A laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair is a modern surgical approach that treats hiatal hernias with precision and minimal disruption to your body. Hiatal hernias occur when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, which can lead to symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. Laparoscopic repair uses small incisions and advanced instruments to reduce such discomfort while promoting faster healing and fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery.
What the Procedure Involves
During the surgery, the surgeon makes several tiny incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope a thin, illuminated camera that provides a magnified view of the internal structures. Using this visual guidance, the herniated portion of the stomach is carefully repositioned back into the abdomen. The opening in the diaphragm is then tightened, and in some cases, reinforced with mesh to prevent recurrence.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Repair
One of the key advantages of this approach is reduced trauma to the body, which often means less postoperative pain and scarring. Patients also tend to experience shorter hospital stays and quicker returns to daily activities compared with traditional open surgery.