Have you been dealing with persistent heartburn, a burning sensation in your chest, or uncomfortable regurgitation of food and acid? Maybe you find yourself avoiding your favorite meals because of the fear of triggering another painful episode. Living with chronic acid reflux can take a toll on your daily life, interfering with your comfort, sleep, and overall quality of life.
If these struggles sound familiar, there may be a deeper issue causing your symptoms. A hiatal hernia could be the underlying problem, and the good news is that surgery might offer the relief you desperately need. At NJ Advanced Surgical Solutions, we specialize in hiatal hernia surgery to help patients finally find freedom from reflux and reclaim their lives.
What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach. Normally, a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) acts like a valve, opening to let food into the stomach and closing to prevent acid from rising. When the LES weakens or relaxes inappropriately, acid can escape into the esophagus, causing the uncomfortable symptoms we associate with reflux.
Common signs and symptoms of acid reflux:
- Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling of a lump in the throat
- Regurgitation of food or liquid
- Chronic cough or sore throat
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Worsening symptoms after eating or lying down
A hiatal hernia could be a possible cause of reflux
While occasional acid reflux can happen to anyone, frequent or severe reflux could be a sign of an underlying issue like a hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of your stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This abnormal positioning disrupts the normal functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter—the muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing backward into the esophagus.
When the stomach shifts into the chest area, the pressure on the esophageal sphincter decreases, making it easier for acid to escape. As a result, you may experience persistent heartburn, regurgitation, discomfort, and other symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Identifying and treating this hidden cause can lead to significant, long-term relief from reflux and its complications.
Hiatal hernia surgery: a possible solution for reflux
Hiatal hernia surgery is a specialized procedure that corrects an anatomical problem that causes reflux. During the surgery, the herniated portion of the stomach is pulled back into the abdomen, and the opening in the diaphragm (hiatus) is tightened to prevent future herniation. In some cases, the lower esophageal sphincter is reinforced to further reduce reflux.
At NJ Advanced Surgical Solutions, Dr. Val Prokurat performs minimally invasive laparoscopic hiatal hernia surgery. This approach uses small incisions, resulting in less pain, quicker recovery, and minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery.
How hiatal hernia surgery can help with reflux:
- Restores stomach position: By moving the stomach to its proper place, the pressure on the esophagus is relieved, allowing the lower esophageal sphincter to function properly again.
- Strengthens the diaphragm: Repairing and tightening the diaphragm helps prevent the stomach from slipping into the chest cavity, reducing the chance of future reflux episodes.
- Improves lower esophageal sphincter function: By reinforcing the valve between the esophagus and stomach, hiatal hernia surgery can reduce acid leakage.
- Reduces dependence on medications: Many patients find that after surgery, they no longer need to rely on daily antacids, acid suppressants, or proton pump inhibitors.
- Enhances quality of life: With reflux symptoms under control, you can enjoy meals, sleep more comfortably, and engage in daily activities without discomfort.
You may consider hiatal hernia surgery if:
- You are experiencing frequent or severe acid reflux symptoms
- You are diagnosed with a hiatal hernia through imaging tests
- You have not found relief from lifestyle changes and medications
- You are experiencing complications like esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, or bleeding
- You are dealing with a large or paraesophageal hernia
- You have difficulty swallowing due to the hernia
- You experience reflux that significantly affects quality of life
Determine your candidacy for hiatal hernia surgery
If you’re tired of living with chronic reflux and suspect that a hiatal hernia might be contributing to your symptoms, the next step is a thorough evaluation. At NJ Advanced Surgical Solutions, Dr. Val Prokurat and his experienced team will perform a detailed assessment, including a physical examination, diagnostic imaging, and testing to determine the extent of the hernia.
Every patient’s situation is unique, and we are committed to providing personalized care tailored to your needs. If you are a good candidate for hiatal hernia surgery, our minimally invasive approach can help you achieve lasting relief from reflux. Contact NJ Advanced Surgical Solutions today to find out if hiatal hernia surgery could be the solution for you.