The test results are in, and you have a paraesophageal hiatal hernia. While your stomach and esophagus are in their natural positions, a portion of your stomach squeezed through your hiatus and is resting close to the esophagus. The risk associated with this hernia is the potential for the protruding part of the stomach to become strangulated and close off the flow of blood to the herniated tissue. Your doctor will refer you to a Victorville General Surgeon for the repair surgery.
Hiatal Hernia Repair Surgery
Laparoscopic Repair:
This is a minimally invasive surgery because the surgeon only needs to make four to five small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon inserts a laparoscopic instrument with an attached camera into one incision. The camera gives your surgeon a clear view of the surgical site. Your surgeon uses instruments inserted in the other incisions. Once the repair work is finished, the surgeon removes the instruments and the camera. The incisions will be closed with sutures that will either dissolve on their own or removed during a future office visit.
Open Repair:
The conventional, open repair surgery is performed if you have a current or have had a previous medical condition that prevents you from having laparoscopic repair surgery. For an open operation, the surgeon will make one long incision in either your abdomen or your chest wall. The repair procedure will be the same as for the laparoscopic surgery described above. After the surgeon completes the repair work, the incision will be closed with sutures that will either dissolve on their own or removed during a future office visit.
Post Surgery Care
Before you leave the hospital, your surgeon will instruct you on how to care for your incisions, what dietary changes to make, when you can resume normal activities, when you can drive a vehicle, when you can return to work, and when to schedule follow-up office visits.
