Hiatal Hernia – Symptoms, Risks & Modern Treatment Options in Thane
A hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. While some people may not notice symptoms initially, others struggle with severe acidity, reflux, chest discomfort, and digestive disturbances. Understanding this condition early and choosing the right treatment can prevent complications and restore comfort.
At Dr. Ankur Bhanushali’s Surgical Clinic in Thane, patients receive accurate diagnosis and modern laparoscopic hernia repair techniques for safe and long-lasting results.
✔ What Is a Hiatal Hernia?
Your diaphragm is a muscle that helps you breathe. It separates your chest and abdomen and has a small opening (hiatus) through which your food pipe enters the stomach.
In hiatal hernia, part of the stomach moves up into the chest through this opening, causing reflux and digestive issues.
✔ Types of Hiatal Hernia
1. Sliding Hiatal Hernia
The stomach and lower food pipe slide up into the chest.
This is the most common and often associated with GERD.
2. Paraesophageal Hernia
A part of the stomach gets trapped next to the food pipe.
Less common, but more serious and may require early surgery.
✔ Common Symptoms
People with hiatal hernia may experience:
- Heartburn or burning behind the chest
- Acid reflux or sour taste
- Bloating and belching
- Trouble swallowing
- Chest discomfort
- Getting full quickly
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough or throat irritation
Large hernias may show more severe symptoms.
✔ Causes & Risk Factors
Hiatal hernia can occur due to:
- Excessive straining or heavy lifting
- Chronic cough
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Age-related weakening of the diaphragm
- Trauma to the chest
- Repeated vomiting
Genetics also plays a role in susceptibility.
✔ How Is Hiatal Hernia Diagnosed?
- Upper GI Endoscopy – confirms hernia and evaluates esophagus
- Barium Swallow X-ray – visualizes hernia movement
- CT Scan – for complex or large cases
Accurate diagnosis ensures you get the right treatment plan.
✔ Treatment Options
1. Lifestyle Modifications & Medicines
Used for mild cases:
- Smaller frequent meals
- Avoiding late-night eating
- Weight reduction
- Elevating the head during sleep
- Acid-suppressing medications
These help symptoms but do not repair the hernia.
2. Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair
This is the gold-standard treatment for moderate to large hernias.
Benefits include:
- Small cuts → minimal pain
- Hardly any blood loss
- One-day hospital stay
- Quick recovery
- Long-term relief
- Reinforcement of the diaphragm
- Often combined with fundoplication to prevent reflux
This procedure offers durable results and prevents recurrence.
✔ Why Early Treatment Is Important
Untreated or neglected hiatal hernia can cause:
- Severe GERD and esophageal damage
- Strangulation of hernia
- Ulcers and bleeding
- Chronic chest discomfort
- Breathing difficulty
- Barrett’s esophagus (precancerous change due to chronic acid exposure)
Early care ensures safer and faster recovery.
✔ Hiatal Hernia Specialist in Thane
At Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic, patients receive:
- Modern laparoscopic hernia surgery
- Personalised treatment
- Quick recovery
- Detailed guidance
- Postoperative follow-up for complete healing
📍 Full Clinic Address (NO SHORTENING)
Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic
Shop No. 4, Laxmi Krupa Building, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 Full Website URL:
https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
