Hiatal Hernia Surgery in Miami, FL
What is a Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia is a medical condition in which part of the stomach protrudes upward through the diaphragm into a small opening that’s called a “hiatus.” Though a small hiatal hernia often causes no symptoms, a larger one can result in gastrointestinal problems due to bile, air, or stomach acids backing up into the esophagus. These health problems may include heartburn, indigestion, chest pain, chronic acid reflux (GERD), swallowing difficulties, belching, and nausea.
Laparoscopic Surgery for a Hiatal Hernia
Though hiatal hernias can often be treated with medication and changes to lifestyle, surgery may be needed in more severe cases. To treat hiatal hernias, Dr. A. Enrique Whittwell specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which uses smaller incisions. This type of surgery is associated with:
- Fewer complications
- Reduced pain
- Reduced scarring
- A shorter stay in the hospital
During laparoscopic hiatal hernia surgery, Dr. Whittwell inserts a laparoscope, a thin tube containing a miniature viewing device, through small incisions to correct the defect in the diaphragm. The result should be a reduction in your health problems associated with the hiatal hernia. Robotic surgery using an endoscope is another minimally invasive surgical technique to repair a hiatal hernia.
To learn more about hiatal hernia surgery and discuss whether it might be the right step for you, call Dr. Whittwell’s Miami, Florida office today at (305) 665-0100 or request an appointment online.
