Hiatus Hernia Surgery
When it comes to hernia repair, choosing an experienced and skilled surgeon is crucial. Dr Sherif Awad specialises in laparoscopic surgery for hiatus hernias and offers comprehensive care for patients dealing with different types of hernia, including hiatus hernias.
With decades of expertise, Dr Sherif is dedicated to providing effective and minimally invasive repair of hiatus hernias that ensures a quick recovery and long-term relief of troublesome acid heartburn and reflux symptoms.
Understanding hiatus hernias
A hiatus hernia occurs when a small part of the stomach pushes itself through the diaphragm muscle into the chest cavity. This condition is particularly common among individuals over the age of 50. While many people with a hiatus hernia experience no symptoms, others may struggle with symptoms that can significantly impact their quality of life.
Common Symptoms of Hiatus Hernia
If you suspect having a hiatus hernia, you might experience the following symptoms:
- Heartburn: A painful, strong burning sensation in the chest, often occurring after eating.
- Reflux: Bringing up small amounts of food, burning acid liquid or bitter-tasting fluid.
- Bad Breath: A result of acid or bile reflux.
- Bloating: A feeling of fullness or swelling in the stomach.
- Nausea: Feeling sick or vomiting.
- Dysphagia: Difficulty or pain when swallowing or food sticking.
These symptoms are also associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which can occur alongside a hiatus hernia.
Pre-operative Preparations:
- Consultation: You will have a thorough consultation with Dr Awad to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and the potential benefits and risks of the surgery.
- Pre-surgery tests: You may undergo various tests, such as an endoscopy and pH/manometry study to assess the severity of your GORD and the function of your oesophagus.
During the Surgery:
- The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes about 1-2 hours.
- The surgeon makes small incisions in your tummy and inserts the laparoscope and surgical instruments.
- The top of your stomach is wrapped around the lower part of your oesophagus and secured in place, effectively preventing acid reflux.
Post-operative Care:
- Most of the patients can go home as a daycase or stay overnight in the hospital after surgery.
- You will be given specific diet and activity restrictions instructions during your recovery.
- It is common to experience little difficulty swallowing in the first few weeks, but this usually resolves as your body adjusts.
Managing hiatus hernia symptoms
For those experiencing mild symptoms, there are lifestyle changes that can help manage the discomfort associated with a hiatus hernia:
Do’s
- Eat smaller, Frequent Meals: This may prevent the stomach from becoming too full, reducing pressure and reflux symptoms.
- Elevate the Head of Your Bed: Raising the head up by 10 to 20 cm helps prevent stomach acid from travelling up towards your throat.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing excess weight can reduce the strain on your stomach and diaphragm.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Stress can exacerbate symptoms, so finding ways to relax is beneficial.
Don’ts
- Avoid Trigger Foods and Drinks: Spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can worsen symptoms.
- Don’t Eat Close to Bedtime: Avoid eating within 3 to 4 hours before going to sleep.
- Avoid Tight Clothing: Clothing that constricts your waist can increase abdominal pressure and worsen reflux symptoms.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can increase acid production and exacerbate reflux symptoms.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol may relax the lower oesophagal sphincter, thus making it easier for acid to reflux.
Diagnosis of hiatus hernia
Diagnosing a hiatus hernia often involves a series of tests to determine the cause of symptoms like heartburn or chest pain. The most common diagnostic methods include:
- Endoscopy: Is a procedure where a long, thin camera tube is passed down the throat to examine the food pipe and stomach to determine the cause of symptoms.
- Oesophageal (food pipe) pH and Manometry study: This test measures the muscle contractions in the oesophagus when swallowing, assessing the coordination and strength of the oesophageal muscle. It also measures the amount of acid or bile that refluxes up into the food pipe.
- Barium Swallow: After drinking a milky liquid, X-rays are taken to highlight the outline of the oesophagus and stomach.
Treatment options for hiatus hernia
Most people with a hiatus hernia do not require treatment unless symptoms become problematic. For those who do experience significant discomfort, treatment options include both medication and surgery.
Medications:
- Antacids: These neutralise stomach acid and provide quick relief but may cause side effects like diarrhoea or kidney problems with overuse.
- H-2-Receptor Blockers: These medications reduce acid production e.g. Famotidine.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These stronger acid blockers also aid in healing the oesophagus and are available both over-the-counter and by prescription.
Surgical Intervention:
When medication fails to alleviate symptoms or side effects occur from medications, hiatus hernia repair may be necessary. Surgical treatment is performed using the keyhole (laparoscopic) approach.
Laparoscopic hiatus hernia (and antireflux) surgery is a minimally invasive procedure where a small camera and instruments are inserted through five small incisions on the tummy under general anaesthetia. Mr Awad then repairs the hiatus hernia using sutures. Often an antireflux procedure is also undertaken (e.g. Nissen fundoplication or Dor Anterior wrap) to create a new stronger antacid valve at the top of the stomach which reduced acid heartburn and reflux symptoms. This approach is associated with faster recovery times and minimal scarring. Patients can often go home the same day or after an overnight stay.
Dr Sherif Awad specialises in hiatus hernia repair and antireflux surgery and ensures patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment tailored to their specific condition.
Why choose Dr Sherif Awad?
Dr Sherif Awad is committed to delivering exceptional care with a primary focus on patient safety and excellent outcomes. His extensive experience in hiatus hernia repair makes him a trusted choice among individuals seeking relief from the discomfort and troublesome symptoms of hiatus hernias. Whether you are dealing with a hiatus hernia or another type of hernia, Dr Sherif’s personalised approach ensures the best possible outcome for your health.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr Sherif Awad’s office today and take the first step toward specialist management of your troublesome condition.
