Specialised procedures
Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease – Laparoscopic treatment of Hiatus Hernia
- Mr Dhiren Nehra MPhil, FRCS
- Consultant Surgeon, St Anthonys Hospital
- For appointments 02083376691, 01372221441, 02083354501
- website www.mrdnehrafrcs.com
What is a Hiatus Hernia
It is an anatomical abnormality in which part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and up into the chest.
Reflux disease is often associated with presence of a hiatus hernia. Typical symptoms of this condition are heartburn and regurgitation. Nearly 40% of the population in the Western countries will suffer from these symptoms at least once a month with 15% experiencing significant symptoms to seek medication in the form of acid suppression therapy. Long term exposure of the lower gullet to acid may cause a change in the lining namely Barrett’s oesophagus. This condition is precancerous and requires to be monitored.
Endoscopic view of a) Barrett’s Oesophagus b) Hiatal hernia and c) following surgical repair with fundoplication
Apart from acid some patients complain of a bitter or bile taste in the mouth. Bile reflux has been a subject of my research and I have written widely on this subject. Whilst there is very effective treatment for acid reflux with drugs such as PPI omeprazole (Losec) and lanzoprazole (Zoton), some patients are intolerant to medication or their symptoms are so severe as to interfere with their day to day activity and affect sleep or some suffer from persistent cough and chest infections due to reflux. In such patients I offer to perform a keyhole surgical treatment called a Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. In this procedure the hiatus hernia is repaired and the stomach wall is used to create a wrap around the lower end of the gullet to ‘strengthen’ its weak muscle sphincter.
Kehole surgery for Reflux disease – Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication
How to relieve heartburn
- a) Lifestyle measures – reduce weight, cease smoking, avoid spicy and fatty food, wear loose clothes, elevate head end of bed or use 2-3 pillows when asleep.
- b) Medication - Simple antacid such Gaviscon for the occasional mild symptoms. Proton Pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and lansoprazole for established disease.
- c) Surgery – Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication
I would advise anyone to seek medical consultation if symptoms are severe or persistent despite medication or if you have difficulty in swallowing. You may undergo OGD which involves examination of the gullet, stomach and duodenum with an endoscope. Specialised tests include oesophageal manometry and 24hr pH monitoring are used to assess extent of reflux and function of the gullet.
