Hiatal Hernia may be one reason for developing symptoms of GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). As we have discussed previously, the treatment for reflux should not be long-term use of the “purple pill”, or all PPI’s, as advertised on TV. There is a large population who are delaying  definitive care and probably increasing their chance of esophageal cancer by taming the  symptoms of the reflux with over the counter or prescription medication.  However, it is important to note that taming the symptoms isn’t necessarily stopping the effects. Be proactive and request to be sent to a surgeon to fix any issues if you are being recommended to “….take the medication and come back again for another endoscopy  again ….”

Types of Hiatal Hernia:

This is an example of a patient who had  been told to take the medication and just keep and eye on it with repetitive endoscopies.  He had to have hiatal hernia repair with  Nissen fundoplication for progressively worsening symptoms even on maximum treatment.

This is another example of a hiatal hernia repair procedure  of a patient with a previous history of sleeve gastrectomy.  In this patient, mesh had to be placed in order to fix the hiatal hernia.