A hiatal hernia is an enlarged opening in your diaphragm that allows your stomach to slide through and put pressure against your esophagus
and esophageal sphincter. This pressure causes pain and heartburn. Some people are born with a hiatal hernia but may not experience
any symptoms at all. For others, symptoms are severe. Hiatal hernia surgery repairs the opening in your diaphragm so your stomach
stays in place. This surgery greatly reduces or eliminates reflux of stomach acid and heartburn.
Except in the case of an emergency
situation where your stomach is stuck or twists on itself, hiatal hernia surgery is usually a last resort treatment. Other methods
of dealing with heartburn are tried first such as change in diet and antacid medication. When these methods no longer work, and your
heartburn is severe and persistent, hernia surgery becomes necessary in order to get relief.
In some cases, the backflow of stomach
acid into your esophagus can cause damage over time. Your esophagus can become inflamed and irritated. Constant irritation can result
in a stricture or narrowing of your esophagus. In order to prevent serious damage to your esophagus, your doctor may recommend hiatal
hernia surgery so the backflow of acid is eliminated.
Other times, the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus can enter
high enough into your throat that you breathe the stomach acid into your lungs. This can cause pneumonia and lung infections which
are risky for your health. If you have recurring pneumonia due to your hernia, hiatal hernia surgery may be indicated to stop stomach
acid from entering your lungs.
When you have a hernia, which is an enlarged opening in your diaphragm that your stomach slides
through, there is always the risk that your stomach could get stuck in the hernia or above your diaphragm. Your stomach may even slip
around and twist on itself. This is called a para-esophageal hernia and it requires emergency surgery.
Even if your symptoms
are not severe or life threatening, you may elect to have hiatal hernia surgery rather than take medications or follow a restrictive
diet. In that case, it becomes a quality of life issue. You should discuss the benefits versus the risks of hiatal hernia surgery
with your doctor so you can arrive at a well-informed decision about whether you should have hernia repair surgery in your particular
case.
Depending upon the severity of your symptoms, you may be able to put off hiatal hernia surgery for a long time or avoid
it all together. However, if your reflux is severe, hiatal hernia surgery may be the best choice in preventing serious permanent damage
to your esophagus, stomach and lungs.
When Is It Necessary?
