What is a hiatal hernia?
A hiatal hernia is a condition in which part of the stomach pushes up through an enlarged opening in the diaphragm muscle and enters the chest cavity. A small hiatal hernia can potentially go unnoticed but as the hernia becomes larger, it can lead to food and acid backing up into the esophagus. Eventually, this can lead to gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and even cardiac issues.
Signs and symptoms of a hiatal hernia:
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Difficulty swallowing
- Intermittent vomiting
- Pain or nausea after eating
- Early satiety
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Increased shortness of breath
- Increased fatigue
Hiatal hernia treatment
Hiatal hernias can be repaired through minimally invasive robotic surgery, resulting in smaller incisions, less pain and scarring, a shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery. Hiatal hernias can occur at any age and gradually become larger as people age to the point where most of the stomach is in the chest. Hiatal hernia surgery restores normal anatomy and allows patients to enjoy eating again, regain weight, and improve their quality of life.
About the hiatal hernia program at St. Mary
The St. Mary hiatal hernia program is one of the most experienced programs in the region specializing in advanced robotic techniques with excellent outcomes while minimizing stress on the body. This allows surgery to be performed even on patients who are advanced in age. Our expert team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and specialized nurses provide advanced, compassionate care before, during, and after surgery.
About Alfred Trang, MD
Alfred C. Trang, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in robotic and laparoscopic bariatric, foregut, and hiatal hernia surgery. Dr. Trang is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, American Medical Association, and American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
