Hiatus Hernia Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

To reduce symptoms of acid reflux and discomfort caused by the hernia through daily habits and dietary adjustments.

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce pressure on the stomach.
• Elevate the head of your bed by 10-20cm to prevent stomach acid from traveling up towards your throat during sleep.
• Maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight can worsen symptoms and increase abdominal pressure.
• Identify and avoid trigger foods or drinks that exacerbate your symptoms.
• Refrain from eating within 3-4 hours of going to bed.
• Avoid wearing clothes that are tight around your waist.
• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption, as both can irritate the digestive system.

Medicinal Treatment

To manage acid reflux, alleviate heartburn, and control other gastrointestinal symptoms when lifestyle changes are insufficient.

• Over-the-counter antacids or alginates to neutralize stomach acid and provide short-term relief from heartburn and indigestion.
• Prescription-strength acid-reducing medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2-receptor blockers, for persistent or severe symptoms.
• Medications to improve gastric motility, if recommended by a specialist, to help food move through the digestive system more efficiently.

Surgical Treatment

To permanently correct the anatomical defect, prevent stomach acid reflux, and resolve severe symptoms when other treatments have failed.

• Laparoscopic fundoplication, a minimally invasive keyhole surgery to repair the hernia, pull the stomach back into the abdomen, and reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter.
• Open repair surgery, which may be considered for complex cases or when a laparoscopic approach is not feasible.
• Paraesophageal hernia repair, a specific surgical technique for larger hernias where a significant portion of the stomach has moved into the chest.

Surgery is typically considered only if other treatments have not been effective and symptoms are significantly impacting quality of life.