Side effects of hiatal hernia surgery

• The main side effect of the hiatal hernia operation is a positive one, which is the solution to the problem, reducing symptoms and improving your daily life considerably. 
• The purpose of treatment for hiatal hernia problems is to relieve pain, eliminate reflux and therefore help the body to function properly.
• Although the laparoscopic hiatal hernia operation is a highly successful procedure, the possibility of negative side effects is there. Here we talk about all of them.

The hiatus is a hole in the diaphragm that separates the chest from the abdomen, through which the oesophagus passes, connecting the mouth to the stomach.

Do you have a hiatal hernia and need surgery?

Request a free and immediate surgical consultation with our specialist in General Surgery.

Make an appointment

In the case of hiatal hernia, there are a series of factors that favour its appearance, such as obesity, age and the consumption of tobacco or alcohol, the hiatus increases in size and dilates, causing the stomach to rise towards the diaphragm. This results in what is known as a hiatal hernia.

One of the main problems of hiatal hernia is gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR), and in many cases hiatal hernia surgery is considered to be anti-reflux surgery. Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a chronic problem which, if left untreated, can cause very serious problems.

In many cases, hiatal hernia can be resolved in the early stages with lifestyle changes, medication and conservative treatment, as well as dietary care.

However, in case the hiatal hernia is too large or causes severe symptoms, such as recurrence or continuation of symptoms after drug treatment or in case the patient suffers from severe oesophagitis, which is a consequence of reflux and deals with the set of inflammatory lesions of the oesophageal mucosa), the best option is to perform the hiatal hernia operation by laparoscopy.

When the patient decides with the specialist in digestive system surgery to carry out the hiatal hernia operation, the first step is to carry out a series of preoperative tests, such as a complete blood test to check for signs of infection, an electrocardiogram to check the health of the patient's heart, as well as a chest x-ray, if the doctor so indicates. Once the necessary tests have been completed, the laparoscopic operation will be performed. 

If you would like to know more about laparoscopic hiatal hernia surgery, click here.

The duration of the laparoscopic hiatal hernia operation is approximately 1 to 2 hours. Afterwards, the patient spends 1 day in the hospital and can go home.

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique, as it avoids the large incisions or cuts required for invasive surgeries, such as open or conventional surgery. This type of intervention facilitates a shorter and more comfortable recovery for the patient.

This type of procedure is characterised by the fact that the specialist in charge of performing the surgery must be highly trained, in addition to a high level of sophistication of the instruments. It should be added that after the surgery is performed and the instruments are removed, the small incisions are closed, leaving hardly any scars.

The advantages of this minimally invasive surgery are multiple, in addition to obtaining all the benefits of conventional surgery, other positive effects are achieved such as:

• Reduction of postoperative pain.
• Reduced chances of infection.
• The likelihood of hernia recurrence is reduced.
• Recovery of food consumption habits in less time.
• Faster recovery of mobility.
• Shorter hospital stay.
• Better aesthetic result.

The aim of treatment for the condition caused by hiatal hernia is to relieve pain, eliminate reflux and thus help the body to function properly. 

So the benefits for patients after the intervention are diverse and some appear immediately after the treatment. It should not be forgotten that, in order for the positive effects to appear and increase, the patient must follow the post-operative instructions prescribed by the doctor.

Positive side effects to be noted are:

• Disappearance of symptoms derived from reflux, burning in the chest, feeling of saturation in the pit of the stomach and in the chest when standing and lying down.
• Decrease and gradual disappearance of sore throat and hoarseness.
• It is possible to return to the enjoyment of foods that were previously impossible to eat. However, it is recommended that this return to eating certain foods is gradual and careful.
• Increased hours of deep sleep and a better and longer rest during the night.
• From the considerable improvement of the general condition in relation to food and rest during the night, there is a general increase in energy and improvement in mood.
• Reduction of intestinal symptoms such as bloating, colic pains and intestinal transit disorders.
• Disappearance of muscular pains in the neck, shoulders and head, which were secondary to lack of deep sleep and chronic fatigue.

Quality of life improves considerably in all aspects, helping patients to regain control of their daily activities as normal.

Although it is an intervention that does not involve great complexity, and a procedure with a high probability of success, it can also present some complications. Like all surgery, there are certain side effects of hiatal hernia surgery, these effects can be:

• Difficulty belching or a feeling of abdominal bloating. This is rarely serious and usually resolves within the first 6 months after surgery.
• Difficulty or inability to vomit, and possible increased flatulence and diarrhoea, symptoms that usually disappear within a short time.
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), a very common symptom after surgery, is due to swelling in the area that has been operated on. To facilitate its disappearance, a liquid or soft diet is recommended after surgery and it is advisable to eat slowly, take small portions and chew food well.
• Other possible negative side effects after the procedure include the effects of general anaesthesia, bleeding, infection or damage to nearby organs. However, such side effects are rare as this is a safe and highly effective treatment.

If you have a hiatal hernia and you are thinking of having surgery with us, you can request a free surgical assessment consultation with our specialist in General and Digestive Surgery to assess your case and decide on the best option to eliminate the symptoms of hiatal hernia once and for all.

You can request the surgical assessment consultation by clicking below:

Do you have a hiatal hernia and need surgery?

Request a free and immediate surgical consultation with our specialist in General Surgery.

Make an appointment