Hiatal hernias are common, especially in people over age 60, and can cause symptoms like chronic heartburn that interfere with your quality of life. At the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery in Peoria, Arizona, the experienced team of board-certified surgeons offers surgical solutions to repair your hernia and prevent a new one from developing later in life. Learn more about the benefits of hiatal hernia surgery by calling the office or scheduling a consultation online today.
Our practice is located at 14155 N. 83rd Ave. Suite 105 in Peoria, AZ. Call us to schedule your appointment today or call us at (623) 486-7700.
request an appointmentWhat is a hiatal hernia?
A hiatal hernia is a condition that occurs when part of your stomach moves upwards into your chest. While some people can have a hiatal hernia without any symptoms, many people experience symptoms that interfere with their quality of life, such as:
- Ulcers
- Bleeding
- Chronic heartburn
- Persistent acid reflux
You may also develop gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) or obstructions in your esophagus that interfere with eating and swallowing.
When do I need surgery for a hiatal hernia?
If your hiatal hernia symptoms are mild and don’t interfere with your quality of life, you may be able to treat them with medications and lifestyle modifications, like dietary changes and quitting smoking.
However, when symptoms don’t resolve with these treatments, hiatial hernia surgery may be necessary. This is especially true if herniated tissue begins losing proper blood circulation, a condition that can cause serious health complications, including death.
What types of hiatal hernia surgery are available?
The experienced CMIRS surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive surgical techniques and the da Vinci® robotic surgery system to address a hiatal hernia.
The most common technique is a Nissen fundoplication, which is a laparoscopic procedure that repairs the hernia through small incisions. During this type of surgery, your surgeon may also tighten your stomach muscles to prevent another hernia.
In some cases, open surgery may be necessary to make hernia repairs. This type of surgery is more invasive but sometimes necessary to correctly address the hernia.
How long does it take to recover from hiatal hernia surgery?
Following a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, you may be able to go home the same day to recover. Minimally invasive techniques can reduce your risk for pain, infection, and other post-surgical complications. The smaller incisions mean you can recover and get back to your usual routine faster.
If you need open surgery to repair a hiatal hernia, you may need to spend the night in the hospital to ensure your incision is well cared for and healing properly.
Your CMIRS surgeon carefully monitors your healing progress in the weeks after your surgery and can recommend the right time to return to work and other activities. You may need to avoid high-impact exercise and heavy living for several more weeks until you’re fully healed.
If a hiatal hernia is causing severe symptoms that aren’t getting better, schedule a consultation at the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery online or by phone today to learn more about the available surgical treatments for hernia repair.
