Giant Hiatus Surgery
What is a giant hiatus hernia?
Hiatus hernias are a common problem and most need no further treatment. A hiatal hernia is where the stomach bulges into the chest through the opening in the diaphragm. However when more than a third of the stomach enters the chest this is known as a giant hiatus hernia; this requires special consideration.
Surgery for giant hiatus hernias is normally laparoscopic and will involve reduction of the stomach into the abdominal cavity. The weakness in the diaphragm is repaired and the stomach is buttressed with a fundoplication; this is where the top of the stomach is wrapped around itself and the oesophagus and then sutured in place.
Giant hiatus hernias can present in a number of ways:
- They can be found incidentally
- With bleeding or anaemia (lack of red blood cells)
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty in eating large meals