CONDITION OVERVIEW:
We all get symptoms of acid in our chest which is commonly called “reflux” or “heartburn”. This happens to all of us. When it becomes repeated and ongoing it is then called Gastro-Oesaphageal Reflux Disorder (GORD), the most common cause for this is called hiatus hernia.
SYMPTOMS:
Hiatus hernia patients therefore present with signs and symptoms related to heartburn which in other words is the feeling of acid or burning sensation in the back of the chest. These include:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation,
- Inability to lie flat when sleeping.
COMPLICATIONS:
A symptomatic hiatus hernia that is left untreated can lead to complications such as:
- Barret’s oesophagus
- Dysphagia
- Laryngitis and pharyngitis
- Chest infections.
TREATMENT OVERVIEW:
- This condition is initially treated with lifestyle modifications like avoiding nighttime eating, quitting smoking, decreasing consumption of caffeine and some foods.
- The second line of treatment is medical therapy and usually results in resolved symptoms.
- Failure of the above treatment modalities and the persistence of GORD will require surgical intervention.
PROCEDURE OVERVIEW:
It is a straightforward procedure that is done by keyhole surgery. This is Dr Sherif Hakkys subspecialty operation and he commonly gets referrals from gastroenterologists and fellow surgical colleagues for this particular condition
.