Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair in Appleton, WI
What is Hiatal Hernia or Paraesophageal Hernia?
Hiatal hernia develops in the muscle of the diaphragm. Normally the anatomy allows the passage of the esophagus, which is the muscle tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, through the chest. The passage through the diaphragm is the diaphragmatic hiatus. That muscular passageway contributes to the barrier that prevents the contents of the stomach from going the wrong direction. A hiatal hernia means that the passageway enlarges. The larger or wider the passage becomes, the less it can contribute to the valve barrier at the connection between the esophagus and stomach. Additionally, the larger passageway allows the stomach to slide upwards into the chest, leading to more symptoms including pain, bloating, trouble swallowing, and increased issues of heartburn and reflux.
Treatment Options
There is no pill that can fix a hiatal hernia. Typically treatment involves a surgery that is done laparoscopically or robotically. The hernia is repaired with stitches to reduce the size of the hole back to its normal size, snug around the esophagus. Depending on the defect, sometimes the repair is reinforced with mesh. To complete the repair, the valve mechanism is also addressed at the time of hernia repair. This is accomplished with a traditional fundoplication approach, Nissen (complete) or Toupet (partial) fundoplication, or alternatively with a magnetic sphincter augmentation implant or even an endoscopic reconstruction approach.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
The procedure involves a general anesthetic and done either as an outpatient or an overnight hospitalization. Patients typically are placed on a soft or liquid diet for 7-14 days after the procedure to allow for any swelling to go down, and then the diet is slowly advanced. Patients are typically limited with regards to heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks following the procedure.
Hiatal Hernia Treatment in Appleton, WI
Dr. Janu has received national recognition for minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of heartburn and reflux. With many different options, Dr. Janu’s goal is to try to match each patient with the treatment that offers the most effective results with the least amount of risk and side effects. As a board-certified surgeon, Dr. Janu will take the time to discuss your GERD treatment options. If you are experiencing symptoms of GERD, call (920) 731-8131 to schedule an appointment at our office in Appleton today