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Hiatal Hernia Surgery
Relevant information about Hiatal Hernia Surgery.
- What does the surgery consist on
The procedure consists on correcting a defect that is located in the diaphragm, a breathing muscle. One of the functions of this organ is to separate the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. Patients, who suffer from a hiatal hernia, present a large opening in the diaphragm which is not normal. This disorder has to be repaired as soon as the doctor finds it, because it could bring serious problems such as the apparition of hernias in the abdomen or in the chest causing heartburn.
- Which problem does the surgery solve
There are several persons who have hiatal hernia; it is a common problem especially in people with overweight. This type of hernias does not cause severe symptoms and in most of the cases they are discovered with a radiography. One of the most common symptoms of a hiatal hernia is the feeling of a burning sensation located in the lower chest or in the upper abdomen. Other symptom can be a regurgitation that will appear in the person when she/he lay down in the bed or in a sofa. People who smoke, are overweight or may eat food that can contribute to the apparition of acids in the stomach will suffer more severe symptoms.
- How is the surgery performed
The procedure of Hiatal Hernia Surgery is done by making an initial incision in the abdomen, once the anesthesia has made effect. The stomach and lower esophagus are located back into the abdominal cavity. In some cases the surgeon will put a temporary tube that goes from the stomach through the abdominal wall; the function of this tube is to keep the stomach in the right place. Other surgeons use another method that it called a laparoscopy surgery. In this case, the surgeon will make small incisions of an approximate length of 1 cm. This incision will be made in the abdomen; it's function is to make enough space for a fiberoptic camera and small instruments to pass through. This type of surgery is performed and it is possible because the surgeon will be able to watch inside the patient's body using a special monitor that will reproduce the images captured by the small camera. This surgery is preferred by patients and doctors because it presents less pain and a shorter time of hospitalization; but the only disadvantage is that it cannot be performed with all patients.
- Surgery length: The surgery can take from one to three hours. Surgeons will use general anesthesia in order to provide better conditions of performing both for themselves and for the patient. The patient will be able to leave the hospital after one day from the surgery, still, it is better to stay in the hospital because the patient will be taken care by nurses and the team of surgeons that treated his/her disease.
- How is the post surgery process
The post surgery process will be accompanied by a few rules that must be followed by the patient. It is probable that the doctor will recommend changing some habits in order to improve the quality of life of the patient and his/her health. It is important to eliminate coffee and alcohol from the diet, because these are products that are easier to affect the stomach. If the patient is a smoker, he/she should try to quit. If he/she presents problems related to obesity, she/he should make a strict diet in order to avoid forcing the area operated. The majority of the patients who go under a Hiatal Hernia Surgery have just one further instruction; patients should avoid lying on the bed after meal time and they also should not eat late meals before bedtime, because this contributes to a dreadful digestion. Patients will be able to consume anti acids in order to prevent the pain caused by their stomach after having a meal. In some cases where the pain is higher, doctors will prescribe a special medication in order to avoid the suffering. Patients will be able to return to their normal activities such as work, after one week from the operation. It is not recommended to resume physical activities at least for two months after the operation; this rule must be followed because the risk of causing bleeding can increase if the patient forces the area operated. However, doctors recommend patients to do calm exercise such as walking a few blocks every day.
Among the possible complications that may appear we can find, the risk of having an infection and bleeding. The infection will be prevented by the use of antibiotics (which are prescript by doctors during the post surgery process); besides the use of medication it is probable that the surgeon or doctor will recommend some rules of hygiene during the first days after the surgery. It is important that these rules are followed by the patient at least for two months after the operation. The implementation of these measures will avoid the risk of suffering bleeding and also getting an infection. If the patient notices a strange amount of bleeding during the first two weeks of the operation, it will be essential to call immediately to the doctor or to the closer hospital, in order to solve the problem, because it could be serious.
The surgery will improve the quality of life of the patient, because she/he will be able to enjoy his/her life without suffering pain and being able of doing more activities and spending good moments.
- What does the surgery not do
The surgery will not incorporate any implant or strange body into the patient. Surgeons will be in charge of solving the hiatal hernia by using their own techniques and methods.
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