Antireflux surgery and hiatus hernia repair

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What is GORD and hiatus hernia?

GORD

GORD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, leading to irritation. Some key points:

  • Symptoms: Heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, and hoarseness.
  • Causes: Weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and certain foods.
  • Complications: Long-term acid exposure can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.
  • Treatment: Lifestyle changes (avoiding trigger foods, weight management), medications (antacids, proton-pump inhibitors), and in severe cases, surgery.

Hiatus Hernia

A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. There are two main types:

  • Sliding Hiatus Hernia (most common) – The stomach moves up and down through the diaphragm.
  • Paraesophageal Hernia (less common) – Part of the stomach pushes up next to the esophagus.
  • Symptoms: Many people have no symptoms, but it can cause acid reflux, heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
  • Causes: Aging, obesity, pregnancy, excessive coughing, vomiting, or straining.
  • Diagnosis: Endoscopy or X-ray with barium swallow.
  • Treatment: If asymptomatic, no treatment is needed. If symptoms occur, lifestyle changes, medications, and in severe cases, surgery may be required
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Antireflux surgery and hiatus hernia repair
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