Best Hiatal Hernia Doctors in Chennai

A hiatal hernia, a common gastrointestinal disorder, occurs when the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through the hiatus, a natural opening in the diaphragm. This displacement can lead to various complications and symptoms, significantly impacting the patient's quality of life. The causes range from anatomical factors such as a large hiatus or short oesophagus, age-related changes, obesity, and hormonal shifts during pregnancy, to weakened diaphragmatic or stomach muscles.

The best hiatal hernia treatment doctors in Chennai recommend timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention to manage this condition effectively.

Types/Stages of Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernias are categorised into four types based on their anatomical characteristics:

• Sliding Hiatal Hernia (Type I): Characterised by the stomach slide up into the chest through the hiatus but can be pushed back down into the abdominal cavity.

• Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia (Type II): The stomach bulges up into the chest but remains in its normal position within the abdominal cavity.

• Mixed Hiatal Hernia (Type III): A combination of Type I and Type II hernias where the stomach slides up into the chest and also bulges up.

• Intrathoracic Stomach Hiatal Hernia (Type IV): The stomach is completely displaced into the chest and often necessitates surgical intervention.

Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia

The symptoms of a hiatal hernia can considerably vary in severity and frequency. They typically include:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This involves heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.

• Dysphagia: Patients may experience difficulty swallowing food or liquids.

• Chest Pain: This can often be mistaken for a heart attack.

• Shortness of Breath: Breathing difficulties may occur due to the stomach bulging into the chest.

• Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms often result from stomach acid flowing back up into the oesophagus.

Tests to Diagnose Hiatal Hernia

To diagnose a hiatal hernia, medical professionals utilise several tests, including:

• Barium X-ray: Patients consume a liquid that coats the digestive tract, allowing doctors to visualise a bulge in the oesophagus during an X-ray.

• Endoscopy: A small tube equipped with a camera is inserted through the throat to examine abnormalities in the oesophagus.

• Esophageal Manometry: This test evaluates the strength and muscle coordination of the oesophagus while swallowing.

• pH Testing: It measures the level of acidity in the oesophagus and helps diagnose GERD, a common symptom of hiatal hernia.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Hiatal Hernia at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

The skilled laparoscopic hernia surgery doctors at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai provide comprehensive treatment strategies for hiatal hernias. The course of action includes:

• Conservative Management: Initially, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, food trigger avoidance, and bed head elevation are recommended to manage symptoms.

• Surgical Intervention: If conservative management fails, laparoscopic surgery involving mesh reinforcement of the hiatal closure is performed to prevent recurrence.

• Fundoplication: This procedure involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower part of the oesophagus to reinforce the lower oesophagal sphincter.

• Crural Repair: To prevent recurrence, crura (muscles forming the hiatus) are reinforced with a mesh.

With an array of effective treatment options, Apollo Hospitals stands as a trusted healthcare partner for individuals seeking relief from hiatal hernias in Chennai.