A sceptical GP.

I posted a question on this forum on Nov 15 and have pursued things some more in the interim.

I saw my GP this week to discuss last week's Gastroscopy which revealed that I have a moderate sized paraoesophageal hernia and a sliding hiatus hernia. My GP seemed so laissez faire about it, and basically encouraged me to not have surgery for it.....yet all the medical literature I have read seems to indicate that regardless of size, a paraoesophageal hernia needs surgical repair because of it concomitant risks!

Furthermore I am having significant symptoms despite being on PPI's - such as EXTREME epigastric fullness after the tiniest amount of food (basically can't eat), and pain in the chest (behind sternum), in my back and up to the shoulder tips at times. The oesophageal burning, waterbrash and vomiting have subsided substantially with the PPI's, but not completely.

My GP eventually wrote me a referral (somewhat reluctantly) to an excellent upper GI surgeon, so that I could discuss my options with him. However the feeling I got was that my GP remained sceptical as to why I needed it.

Am I doing the right thing by seeing the gastroenterological surgeon? Am I being alarmist?

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
The presence of  paraesophageal hiatal hernias has traditionally been considered
an indication for surgery in a patient who is otherwise fit for surgery.

Paraesophageal hiatal hernia is more dangerous because it can result in gastric volvulus. Although the true incidence of gastric volvulus presenting with strangulation is controversial  the elective repair of paraesophageal hernia is generally recommended because emergency surgery for acute complications carries a high
mortality rate
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[Megan1710]

Thankyou for your response - much appreciated!