Procedures - Hiatus Herniae Treatment

General advice for treating heartburn and oesophagitis includes avoiding foods and substances that can increase acid reflux into the oesophagus. These include cigarettes, caffeine, chocolate, fatty foods, spicy foods and alcohol. It is sensible to eat smaller meals in the evening and moderate weight loss will usually improve symptoms of reflux. It may be necessary to elevate the head of the bed by using pillows or by placing a wedge under the mattress. Prescription drugs are often recommended to decrease acid production in the stomach.

If volume reflux is the main problem, the refluxate will merely become alkaline and in these circumstances, surgery is likely to be recommended.

Surgery for hiatal hernia is similar to surgery for GORD. The main principle is to return the stomach into the abdominal cavity and to suture it in such a way that it is unlikely to slide back into the chest. When a large hiatal defect is present it may be necessary to reinforce this area using a mesh.

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