Hiatal Hernia Repair - Things to Remember in Preparing For This Procedure

Hiatal hernia repair is a surgical procedure whichall the risks that go along with the hiatal hernia repair.
corrects a defect resulting in a protruding muscle inFailing to repair the defect can lead to even further
between the diaphragm and the stomach. Otherand more serious complications.
names for this procedure are fundoplication andOne of these risks is the severe bloating that can
anti-reflux surgery. A hiatal hernia typically occursresult in difficulty with burping or vomiting and can lead
when the opening in the diaphragm is too large allowingto bloating every eating a meal. This typically occurs in
tissue protrusion downwards. If this problem is notabout 40% of all diagnosed cases. Another risk is
repaired the stomach or other abdominal contentsrelated to anesthesia administration which can lead to
may bulge or herniate upwards into your chest cavityheart and breathing problems. Furthermore, there are
and that can cause heartburn and other seriousalso risks that you may encounter after the surgery
damage to the esophagus.which include bleeding and infection.
Surgical hiatal hernia repair may be recommended ifMore often now, physicians are opting for a
you are suffering from the following symptoms:laparoscopic surgical option that will provide you with a
* Severe heartburnmuch shorter hospital stay. As for an open surgery,
* Chronic inflammation of the esophagus because ofyou will have to stay two to six days after the
the backflow of the gastric fluidssurgery.
* Atrophy or thinning of the esophagus because of theHiatal hernia repair is an effective and often necessary
acid damageoperation in order to eliminate or reduce about 95% of
* Inflammation of the lungs because of frequentpatients' discomforts. So be sure to thoroughly
aspiration of gastric fluids when breathingresearch your options before making a decision for a
* Indication that the stomach is getting stuck in thesurgical hiatal hernia repair. You just might find that
chest or twisted over on itselfmedical interventions are exactly what the doctor
If after thorough evaluation your physician suggests aordered.
surgical repair, then you must always be ready to face