Q. At what point is a severe hiatal hernia requiring surgical intervention?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, which is a muscle that separates your abdomen from your chest. In some cases, this can lead to severe symptoms and may require surgical intervention.

When it comes to determining whether surgery is necessary for a hiatal hernia, there are several factors that must be considered. Your doctor will take into account your age, overall health status and any other conditions you have related to GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). It's also important to note that if left untreated, hiatal hernias can become increasingly severe over time and potentially cause more serious medical problems down the line.

For individuals who experience symptoms such as heartburn or acid reflux on a daily basis or at least twice a week – particularly if they don’t respond well to medications – then surgery might be recommended. Additionally, people with large hiatal hernias sometimes need surgery because they have an increased risk of complications like gastro-intestinal bleeding or straining abdominal organs due to their hernia size. Other possible reasons for needing surgery include having difficulty swallowing food or experiencing chest pain related to the condition; in these cases it’s important not delay seeking proper care as soon as possible since these signs could indicate something more serious like an obstruction in the esophagus caused by the hernia itself.

Ultimately, only your doctor will be able to tell you whether surgery is necessary for your specific case. If you think you may have a hiatal hernia it's important see them so they can diagnose and treat accordingly – especially early on before symptoms progress too far!