Hiatal hernia repair

Indication:

Hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach herniates into the chest cavity through a defect in the diaphragm. Various operations exist for the repair of a hiatal hernia, the most common operation being the Nissen fundoplication. Nissen fundoplication is a 360˚ wrap of the fundus around the esophagus. Preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is required to assess for esophagitis or the presence of a hiatus hernia.

Possible complications:

Early: Postoperative dysphagia – normal for the first 6 weeks, but rarely permanent, pneumothorax, esophageal perforation, gas bloat syndrome, epigastric pain, splenic or hepatic injury, iatrogenic vagotomy.
Late: Wrap failure, recurrence of symptoms, Hiatal stenosis, and ongoing dysphagia.

Duration:

N/A