Hiatus Hernia Repair
Most hiatus hernia surgery is performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) and involves returning the stomach to the abdominal cavity and then repairing the hernia itself.
The Procedure
The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic. Five small ports are placed to allow retraction of the liver, as well as access to perform the surgery. The stomach (or other organs) that has slipped into the hernia, are sitting above the diaphragm in the chest, and these are then pulled back down along with the sac, or lining, of the hernia itself.
Once the stomach is back where it belongs, the hiatus is repaired by stitching diaphragm. Sometimes a piece of mesh is used to reinforce this repair and allow an appropriate amount of scar tissue to form to strengthen the hiatus itself.
After the hernia is repaired a fundoplication, or gastric wrap, is usually performed (see Fundoplication – Anti-Reflux Surgery topic). This is because people with hiatus hernias tend to have reflux, which may persist following repair of the hernia, unless the fundoplication component to the operation is undertaken.
Recovery
You will usually stay in hospital for 1-2 days after your surgery. Sometimes there is a little chest pain in the first couple of days, but most people don’t need much pain relief by the time that they go home.
You will go onto a fluid diet initially. Your diet will gradually increase from fluids, to puree, soft foods and eventually normal food, over a period of a few weeks.
After keyhole surgery your stitches are usually dissolving and there are some small dressings that are removed in the first week or so.
Follow Up
Review is generally scheduled with Dr Gillespie 4-6 weeks post procedure. At this time your diet will have progressed, meaning you will be able to eat more normal food. Some patients may have some mild persisting symptoms at this point but most patients at review can swallow as normal and reflux symptoms have resolved.
The Patient Journey
Book an appointment
Call or email Dr Gillespie’s rooms to book an appointment. You will need a referral from your GP or specialist if you would like a Medicare rebate.
First Consult
You'll meet with Dr Gillespie to discuss your history and what options might be right for you.
This consult is ideally in person but zoom calls are also available.
Preparation
If you would like to pursue surgery, a further workup may take place beforehand. This may include a gastroscopy, swallow study and/or a pH and manometry test.
Booking in for surgery
After you have been consented for surgery, Dr Gillespie’s secretaries can discuss being admitted as either a public or private patient, and the associated costs involved. A date for surgery can then be chosen.
Surgery
This will usually involve a one or two-night stay in hospital. You will be admitted on the day of surgery and the hospital will provide fasting instructions the day prior.
Follow up
You will have a follow up consult with Dr Gillespie in 4-6weeks post procedure.
If you have any questions or concerns beforehand, please contact the rooms via phone or email.