Hiatus Hernia Surgery

[aliparkone]

Hi  My sister has just had surgery for a hiatus hernia (360 degree wrap) but is very distressed as no-one (even the hospital) seems to be able to tell her about an aftercare.  i.e Diet, what she should be eating after however many days and what to expect etc.  When will she be able to do normal things etc..  Can anyone help please,.....

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi aliparkone,
If she has undergone a laparoscopic surgery, the recovery time is faster.She can go home in 2-3 days.She might have pain at the  surgery site for which pain killers can be taken.Generally a semi-solid diet is presribed from the 2nd or 3rd day during the first week. If the semi-solid diet is tolerated well, then other foods can be slowly introduced. This usually takes 2-3 weeks.Complete recovery takes 2-3 weeks.

If open surgery had been performed, the recovery time is longer- 6-8 weeks.

If there are any complications, the recovery time may be prolonged than usual.
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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.

[rajeshkumara]

Hi,
  I have undergone a operation for hiatus hernia using laproscopic, one month back. iam trying to eat solid food now. How can i know if the operation is 100% success, because i heard hernia operation may not be success all the time. How about my food habits. Can i have alcohol after 6 to 8 months. Please do clarify my queries.

Thanks,
Raj.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi Rajeshkumara,
Following the surgery for hiatus hernia, the opening between the esophagus and stomach may either become too tight or remain lax.
If it becomes tight, there will be swallowing difficulty. If it is lax, acid reflux may occur.

The tests that can be done to find out the success of surgery are - manometry, 24 hours pH monitoring and barium swallow.

You can have alcohol after 6-8 months in moderate quantities. But if you have a lax opening following surgery, the reflux symptoms will worsen if you take alcohol.
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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.

[jesse42]

A related discussion, hiatus hernia and gerd was started.