Overview of Hiatus Hernia
Hiatus hernia is a condition where part of the stomach moves upwards into the chest, most common in people aged 50 and above. If severe symptoms or complications occur, hiatus hernia surgery in Dubai may be required.
Symptoms
- Heartburn: Burning chest pain from stomach acid reflux, often worse after meals or when lying down.
- Regurgitation: Sour/bitter taste or food backing up into throat or mouth.
- Chest pain: Must be evaluated to rule out cardiac issues.
- Difficulty swallowing: Narrowing at diaphragm makes food passage harder.
- Acid reflux (GERD): Chronic reflux causing ongoing discomfort.
- Belching & bloating: Fullness and excessive burping after meals.
Causes
- Weak diaphragm muscles: Allows stomach to push through hiatus.
- Increased abdominal pressure: From obesity, pregnancy, lifting, coughing, vomiting, or straining.
- Age: More common in older adults as muscles weaken.
- Congenital factors: Larger hiatus or weak diaphragm from birth.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excess alcohol, poor diet, obesity, chronic constipation.
Diagnosis and Tests
- Medical history & physical exam: Review of symptoms, physical check for abnormalities.
- Imaging tests:
- X-ray of chest & abdomen.
- Barium swallow test with X-rays.
- Upper GI endoscopy with camera & biopsy option.
- Esophageal pH monitoring to measure reflux.
Purpose of Hiatus Hernia Surgery in Dubai
- Hernia reduction: Move stomach back into abdomen and restore alignment.
- Hiatal opening repair: Reinforce diaphragm opening to prevent recurrence.
- Symptom relief: Reduce GERD, heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation.
- Complication prevention: Avoid strangulation or incarceration of the stomach.
Preparation for Surgery
- Consultation with surgeon to discuss risks & benefits.
- Medical evaluation and pre-op tests.
- Medication adjustments as advised.
- Fasting before surgery as instructed.
- Lifestyle changes: diet, weight management, stop smoking.
- Pre-op hygiene & hospital instructions.
- Arrange support system and recovery area at home.
How Surgery is Performed
- General anesthesia is administered.
- Small abdominal incisions are made.
- Trocars (tubes) inserted as access ports.
- CO₂ insufflation creates working space.
- Laparoscope (camera) provides visualization.
- Surgical tools repair hernia and reinforce hiatus.
- Stomach repositioned and sutures/mesh applied.
- Incisions closed and recovery begins.
Risks and Complications
- Infection at surgical site or internally.
- Bleeding, sometimes requiring transfusion.
- Injury to esophagus, blood vessels, or nerves.
- Recurrence of hernia.
- Rare perforation of stomach/esophagus.
- Gas-related discomfort (shoulder/chest pain, bloating).
Many patients manage hiatus hernia with medications or lifestyle changes. When surgery is necessary, the most common procedure is Nissen fundoplication. At Neuro Spinal Hospital, Dr. Sadir Alrawi, Director of Surgical & Oncology Services, leads a specialized team using advanced techniques to provide the best outcomes in Dubai and the MENA region.
In What Conditions is Surgery Recommended?
- If symptoms become severe and interfere with quality of life.
- If symptoms fail to respond to medications or other treatments.
- If the hernia is at risk of becoming strangulated — a potentially fatal complication.
- When other problems occur such as bleeding, ulcers, or narrowing of the food pipe.
Types of Hiatus Hernia Surgery
1. Nissen Fundoplication
The most common minimally invasive hiatus hernia surgery in Dubai. Small incisions are made in the abdomen to insert laparoscopic tools and a camera.
Advantages: less pain, reduced scarring, lower infection risk, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery.
2. Open Surgery
In this traditional method, a large abdominal incision is made. The stomach is pulled back into the abdominal cavity, and the fundus is wrapped around the lower esophagus. This strengthens the sphincter and prevents acid reflux.
3. Endoluminal Fundoplication
A newer, less invasive procedure performed using an endoscope inserted through the throat. The junction between the esophagus and stomach is tightened to prevent reflux — no external incision is required.
Recovery Process After Surgery
- Hospital Stay: Usually 1–2 days for laparoscopic surgery; longer if complications occur.
- Pain Management: Pain is managed with medications in hospital and at home.
- Restricted Activities: Avoid heavy lifting, exercise, or strain until cleared by your surgeon.
- Diet: Initially a liquid or soft diet; gradual return to regular food as tolerated.
- Incision Care: Keep wounds clean and dry; sutures/tape dissolve or fall off naturally.
- Follow-Up: Attend all checkups to monitor healing and address concerns.
At Neuro Spinal Hospital, the Cancer Care Specialities team specializes in safe and effective hiatus hernia surgeries in Dubai, UAE, and across MENA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hiatus Hernia?
A condition where part of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through the diaphragm.
What is Hiatus Hernia Surgery?
A procedure to repair the hernia and return the stomach to its normal position below the diaphragm.
What are the Symptoms?
Heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing are common signs.
How is Surgery Performed?
Performed either as open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopy, depending on the case.
What are the Risks?
As with any surgery: bleeding, infection, and rare injury to nearby organs or tissues.
What is the Recovery Time?
Hospital stay is typically a few days, with full recovery taking several weeks.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Patients with persistent symptoms, failed medical treatments, or serious complications.
Where Can I Find Treatment?
Neuro Spinal Hospital offers expert care for hiatus hernia surgery in Dubai, with specialists in surgery and gastroenterology.