Hiatal Hernia
Best Hiatal Hernia Treatment in DFW
What is Hiatal Hernia ?
Hernias are protrusions of tissue (usually intestines) through weak spots or tears in the body. While a hernia can occur just about anywhere, the most common hernias are in the inner or outer groin, the belly button, or the stomach. Some hernias are not painful, but some are severely painful and carry the risk of strangulating important blood vessels. Peak Bariatric performs hernia surgeries including, but not limited to, inguinal (groin area), ventral (abdomen), incisional (caused by unhealed surgical wound), hiatal (diaphragm) and others. Our surgeons perform these procedures minimally invasive whenever possible. This method decreases scarring and recovery times, and minimizes the risk of infection. In many cases, the incisions we make are so small they don’t even require stitches, so you can get back to your normal lives in days, not weeks. A hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of your stomach bulges through an opening in your diaphragm. It can cause severe acid reflux or GERD symptoms. Often, these symptoms can be treated with medications. Surgery can repair a hiatal hernia by pulling your stomach back into the abdomen and making the opening in the diaphragm smaller. The procedure may also involve surgically reconstructing the esophageal sphincter or removing hernial sacs.
Benefits of Hiatal Hernia Procedure
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest. This can cause symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing. A hiatal hernia procedure, also known as hiatal hernia repair surgery, can be performed to correct this condition and alleviate symptoms.
Some potential benefits of hiatal hernia repair surgery include:
- Relief of symptoms: Hiatal hernia repair surgery can help to reduce or eliminate symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing.
- Improved quality of life: Symptoms of a hiatal hernia can greatly affect a person’s quality of life. By correcting the condition, surgery can help to improve a person’s overall well-being.
- Reduced risk of complications: A hiatal hernia can increase the risk of complications such as ulcers, bleeding, and narrowing of the esophagus. Repair surgery can help to reduce the risk of these complications.
- Long-term resolution: Hiatal hernia repair surgery can provide a long-term solution to the condition, although some people may need additional surgery in the future if the hernia recurs.
It’s important to note that hiatal hernia repair surgery is not always necessary, and in some cases, symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes or medications. If you have a hiatal hernia and are considering surgery, it’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor.
What is the recovery like for Hiatal Hernia treatment?
The recovery from hiatal hernia treatment, including hiatal hernia repair surgery, will depend on the specific procedure that was performed and the individual patient’s overall health. In general, most people can expect to experience some discomfort and need to take some time off work to recover.
Here are some general guidelines for hiatal hernia treatment recovery:
- Pain management: Pain after hiatal hernia surgery is usually managed with medications prescribed by the doctor. The severity of pain will vary from person to person.
- Diet: After hiatal hernia surgery, it’s important to follow a soft or liquid diet for the first few days to allow the surgical site to heal. Gradually, solid foods can be reintroduced as tolerated.
- Activity: Light activities such as walking can be resumed soon after surgery, but more strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks.
- Follow-up care: Follow-up care with the surgeon is usually scheduled within the first week or two after surgery to check the surgical site and ensure proper healing.
It’s important to follow the specific instructions provided by the surgeon and medical team to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. If you have any concerns or questions about your recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Are you the right patient for Hiatal Hernia Treatment?
Hiatal hernia surgery may be recommended for people who have symptoms that are not adequately managed with lifestyle changes or medications. Some common symptoms of a hiatal hernia include heartburn, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing.
There are several factors that may influence a person’s eligibility for hiatal hernia surgery, including the size and location of the hernia, the severity of symptoms, and the presence of any other medical conditions.
If you are considering hiatal hernia surgery, it’s important to discuss the procedure and your eligibility with a healthcare professional, such as a gastroenterologist or a surgeon. They will take into account your specific circumstances and medical history to determine whether hiatal hernia surgery is appropriate for you.
In general, hiatal hernia surgery is typically recommended for people who have:
- Large or complex hiatal hernias
- Severe or recurrent symptoms that are not adequately managed with lifestyle changes or medications
- Complications such as ulcers, bleeding, or narrowing of the esophagus
It’s also important to note that hiatal hernia surgery is not always necessary, and in some cases, symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes or medications. Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the best course of treatment based on your specific circumstances.
When Would I be back to work after a Hiatal Hernia Treatment?
The amount of time it will take to return to work after hiatal hernia surgery will depend on the specific procedure that was performed, the individual patient’s overall health, and the type of work they do. In general, most people can expect to take some time off work to recover after hiatal hernia surgery.
Here are some general guidelines for returning to work after hiatal hernia surgery:
- Light work: Many people are able to return to light work, such as desk work or tasks that do not require physical exertion, within a week or two after surgery.
- Strenuous work: More strenuous work, such as heavy lifting or manual labor, should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery to allow the surgical site to heal properly.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions: It’s important to follow the specific instructions provided by your surgeon and medical team to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. They will provide guidance on when it is safe to return to work based on your individual circumstances.
If you have any concerns about returning to work after hiatal hernia surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. They can provide you with specific recommendations based on your individual situation.
