Esophagus Diseases
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Hiatal hernia is defined in the medical literature as the prolapse of the upper part of the stomach towards the esophagus. This condition occurs as a result of the muscles in the upper part of the stomach relaxing for various reasons.
Stomach hernia, which is defined as an advanced age disease, is seen in 65% of people over the age of 50. While it usually does not cause any symptoms, it can cause reflux in some people.
The causes of hiatal hernia develop differently in each patient, and the following factors can generally be listed as causes;
While hiatal hernia does not cause any complaints in the initial stages, it can cause many symptoms in advanced stages or advanced hernias. It is necessary to make a detailed treatment plan to evaluate the hiatal hernia, which is simply diagnosed by endoscopy, and to apply the most appropriate treatment method.
Endoscopy application; A specially designed illuminated device is sent to the stomach through the mouth and x-rays of the esophagus, stomach and intestines are taken with the help of a medicine. Patients who consult a doctor due to hiatal hernia symptoms should be evaluated with endoscopic methods. Incorrect treatment practices in patients who are not examined in detail can cause much more serious health problems.
Stomach hernia complaints negatively affect the daily life of the patient and reduce the quality of life. The main symptoms of this problem can be listed as follows;
The majority of people with hiatal hernia problems also experience reflux problems. However, the symptoms caused by both hiatal hernia and reflux problem disrupt the patient's daily activities, disrupt sleep patterns and reduce the quality of life.
Before hiatal hernia treatment, an endoscopic evaluation is performed to measure the location and size of the hernia. However, it is necessary to determine the causes of hernia formation. Since the anatomical structure in the digestive system is deteriorated, treatment with medication alone is not successful, so some changes must be made in the patient's lifestyle.
Sleeping on a high pillow, not lying down immediately after eating, not using tight clothes and corsets and belts, avoiding spicy, salty and fatty foods, and quitting alcohol and smoking habits are also the points that should be implemented during the treatment process. At the same time, medications and supplements used to control stomach acid are also used in the treatment of hiatal hernia. Surgical intervention is used for problems that do not respond to medical treatment.
Hiatal hernia is a health problem that must be treated. As the hernia grows, complaints will increase and the treatment process will be difficult and long. So much so that constant contact of stomach acid with the esophagus can even cause esophageal cancer. Especially patients who have complaints of hoarseness and intense cough should consult a doctor without delay.
Hiatal hernia surgery is currently performed using laparoscopic surgery methods. After the location and size of the hernia is determined by endoscopy, the laparoscopic method is often preferred during the planned surgical operation as it carries fewer risk factors. Avoiding large incisions will shorten the healing process and make it more comfortable. In addition, risk factors such as bleeding, pain and infection are prevented.
Nowadays, hiatal hernia surgeries performed using laparoscopic methods, guided by technology and research in the field of medicine, are often performed successfully. However, some patients may experience problems such as difficulty swallowing, difficulty belching or vomiting, cramps and pain in the stomach after this surgery. However, these complications usually return to normal after a few months.
At the same time, serious problems such as anesthesia-related problems, bleeding and intestinal knotting may occur during the hiatal hernia surgery. However, in order to prevent these complications, it is necessary to consult specialist and experienced doctors. In addition, regular and healthy nutrition principles should be taken into consideration after surgery.
After hiatal hernia surgery, a healthy nutrition program should be followed both during the hospital stay and during the rest period at home. First of all, 3-4 drinks should be consumed a day, very hot or very cold drinks should be avoided, and carbonated drinks should definitely be avoided.
In the second phase, soft foods should be consumed and chewing habits should be developed. Foods that may cause gas formation should be avoided. It is necessary to eat carefully and make food choices for approximately two months after the surgery.
Hiatal hernia and reflux are problems that may be the result of each other. Most patients with hiatal hernia may also experience reflux problems. The causes of both problems, which are related to the health status of the muscles in the part where the stomach meets the esophagus, are very similar. For this reason, both reflux and hiatal hernia complaints must be treated.