Do Hiatal Hernias Always Require Surgery?

Many people find having a hernia difficult and uncomfortable, which is often why surgery is a great option. It can help them eliminate the problem and start feeling better again. But you may be wondering whether a hiatal hernia always requires surgery. The answer is complicated.

At Boca Care Surgical Associates, we offer surgical solutions for colon and rectal issues and other problems. Avraham Belizon, MD, FACS, FASCRS, wants to help every patient get the right treatment for their needs, and sometimes, this means surgery can be postponed or avoided. However, the circumstances need to be right for this type of solution.

Let us give you the lowdown on hiatal hernias, how they’re treated, and whether or not surgery might be the best option for you. 

Hiatal hernias 101

First, you should know that there are multiple types of hernias. A hiatal hernia occurs when a part of your stomach pushes through an unnatural opening in the diaphragm. Unlike most hernias discussed in the media, this condition doesn’t usually create a visible bulge in the stomach, but it can cause some uncomfortable symptoms. 

Hiatal hernias often cause the symptoms of GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. These include heartburn, coughing, difficulty breathing, and bad breath. The condition usually worsens when certain kinds of food or drink are consumed. When people get tested for GERD, they will likely find out if a hiatal hernia is causing it. 

However, some hiatal hernias don’t cause symptoms. A chest X-ray may reveal one, but if you don’t have the symptoms above, you might not even know you have it.  

Surgery for hiatal hernias 

A hiatal hernia can be treated with surgical intervention. To do this, Dr. Belizon uses minimally invasive techniques and robotic technology to make the surgery as easy on you as possible. During the procedure, he moves your stomach back to its proper place and seals the hole in your diaphragm, so it can’t happen again. 

Many people who discover they have a hiatal hernia choose surgery as a proactive measure. This is because they often already experience severe discomfort and don’t want it to worsen. Even if you don’t experience pain, you can have your hernia repaired to prevent it from worsening. 

But, some people will choose to wait, deciding to manage their hernia without surgical intervention for the time being. This is also an option. 

Avoiding surgery for your hernia: is it worth it? 

It is possible to avoid surgery if you’re not experiencing pain or other symptoms. Many people choose this and decide to manage the condition with specific, at-home remedies or lifestyle changes like:  

• Quitting smoking and alcohol use
• Eating in smaller quantities and avoiding foods that exacerbate symptoms 
• Losing weight 
• Taking over-the-counter or prescription medications 

But here’s the important thing to remember about non-surgical treatment of your hiatal hernia: it won’t cure the problem. At best, it can allow you to manage it and possibly avoid symptoms for longer. Still, if you let the hernia continue to exist without surgery, it won’t get better, and the best-case scenario is that it doesn’t worsen. 

Most people figure since they’ll eventually need surgery to get rid of their hernias, they might as well go through with the procedure. But you can wait a while, especially if you’re not in pain. Whether this is worth it or not is entirely up to you. 

Am I a candidate for hiatal hernia surgery?

If you’re ready to have your hernia removed, let us help you. We’re happy to schedule a minimally invasive, routine procedure to quickly improve your condition. However, if you’d rather wait, we can discuss other management options.

Call us or find us online today to make an appointment at our Boca Raton, Florida office. We look forward to meeting you!