Reflux and Hiatus Hernia surgery

Generally the larger the hiatus hernia the more likely they are to cause symptoms. A hiatus hernia is a structural problem and will not be rectified by medication. To treat this hiatal herniorrhaphy is required.

Other reflux symptoms can include coughing, choking at night, chest pain and asthma. Large hiatus hernias can occasionally cause obstructions and need to be operated on as a matter of urgency.

20% of the adult population have regular reflux symptoms. Mostly these can be controlled with lifestyle changes or taking medication such as Omeprazole (Losec) or similar agents.

Medication changes the acidity of the reflux or coats the oesophagus to protect it. It does not stop reflux from occurring.

Surgery is indicated for patients when 

• Medication doesn’t work
• Doesn’t wish to take medication 
• Have side effects or allergic to prescribed medication 
• Concerns about the long term effects of medication such as osteoporosis

Patients who have significant debilitating reflux symptoms:

These patients frequently have a hiatus hernia causing these symptoms which will not go away unless their hiatus hernia is repaired

• Severe intractable heartburn
• Regurgitation particularly lying flat or bending over
• Nocturnal coughing and choking
• Chest pain
• Reflux induced asthma