Many people know and understand what a hernia is. In fact, many people are probably good at being able to recognize that they have a hernia, or at least understand when there is an issue because you notice an irregular bump on your abdomen. However, a hiatal hernia can be much more difficult for a patient to identify. Instead of protruding through the skin of your abdomen, it presses up through the muscles of the diaphragm and into the chest cavity.
Patients may be able to recognize there is an issue because they often experience symptoms of extreme acid reflux. There are many different options for treatment, but medication is often the first line of defense. If this approach is not sufficient, surgery is may be an option. At Clarity Surgical, we pride ourselves on providing patients with access to the best treatments that are offered by modern medicine. If you have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, contact our office today and let us show you the difference we can make.
The main purpose of surgery for a hiatal hernia is to ensure that the stomach no longer protrudes through the diaphragm by pulling it back into place, and also ensuring that the hole that allowed for the passage is closed or constricted. This process can help you feel more confident that the same issue will not happen again.
It is important to note that surgery is generally the last option and reserved for patients with persistent symptoms in patients who have not responded well to other medical approaches. Hiatal hernia repair has a success rate of more than 90%. Your ability to follow your surgical team’s recommendations during recovery can help to ensure you are in this majority. While the surgery has a great success rate, approximately 30% of patients will find that acid reflux can reoccur, but not the hernia.
You should be working with your regular doctor. However, there are certain signs or symptoms that can influence you to review your surgery options more quickly.
In the meantime, there are a few things that you can do to help your body prepare for the surgery. This includes staying active. Medical professionals suggest that you walk between two and three miles a day. You should also abstain from smoking. This helps to lower the chances of issues arising during your surgery.
Finally, talk to your doctor about your current medications. There are some types of medications that we suggest that you discontinue before your surgery, but only with the direction of your doctor.
At Clarity Surgical, we prefer to use the laparoscopic approach to surgery. This helps to reduce the discomfort and time of your recovery. This approach also helps to reduce the potential for infection. Laparoscopic surgery makes small incisions in the abdomen. Specialized equipment is inserted through these incisions to help your surgeon see the area they are working and perform the necessary procedure.
Your doctor will first pull the stomach back into the proper area, and then wrap the upper part of the stomach around the lower portion of the esophagus. This helps to tighten the sphincter and reduce the potential of acid reflux.
It is important to follow the direction of our staff following the surgery to heal as quickly as possible.
If you have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, contact Clarity Surgical today. Our talented staff has the expertise and tools to offer you the best care for Hiatal Hernia Repair Surgery in Long Island, NY.
One fine body…