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How do I know if I need Hiatal Hernia Surgery?
A hiatal hernia is like other types of hernias in that it is by a weakening or rupture in a muscle that allows small portions of abdominal organs to squeeze through and get trapped. Unlike other types of hernias, a hiatal hernia involves a rupture in the diaphragm rather than the abdominal wall.
The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle that separates your lungs from your stomach and intestines. The diaphragm’s contractions are what powers your breathing by pulling air into your lungs through your trachea. The tube that connects your mouth and throat to your stomach, the esophagus, passes through your diaphragm.
Over time, the part of the diaphragm muscle that surrounds the esophagus can weaken just like a rubber gasket in your car’s engine. As it weakens, it allows part of your stomach to squeeze through into your lung cavity. This places pressure on your stomach which then causes digestive acids in your stomach to travel up your esophagus.
This is what causes the heartburn and chest pains people afflicted with hiatal hernias suffer and is technically called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Left untreated, GERD can cause permanent damage to the esophagus and lead to ulcers, bleeding and inflammation that damage other nearby organs. Get the best hiatal hernia surgery in Arizona today!
Our Precision Approach
The best Hiatal Hernia surgery in Arizona means you experience less pain, you are exposed to fewer complications and you enjoy a faster recovery.
Arizona Premier Surgery’s surgical team is at the forefront of robotic-assisted laparoscopic hernia repair surgery. Our state-of-the-art robotics augment your surgeon’s vision, dexterity and accuracy to provide the best hernia surgery in Arizona. You’ll enjoy the following benefits:
Smaller incisions and less trauma
Shortened surgical and anesthesiological times
Faster recovery with less scarring
Better long-term results compared to traditional surgery
The process starts with a private consultation with your Arizona Premier Surgery physician.
Our Award-Winning Surgeons
Albert Amini, MD MBA
Dr. Albert Amini is a board-certified General Surgeon with specialty training in pancreas & GI oncology with advanced robotic and laparoscopic methods.
Philip Pepple, MD
Dr. Philip Pepple is a board-certified General Surgeon with experience in some of the most complex surgeries. He trains in Transplant Surgery and Pancreas and Hepatobiliary Surgery.
Starr Eads, MD
Dr. Starr Eads is a board-certified General Surgeon specializing in minimally-invasive surgery for gallbladder, hernias, & gastrointestinal disorders.
Aryan Modasi, MD
Dr. Modasi is a highly-trained minimally invasive and robotic surgeon (resulting in less pain and quicker recovery) with subspecialties in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery.
Successful Surgeries
Robotic Surgeries
Liver Resections
Whipple Procedures
Robotic Whipple and Pancreas Resections
Over 200 Five-Star Reviews!
Had robotic bilateral hernia repair surgery performed by Dr Aryan Modasi. He is a most skilled surgeon who...
Great encounters The clarity of his explanations put me at ease, after seeing many that don't seem to care.
Each person was engaging, responsive and caring at each conversation and appointment. Thank you Modasi team!
Dr Eads is very patient and kind. She is very communicative and understanding. I had multiple incisions and...
Dr. Eads took good care of me on critical emergency room visit and follow up. Not only in my opinion, but...
Extremely professional! Welcoming staff put us at ease immediately. Throughly explained the situation and...
Who Needs Hiatal Hernia Surgery?
Approximately 20 percent of the United States population have hiatal hernias with incidence rates that increase significantly after 50 years of age. Some estimates project that 60 percent of U.S. adults over the age of 60 have hiatal hernias.
Many that have hiatal hernia do not experience symptoms. But, for those that do, the following acid reflux-related symptoms often occur during or shortly after meals:
Heartburn
Non-cardiac chest pain
Indigestion
Burping and regurgitation
Difficulty swallowing
Sore throat
Contact Arizona Premier Surgery today if you think you are experiencing hiatal hernia-related symptoms. Our team will help you diagnose the source of the problem and work with you to determine a treatment plan to repair your hiatal hernia and free you from the misery that is acid reflux.
What to Expect from the Best Hernia Surgery in Arizona
Procedure Overview:
- Initial consultation and exam; X-ray or ultrasound may be required if visual exam inconclusive.
- We explain the next steps and schedule your repair procedure; performed under general anesthesia for maximum comfort.
- Avoid eating eight hours prior to your procedure.
- We perform a robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery using small incisions to safely repair the hernia and strengthen the tissue to prevent future ruptures; the procedure usually lasts one hour.
Recovery:
- In most cases, you return home the same day. Patients recover faster and with more comfort at home than they do in a hospital setting.
- Most patients resume work within 4-5 days but avoid strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks.
Benefits:
- Smaller incisions
- Less scarring
- Reduced infection risk
- Quicker recovery
Hiatal Hernia Repair Surgery FAQs
What is a hiatal hernia?
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm muscle into your chest cavity. This happens through an opening called the hiatus, where your esophagus passes through the diaphragm. While small hiatal hernias may not cause symptoms, larger ones can lead to significant discomfort and require surgical intervention.
What are the symptoms of a hiatal hernia?
- Heartburn and acid reflux
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Regurgitation of food or liquids
- Feeling unusually full after eating small amounts
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic cough If you’re experiencing these symptoms, particularly if they persist despite medication, it’s important to schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment options.
How do I know if I need hiatal hernia surgery?
- Have severe symptoms that medications don’t adequately control
- Experience complications like severe inflammation or bleeding
- Have a large hernia that poses risks for complications
- Develop difficulty eating or swallowing
- Have chronic acid reflux that could damage your esophagus Our surgical team will evaluate your specific case to determine if surgery is the right option for you.
What happens during hiatal hernia surgery?
- Returning the stomach to its proper position below the diaphragm
- Repairing and tightening the hiatal opening
- Often performing a fundoplication (wrapping the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus) to prevent reflux
- Small incisions for minimal scarring and faster recovery
- The procedure usually takes 2-3 hours under general anesthesia
What is recovery like after hiatal hernia surgery?
- A gradual return to normal activities over 2-3 weeks
- A specialized diet progression starting with liquids
- Return to work within 1-2 weeks for most desk jobs
- Avoiding heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks
- Follow-up appointments to monitor your healing
What dietary changes will I need to make after surgery?
- Clear liquids for the first few days
- Advancing to full liquids and soft foods as directed
- Eventually returning to regular foods over several weeks
- Long-term avoidance of very large meals
- Eating dinner several hours before lying down
Will my hiatal hernia come back after surgery?
While recurrence is possible, our robotic-assisted surgical technique helps minimize this risk. Following post-operative instructions, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding heavy lifting during healing significantly reduce the chance of recurrence.
What are the potential complications of hiatal hernia surgery?
- Difficulty swallowing (usually temporary)
- Gas bloating
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Damage to nearby organs Our surgical team will discuss all potential risks and how we minimize them during your consultation.
Are there non-surgical treatments for hiatal hernias?
While some small hiatal hernias can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications, surgery often provides the most effective long-term solution for larger hernias or those causing significant symptoms. We’ll discuss all treatment options during your consultation to determine the best approach for your situation.
How long has this type of surgery been performed robotically?
Robotic-assisted hiatal hernia repair has been performed for over a decade, with continuous improvements in technology and techniques. Our surgical team has extensive experience with this advanced approach, offering greater precision and better outcomes compared to traditional surgical methods.
Arizona Premier Surgery - Chandler
Suite 120
Chandler, AZ 85225
480-245-4425
Arizona Premier Surgery - Scottsdale
Suite 280
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480-245-4425
Arizona Premier Surgery - Phoenix
Suite 407
Phoenix, AZ 85027
480-245-4425