Hiatal Hernia Repair

What is Hiatal Hernia Repair?

Hiatal hernia surgery repositions the stomach below the diaphragm and tightens the esophageal opening, often with a wrap to prevent acid reflux. This laparoscopic procedure treats stomach protrusion through the diaphragm, causing heartburn and regurgitation, effectively.

A simple explanation for patients

Your stomach has slipped through a hole in the diaphragm muscle. Surgeons gently pull it back down, sew the hole smaller, and wrap part of the stomach around the esophagus, like a natural valve, to stop acid from coming up.

Why is Hiatal Hernia Treatment Needed?

Hiatal hernia treatment becomes essential when reflux damages the esophagus, causes severe symptoms, or risks complications like Barrett's esophagus or aspiration. Untreated hernias worsen reflux, leading to chronic inflammation and reduced quality of life.

Common Reasons and Key Conditions Treated

• Severe GERD is unresponsive to medications.
• Large sliding hernias cause obstruction symptoms.
• Paraesophageal hernias risk stomach volvulus.
• Esophagitis or esophageal strictures from reflux.
• Chronic cough and hoarseness from aspiration.

Why Choose Manipal Hospitals Global for Hiatal Hernia Surgery?

Manipal Hospitals Global specialises in laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery with excellent long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction.

• Expert Upper GI Surgeons: Thousands of successful hernia repairs performed.
• Advanced Laparoscopy Systems: 3D HD visualization for precision dissection.
• NABH JCI Accredited: Global standards for safety and infection control.
• Multidisciplinary GERD Care: Gastroenterology, nutrition, and physio teams collaborate.
• International Patient Excellence: Seamless end-to-end journey support.

Indications for Hiatal Hernia Types

Patients with symptomatic hiatal hernia types—sliding, paraesophageal, or mixed—showing failed medical therapy qualify for surgical correction.

• Symptomatic sliding hernia with daily reflux.
• Paraesophageal hernia risking incarceration.
• Medication-dependent GERD is long-term.
• Esophageal damage confirmed on endoscopy.
• Good surgical candidate health status.

Who Should Avoid or Delay Hiatal Hernia Repair?

Specific health factors may require medical optimisation or alternative approaches before considering laparoscopic repair.

• Severe esophageal motility disorders.
• Uncontrolled cardiac/pulmonary disease.
• Morbid obesity complicating laparoscopy.
• Active esophageal perforation.

Preparing for Hiatal Hernia Surgery

• Endoscopy and manometry assess esophageal function.
• pH monitoring confirms pathologic reflux.
• Medication review: Stop blood thinners in a timely manner.
• Clear liquid diet the day before surgery.
• International travel planning: Visa and accommodation coordination.
• Post-op support: Arrange family assistance.

What Happens During the Hiatal Hernia Repair?

Laparoscopic repair repositions the hernia contents, reconstructs the diaphragmatic hiatus, and creates an anti-reflux wrap. The procedure lasts 2-3 hours under general anaesthesia with 5 small incisions, and overnight hospital observation is typically required.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

• General anaesthesia; reverse Trendelenburg positioning.
• Five trocars are placed; the liver is retracted for exposure.
• Short gastric vessels are divided to mobilize the fundus.
• The hernia sac was completely dissected from the mediastinum.
• The crura were approximated posterior to the esophagus with sutures.
• Nissen fundoplication (360° wrap) was constructed loosely.
• Intraoperative endoscopy verifies wrap integrity.

Recovery After Hiatal Hernia Surgery

Patients advance from liquids to a soft diet over days, with shoulder pain from gas resolving quickly. Most resume normal eating within two weeks. International patients benefit from teleconsult follow-ups and detailed home care instructions.

Risks & Complications

Possible issues include dysphagia, gas bloat, wrap slippage, or esophageal perforation. Experienced surgical teams employ meticulous techniques minimising recurrence to under 5%. Thorough preoperative evaluation ensures optimal candidate selection.

Benefits of Hiatal Hernia Repair

Hiatal hernia surgery transforms lives through:

• Reflux elimination: 90% achieve medication independence.
• Improved swallowing: Esophageal function restored.
• Less invasive: quick recovery, minimal scarring.
• Hernia prevention: Diaphragm reconstruction is durable.
• Better sleep/quality: No more nighttime reflux episodes.

Cost of Hiatal Hernia Treatment at Manipal Hospitals Global

Substantially more affordable than Western/Gulf countries while maintaining world-class outcomes. The comprehensive package includes surgery, hospitalisation, diagnostics, medications, and nutrition counseling. Personalised quotes follow thorough evaluation.

International Patient Support at Manipal Hospitals Global

Visa facilitation, airport pickup, luxury accommodation, Arabic/Hindi interpreters, halal dietary options, and insurance pre-authorisation. Dedicated coordinators manage every detail for stress-free healing journeys.