
cause complications such as pneumonia.
Shallow breathing combined with lack of mobility after surgery increases the risk of lung
complications. You will probably be instructed in deep breathing techniques and told to sit up and walk as soon as possible in order
to decrease the risk to your respiratory system.
Lack of mobility also raises concern for blood clots. These tend to form in
the legs and can break loose and lodge in the lungs to cause a pulmonary embolism that can be deadly. Moving around after hiatal hernia
surgery, and walking, is important even though it may cause pain, as it lessens the risk of these serious complications.
Excessive
bleeding is a concern with any surgery and the risk also exists with hiatal this surgery. The bleeding may result because blood
fails to clot or it may happen as a result of human error that damages a vessel.
Human error during surgery is rare today, but
the risk remains that damage may be done inadvertently to adjoining organs, vessels, and supporting tissues.
If you have underlying
medical problems, your risk for hiatal hernia surgery may be higher than most. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are two conditions
that make you more vulnerable when undergoing anesthesia and surgery.
Complications that are specific to this surgery include
gas bloat and pain when swallowing. You may experience discomfort or pain when you swallow for several weeks after your surgery. However,
it almost always clears up within three months.
Gas bloating is a more common complication and occurs in around 40 percent of
the people who undergo it. This causes bloating after eating, burping, nausea, and vomiting. This too, usually clears up within three
months, but it is possible these symptoms will persist for the long term.
Hiatal hernia surgery also carries a risk of infection.
If infection does develop, it is normally treated easily with antibiotics. After you are discharged from the hospital, you should
monitor your incision scar for signs of drainage that might indicate it is infected. Call you doctor if you develop a fever or if
your incision becomes red, swollen, or drains fluid.
Before you undergo hiatal hernia surgery, discuss the risks and benefits
with your doctor so that you understand them and feel comfortable with your decision to have the procedure. While hernia repair is
considered major surgery and involves general anesthesia, the complication rate is low and the success rate is high for alleviating
symptoms of a hiatal hernia.
Risks And Complications
