✦ Hiatal Hernia Repair

Hiatal Hernia Repair

Q: Should asymptomatic hiatal hernias be repaired?

Most asymptomatic small hernias are observed. Large paraoesophageal or giant hernias may be repaired electively to prevent emergency complications, even when symptoms are minimal — especially in fit patients.

Q: Will I need mesh reinforcement?

Mesh is used selectively for large crural defects (over 5 cm) to reduce recurrence. Smaller defects are closed primarily with sutures. Modern biologic or composite meshes have a good long-term safety profile.

Q: What is the recurrence rate?

For small hernias, recurrence is under 5%. Large paraoesophageal hernias have higher recurrence (10–25%) — mesh reinforcement, mediastinal mobilisation, and meticulous technique reduce this.

Q: How long is the hospital stay?

Typically 2–4 days depending on hernia size and complexity. Liquid diet starts day 1; soft diet on discharge; gradual return to normal diet over 4–6 weeks. Full activity by 4 weeks.

The herniated stomach is reduced from the chest back into the abdomen and the diaphragmatic opening is repaired — usually combined with fundoplication for reflux control.

90–180 min PROCEDURE

2–4 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>90% SUCCESS RATE

3–4 Weeks RECOVERY

What is Hiatal Hernia Repair?

Hiatal hernia repair is performed when part of the stomach has herniated through the diaphragmatic hiatus into the chest, causing reflux, chest pain, regurgitation, or dysphagia. Through five laparoscopic ports, the hernia sac is dissected from the chest, the stomach is reduced into the abdomen, the crural opening is closed (sometimes with mesh reinforcement for large defects), and a fundoplication is added to control reflux. Dr. Abhishek performs hiatal hernia repair at Lux Hospitals — restoring normal anatomy and resolving symptoms.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Port Placement

General anaesthesia is given; five laparoscopic ports are placed in the upper abdomen.

Hernia Sac Dissection

The hernia sac is carefully dissected from the mediastinum and reduced back into the abdomen.

Oesophageal Mobilisation

Adequate intra-abdominal length of oesophagus is achieved (at least 2.5–3 cm).

Crural Repair

The diaphragmatic crura are approximated with sutures; mesh reinforcement is used for large defects.

Fundoplication

A Nissen (360°) or Toupet (270°) wrap is added to provide reflux control and prevent recurrence.

Outcomes

90–180 minDURATION

2–4 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>90%SUCCESS RATE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Restores normal anatomy of stomach and diaphragm
→Resolves reflux, chest pain, and regurgitation
→Prevents emergency complications (gastric volvulus, strangulation)
→Combined with fundoplication for reflux control
→Five small keyhole incisions — minimally invasive
→Mesh reinforcement reduces recurrence in large hernias

Large hiatal hernias are not just about reflux — they cause chest pain, breathlessness, and even emergency gastric strangulation. Repair restores normal anatomy and gives patients a remarkable improvement in their quality of life.

— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Should asymptomatic hiatal hernias be repaired?+

Will I need mesh reinforcement?+

What is the recurrence rate?+

How long is the hospital stay?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Abhishek Katha and get a personalised treatment plan.

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