HIATAL HERNIA IN YOUNG ADULT

I am a young 22-year-old boy preparing for GMAT. 

For the past 3 months, I have been experiencing heartburn, and food regurgitation in my mouth, and just can’t eat anything.

I went to a physician and he did an endoscopy and found HIATAL HERNIA. 

I was put on antacids and asked to eat bland food and decrease my stress levels. 

My symptoms are increased and I am not able to concentrate on my upcoming exams. 

I came to meet DR ASHISH VASHISTHA, SENIOR DIRECTOR AND HOD DEPT OF SURGERY & ROBOTICS MAX HOSPITAL SAKET.  

He explained to me in detail about Hiatal Hernia and its treatment. 

What is hiatal hernia ?

Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the top of our stomach pushes up through an opening in our diaphragm into our chest. 

The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the abdominal cavity from the chest. 

A hernia is a condition in which a tissue/organ pushes through a weakness in the muscle that holds it.

Hiatal hernia can be present by birth and over the years it increases due to stress and strains on the body. 

There are two types of hiatal hernias. 

 1. Sliding types are common and account for 95%. 

     In this type part of the esophagus that connects with the stomach slides up from widened hiatus and it slides up and down.

 2. Paraoesophageal type which is less common and in this stomach pushes up through the hiatal alongside of esophagus this is called a rolling hiatal hernia.

Dr Ashish Vashistha, BEST HERNIA SURGEON IN DELHI  Explains the symptoms of Hiatal Hernia:-

What are the symptoms of hiatal hernia? 

Most symptoms are related to chronic acid reflux GERD.

These include -: 

1. Heartburn
2. Chest pain which looks like angina
3. The feeling of fullness or bloating
4. Burping and regurgitation of food and gas going back into to mouth
5. Sore throat due to irritation from acid 

Uncommon symptoms:- 

1. Nausea

2. Shortness of breath

3. Constant pain in the abdomen 

Why do we get hiatal hernia?

Maybe we are born with a weak spot in muscles that separate body compartments and factors that increase abdominal pressure in symptoms of hiatal hernia.

Dr Ashish Vashistha, BEST HERNIA SURGEON IN DELHI  Explains About Factors:-

The following factors contribute to the development of hiatal hernias.

1. Chronic cough

2. Straining while panning motion [constipation]

3. BMI of more than 27

4. Pregnancy

5. Childbirth

6. Intense weight training

Is hiatal hernia a serious problem?

Complications include:-

1. Esophagitis

2. Esophageal structure

3. Barret’s esophagus

4. Gastritis

Dr Ashish Vashistha, BEST HERNIA SURGEON IN DELHI  Explains How to Diagnose Hiatal Hernia:-

How can hiatal hernias be diagnosed?

• Complete evaluation and history-taking

• Chest X-ray

• Upper endoscopy

• Esophageal manometry 

Dr Ashish Vashistha, BEST HERNIA SURGEON IN DELHI  Explains About Management and Treatment:- 

Management and treatment:- 

Question – Is it possible to heal a hiatal hernia?

Answer –

Hiatal hernias don’t go away themselves

They usually get worse with time treatment depending on symptoms.

For milder symptoms, medicine can help.

SURGERY IS THE FINAL TREATMENT FOR HIATAL HERNIA WITH INTENSE SYMPTOMS.

WE USE ROBOTIC / LAPAROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES TO REPOSITION OF STOMACH AND TIGHTEN THE OPENING IN THE DIAPHRAM POTENTIALLY INCLUDING A FUNDOPLICATION TO ADDRESS REFLUX.