Laparoscopic Repair of a Paraesophageal Hernia in Anchorage, Alaska

Laparoscopic repair of a paraesophageal hernia is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where a few small keyhole incisions are made in your abdomen to squeeze the herniated part of the stomach back to its original position. Laparoscopic repair procedures in paraesophageal hernia cases result in significantly fewer complications and faster recovery. Dr. Madhu Prasad is a trusted general surgeon in Anchorage, AK, having years of experience in treating hernias with successful outcomes.

What Is Paraesophageal Hernia?

A paraesophageal hernia is the less common type of hiatal hernia in which the esophagus and stomach stay in their normal locations, but a part of the stomach moves upward through the small opening in the diaphragm—the hiatus—moving it next to the esophagus. *Diaphragm – The muscular wall separating the chest cavity from the abdomen.

What Causes Paraesophageal Hernia?

We don’t know the exact reason for developing paraesophageal hernias. However, there are some risk factors associated with causing the weakening of diaphragm muscles that could allow the stomach to enter the area above the diaphragm. Risk factors for the weakening of diaphragm muscles include:

• Aging; diaphragmatic muscles naturally become weaker with age
• Traumatic injuries causing weakness of the muscles, and the expansion of the hiatal opening in it
• Abdominal surgeries
• Increased pressure in the abdomen which can be from pregnancy, obesity, coughing, heavy lifting and exercising, or straining during bowel movements
• Having a larger hiatal opening by birth

What Are the Symptoms of a Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia?

At first, paraesophageal hernias may not cause any symptoms. These asymptomatic hernias may go unnoticed and do not require surgery. However, symptomatic paraesophageal hernias are a cause of concern and need repair before they progress into severe problems like your stomach getting "strangled," or blood flow restriction. Following are the symptoms of a paraesophageal hernia indicating that it needs repair:

• Heartburn
• Chest pain, especially during eating
• Pain in the middle, upper abdomen
• Difficulty swallowing
• Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting of blood or passing of black stool, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding

When Should You Call a Doctor About Paraesophageal Hernia?

If you have been diagnosed with a paraesophageal hernia and you develop severe pain in the chest or abdomen, feel nausea, experience vomiting, or are unable to pass gas or have a bowel movement, you may have developed a strangulated hernia. These signs can indicate an emergency. Call your doctor immediately.

How is Paraesophageal Hernia Diagnosed?

Generally, a paraesophageal hernia is diagnosed with a specialized X-ray (using a barium swallow) to see the esophagus or with an endoscopy to see the hernia directly.

How is Laparoscopic Repair of Paraesophageal Hernia Performed?

In a laparoscopic repair of a paraesophageal hernia, a few small (5 to 10 millimeter) incisions are made in the abdomen then a laparoscope and other surgical instruments are inserted into the abdomen. The laparoscope has a light and a small camera attached to it that guides the surgeon by transmitting a picture of the internal organs to the monitor.

During surgery, the herniated part of the stomach is moved back to its original position in the abdominal cavity, and the hiatal opening in the diaphragm is closed to prevent the stomach from re-herniating. In many cases, after the opening in the diaphragm is closed, patients have to go under fundoplication, in which the top of the stomach (the fundus) is wrapped around the bottom of the esophagus. General anesthesia is given to you before the surgery to put you to sleep during the entire operation.

What Are the Benefits of a Laparoscopic Method for Paraesophageal Hernia Repair?

The advantages of laparoscopic surgery of a paraesophageal hernia are:

• Smaller incisions
• Less risk of infection
• Less pain and scaring
• More rapid recovery

How Long Do You Have to Stay in the Hospital after Paraesophageal Hernia Surgery?

Laparoscopic repair of a paraesophageal hernia is an outpatient procedure though it requires you to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. 

What is the Recovery Time for Paraesophageal Hernia Surgery?

Patients that have undergone a laparoscopic repair of a paraesophageal hernia usually take about four weeks to recover completely. However, hard labor and heavy lifting should be avoided for up to 3 months.

Why Choose Us for Paraesophageal Hernia Surgery?

At Far North Surgery, we’re committed to providing quality care and shorter recovery time to our patients. We are a team of qualified and experienced general surgeons utilizing only the most advanced surgical equipment and procedures to achieve successful results. Call us at 907-276-3676 to get the best treatment for a paraesophageal hernia, or to ask questions you may have. You can also fill out our 1-minute contact form here.