What is GERD?

What is a Hiatal Hernia?

Hiatal hernias occur when the stomach and esophagus slide up through the diaphragm into the chest.

Common symptoms are heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Paraesophageal hernias occur when part of the stomach is squeezed up into the chest beside the esophagus. The stomach can be strangulated, restricting blood supply to the related tissues.

Any one of these hernias may be recurrent. This means, simply, that a previously repaired hernia has returned. People with especially weak abdominal walls or multiple surgical sites may simultaneously suffer from a combination of types of hernias.

Treatment Options

The Bard Crurasoft Patch can be used for a tension-free repair technique to repair esophageal hiatal defects during laparoscopic fundoplications and parasophageal hernia repairs. Fundoplication is a technique where part of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus and sewn into place.  The patch can also be used to reinforce or buttress the hiatal hernia that has been closed primarily with sutures. This adds strength to the repair. Like any surgery, there is always a chance for complications, like infection or hernia recurrence. Your physician will discuss these with you prior to surgery. See our HIATAL and HEARTBURN VIDEOS for examples of surgery techniques.