Hiatal Hernia Surgery - Are You Considering Surgery to End Your Heartburn?
Hiatal hernia surgery is just one of many options for people with heartburn and other symptoms created by a hiatal hernia. In this article, I'll cover some of the common methods of surgery and how they work.
Hiatal Hernia
Most of you reading this will probably already know what a hiatal hernia is. But for those who don't then here is a quick explanation.
The diaphragm normally lies on top of the stomach. In some people a part of the stomach has forced its way through a gap in the centre of the diaphragm. This causes an abnormality in the lower esophageal sphincter whose purpose it is to keep acid in the stomach and prevent if from escaping where it would otherwise cause heartburn.
Nissen Fundoplication
This is the most common surgical procedure for a hiatal hernia. The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus and stitched in place.
This is usually performed laparascopically using small incisions (keyhole surgery) rather than as open surgery.
Stretta Procedure
This surgical procedure involves the delivery of high intensity radio frequency energy to the lower esophageal sphincter where tiny burns are created. When the burns heal, scar tissue is formed which is supposed to help toughen the muscle and improve its performance.
Endocinch
This method involves creation of sutures to form a pleat just below the lower esophageal sphincter.
Analysis Of Surgical Procedures
Nissen Fundoplication is the most established of all surgical procedures. The development of many other surgical procedures (not just the two others mentioned above) were driven by the poor success rate of Nissen Fundoplication. Unfortunately, these new methods are not significantly better either.
Although many patients report an immediate improvement in their symptoms, most of them report a return to original severity and are still dependent on medication. The dependence on medication is often the original motivation for the optional surgery in the first place.
Considering surgery for hiatal hernia? Get the whole picture on all treatments for GERD and hiatal hernia here: GERD Library.