Hiatus hernia is a type of hernia which is one of the treatable and most important cause of GERD.

This is a condition which happens when upper part of stomach slides or protrudes into the chest from its normal position in abdomen. The protrusion occurs through a weak point or hole or hiatus in the diaphragm, a muscle that separates the lungs from the abdominal organs.

As a result, the normal function of the valve becomes disrupted and reflux of acid back into the food pipe occurs.

The symptoms of hiatus hernia are almost similar to GERD including heart burn, dysphagia or bitter taste in the mouth.

Some of the common causes include obesity, increased pressure in abdomen due to coughing, vomiting, lifting heavy weights or chronic constipation. Blunt trauma or injury can also lead to development of hernia.

With the development of reliable laparoscopic surgical techniques, as well as more potent medical treatments, the treatment algorithm of GERD has changed.

Our high volume and advanced, cutting edge technology combined with expert specialists means you are getting the superior care you deserve.

Dietary & Life style changes: Reducing weight, cutting down or eliminating smoking and alcohol consumption, and altering eating and sleeping patterns, avoid wearing tight clothes can help majority of the patients.

Drug Therapy: Drug therapy is usually indicated when dietary and life style changes do not produce desired results. It may be in the form of Antacids which neutralize stomach acids, Proton Pump Inhibitors which suppresses acid production or Prokinetics which increases the motility of stomach. This therapy needs to be discussed with your surgeon.

Surgery: Patients who do not respond well to lifestyle changes or medications will eventually require surgery to counter the symptoms of GERD. You will need to discuss with your surgeon and physician whether you are a candidate for any of these procedures.

➔ Inadequate relief from medical management

➔ Prevention of long-term complications

➔ Desire for a long-lasting relief without medications

➔ Side effects associated with medicines.

➔ Presence of moderate to large hiatus hernia.

Lifelong medication is costlier and surgery may be the cheaper option in the long term.

The basic purpose of surgery is to strengthen the anti-reflux barrier.

This is achieved by forming a wrap around the lower end of esophagus. The wrap is formed by upper portion of the stomach.

Although many variants of wrap had been advocated, the best results are obtained by a forming a complete wrap known as Nissen Fundoplication. The wrap acts as a mechanical barrier and strengthens the anti-reflux mechanism.

If the patient has associated hiatus hernia, restoration of normal anatomy is done by pulling down the stomach and the gastro esophageal junction back into the abdomen and narrowing down the hiatus or present in the diaphragm.

Our team is well experienced to carry out this procedure with laparoscopic approach.

Only 3-4 tiny incisions of 0.5 cm are made in the belly or abdomen and the entire surgery is carried out with the help of long thin telescope and instruments. The patients are discharged within 48 hours.