Occasional heartburn after a spicy meal may not come as a surprise. But when discomfort, reflux, or swallowing difficulties become a regular part of daily life, a hiatal hernia may be the underlying cause.
Hiatal hernias are common, increasingly so with age, and many people do not even realize they have one. The good news is that effective treatments are available, ranging from lifestyle changes to minimally invasive surgery that can provide lasting relief.
When surgery is needed, JCMG General Surgery offers advanced minimally invasive treatment options designed to help patients recover comfortably and return home sooner. Dr. Brandon Jenson specializes in hiatal hernia repair and acid reflux surgery and completed advanced fellowship training in bariatric and foregut surgery. Procedures are performed at the JCMG Surgery Center, which was recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the nation's best ambulatory surgery centers.
What Is a Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus and moves into the chest cavity.
The diaphragm is a large muscle that helps with breathing and separates the chest from the abdomen. Normally, the esophagus passes through a small opening in the diaphragm before connecting to the stomach. When that opening becomes weakened or enlarged, part of the stomach can move upward through it.
What Are the Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia?
Many hiatal hernias cause no symptoms and are discovered incidentally during testing for another condition. When symptoms do occur, they are often related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which develops when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
Common symptoms may include:
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux or regurgitation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest discomfort or pressure
- Bloating
- Frequent belching
- Chronic sore throat
- Hoarseness caused by ongoing reflux
Some patients may notice symptoms after eating large meals, bending over, or lying down. In more severe cases, reflux symptoms can interfere with sleep, daily activities, and overall well-being.
When Is Treatment Needed?
Not every hiatal hernia requires treatment. For patients who have little or no symptoms, monitoring may be all that is needed.
Treatment is typically recommended when symptoms become frequent, are difficult to control with medication, interfere with daily activities, affect quality of life, or lead to complications from chronic reflux. If heartburn, regurgitation, or swallowing difficulties are becoming a regular concern, it may be time to speak with a healthcare provider about treatment options.
When Is Surgery Recommended?
While many patients find relief through lifestyle changes or medication, surgery may be the best option for lasting relief when:
- Symptoms persist despite conservative treatment
- Reflux significantly impacts quality of life
- Long-term medication use is not providing adequate relief
- Complications develop
The goal of surgery is to return the stomach to its normal position, repair the opening in the diaphragm, and reduce reflux symptoms. Most hiatal hernia repairs are performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques, which allow patients to recover more comfortably than with traditional open surgery.
Nonsurgical Treatment
For many patients, symptoms can be managed without surgery. Lifestyle modifications, dietary changes to reduce reflux triggers, weight management, avoiding large meals before bedtime, and acid-reducing medications can all provide meaningful relief and help prevent symptoms from worsening.
Recovery After Hiatal Hernia Surgery
Minimally invasive hiatal hernia surgery is designed to help patients return to their normal activities as quickly as possible. Most patients return home shortly after surgery, resume light activities within a few days, and gradually return to their normal routines over the following weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding diet, activity restrictions, and follow-up care to support a safe recovery.
The Benefits of Outpatient Surgery
Advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques have made outpatient treatment possible for many patients.
Benefits may include:
- Smaller incisions
- Less postoperative discomfort
- Faster recovery times
- Earlier return to normal daily activities
- Recovery in the comfort of home
Find Relief with JCMG General Surgery
If ongoing heartburn, reflux, or swallowing difficulties are affecting your daily life, a hiatal hernia may be the cause. Talk with your primary care provider to determine whether a consultation is right for you.
Whether treatment involves medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery, our goal is to help you find lasting relief and get back to living comfortably. For patients who need surgical repair, JCMG General Surgery offers advanced minimally invasive procedures performed at the JCMG Surgery Center, helping patients recover comfortably at home and return to the activities they enjoy sooner.
As JCMG's specialist in hiatal hernia repair and acid reflux surgery, Dr. Brandon Jenson works with each patient's care team to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for their individual needs.
To learn more about JCMG General Surgery and the surgical specialties offered, visit JCMG.org/surgical-specialists.