Hiatal Hernia Plus Revision
Hiatal Hernia Repair Combined with Bariatric Surgery. Is it Possible?
Repairing a hiatal hernia alongside bariatric surgery is a procedure that can be done, but it requires careful consideration by an experienced surgeon due to the complexity of both conditions. Here’s an overview of how the two might be managed together:
What is a Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This can cause symptoms like acid reflux, heartburn, or difficulty swallowing.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery refers to various procedures aimed at helping people with obesity lose weight. Common types of bariatric surgery include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. These procedures alter the digestive system to limit food intake or absorption, helping with weight loss.
Combining Hiatal Hernia Repair with Bariatric Surgery
In some cases, individuals who need bariatric surgery may also have a hiatal hernia. If the hernia is causing significant symptoms (such as GERD, heartburn, or swallowing difficulties), it may need to be repaired during the same surgery. Here’s how this typically works:
- Preoperative Evaluation: Before deciding whether to perform both surgeries at once, the surgeon will evaluate the severity of the hiatal hernia and the individual’s overall health. For very large hiatal hernias, it may only be possible to complete a bariatric surgery if the hiatal hernia is addressed. A comprehensive assessment will determine if both procedures can be safely performed together.
- Surgical Approach: In many cases, bariatric surgery (like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) can be performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive). If a hiatal hernia is also present, the surgeon may repair the hernia at the same time. This is often done by suturing the opening in the diaphragm to prevent the stomach from protruding through it.
- Benefits of Combined Surgery:
- Improved Outcomes: By combining the two surgeries, patients may have better outcomes, especially if the hiatal hernia contributes to symptoms like reflux or difficulty swallowing, which can interfere with weight loss after bariatric surgery.
- Single Recovery Period: Patients typically benefit from a single recovery period instead of two separate surgeries, reducing time under anesthesia and overall hospital stays.
- Postoperative Long-Term Management: After surgery, patients will need to follow specific guidelines regarding diet, exercise, and medications to manage both weight loss and prevent complications related to the hernia repair.
