Hiatal Hernia Treatment in Chennai
Do you feel burning in your chest after every meal? Do you get acid coming up in your mouth often? Do not ignore these signs. These could be symptoms of a hiatal hernia.
A hiatal hernia is a condition where part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through a weak spot in the diaphragm. It is a very common problem. But if it is not treated on time it can become serious.
If you are searching for the hiatal hernia treatment in Chennai then you are in the right place. Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is a trusted hernia specialist in Chennai with over 17+ years of experience. He is a Senior Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist and Clinical Lead at Apollo Super Speciality Hospital, Chennai. He also sees patients at SS Surgical Clinic, Mylapore, Chennai.
He holds MS, DNB (GI Surgery), FMAS, and FMIAS qualifications. He is trained in the da Vinci Si Surgical System. He has received the Travel Grant Award at AHPBA 2019 in Seoul, South Korea. He has co-authored 34 research papers in top national and international journals. Patients from all across Tamil Nadu come to him for safe and effective hernia treatment in Chennai.
What is Hiatus/Hiatal Hernia?
The chest and stomach are separated by a strong muscle called the diaphragm. This muscle has a small opening called the hiatus. The food pipe passes through this opening to connect to the stomach.
Sometimes this opening becomes too wide or the muscles around it become weak. When this happens a part of the stomach slips up into the chest area. This is called a hiatal hernia.
It is more commonly seen in people above 50 years of age. But it can happen to younger people as well. In many cases people do not even know they have it. Symptoms are usually mild in the beginning.
What are the types of Hiatal Hernias?
There are four types of hiatal hernia:
- Sliding Hiatal Hernia: This is the most common type. The stomach slides up and down through the hiatus opening. Most acid reflux problems are related to this type.
- Para-oesophageal Hernia: In this type a part of the stomach pushes up beside the food pipe. The food pipe stays in its position. This type can be dangerous if the stomach gets stuck.
- Mixed Hernia: This is a combination of the above two types. Both the stomach and the food pipe move out of their normal position.
- Complex Hernia: In this rare and serious type other organs like the colon or small intestine also push into the chest area.
Who is at Risk for Hiatal Hernia?
Hiatal hernias happen all the more frequently in ladies, individuals who are overweight, and individuals more seasoned than 50.
What are the causes of Hiatal Hernia?
Hiatal hernia develops when the diaphragm muscles become weak over time. The common causes are:
- Natural weakening of muscles with age
- Putting too much pressure on the stomach by heavy lifting
- Long term coughing or sneezing
- Being overweight or gaining weight suddenly
- Pregnancy which increases pressure inside the abdomen
- Any injury or surgery near the chest or stomach area
- Some people are born with a larger than normal hiatal opening
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Hiatal Hernias?
Many people with a hiatal hernia feel no symptoms at all. But when symptoms do appear they usually include:
- Burning sensation in the chest especially after eating
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
- Feeling full very quickly even after small meals
- Frequent burping or bloating
- Chest discomfort or mild chest pain
- Nausea or urge to vomit
- Shortness of breath in more serious cases
These symptoms usually get worse after a heavy meal or when you lie down after eating. If you are facing these problems regularly please visit a gastroenterologist in Chennai at the earliest.
How Hiatal Hernia is Diagnosed?
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy does a proper and detailed check up before recommending any treatment. The diagnosis process includes:
- Barium Swallow Test: The patient drinks a barium liquid and X-rays are taken. This helps the doctor see the food pipe and stomach clearly.
- Endoscopy: A thin flexible tube with a small camera is gently passed through the mouth. The doctor can directly see the condition of the food pipe and stomach.
- CT Scan: This gives a detailed picture of the chest and abdominal area. It helps identify the exact size and type of hernia.
- Oesophageal Manometry: This test measures the pressure and movement inside the food pipe.
- pH Monitoring Test: This checks how much acid is entering the food pipe from the stomach.
Accurate diagnosis is very important. It helps Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy plan the most suitable treatment for every individual patient.
Treatment Options For Hiatal Hernia:
The treatment depends on the type and severity of the hernia. Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy offers both non-surgical and surgical treatment options.
Non-Surgical Treatment: For small or mild cases the doctor may first suggest lifestyle and dietary changes along with medicines:
- Antacid medicines to reduce stomach acid
- Eating smaller meals more frequently through the day
- Avoiding spicy, oily, and heavy foods
- Not lying down for at least two hours after eating
- Keeping the head slightly elevated while sleeping
- Losing weight if the patient is overweight
These measures help control the symptoms. But they cannot cure the hernia permanently.
- Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery in Chennai: Laparoscopic surgery is the most commonly recommended surgical option. The surgeon makes a few very small cuts in the abdomen. A tiny camera is inserted to guide the operation. The stomach is carefully placed back in its correct position. The hiatus opening is then tightened and repaired with stitches or mesh. A procedure called fundoplication is also performed to stop acid reflux. Key benefits include:
- Very less pain after surgery
- Small and barely visible scars
- Short hospital stay of one to two days
- Quick recovery and early return to normal life
- Very low chance of hernia returning
- Robotic Hernia Surgery in Chennai: Robotic surgery is the most advanced option available today. Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is specially trained in the da Vinci Si Surgical System. This system gives the surgeon a clear 3D view inside the body. The robotic arms move with great precision. This makes the surgery very accurate and safe. Key benefits include:
- Extremely precise surgical movements
- Minimal blood loss during surgery
- Very low risk of any complications
- Patient recovers much faster
- Best suited for large or complex hiatal hernias
- Open Surgery: Open surgery is the traditional method. The surgeon makes one larger cut in the abdomen. It is a well-tested and reliable procedure. It is usually recommended in emergency situations or when minimally invasive surgery is not the right option.
What happens if the Hiatal hernia is untreated?
Many people delay treatment thinking the symptoms will go away on their own. But leaving a hiatal hernia untreated can cause serious health problems:
- Chronic Acid Reflux: Acid keeps damaging the food pipe lining repeatedly over time.
- Barrett’s Oesophagus: Constant acid exposure changes the cells in the food pipe. This condition increases the risk of oesophageal cancer.
- Narrowing of the Food Pipe: Repeated swelling and inflammation makes swallowing very painful and difficult.
- Strangulated Hernia: The stomach gets trapped in the hernia and its blood supply stops. This is a life-threatening emergency.
- Anaemia: Slow internal bleeding from the hernia can cause low blood count and persistent weakness.
Please do not wait. Consult a hernia specialist in Chennai as early as possible for the right treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy for Hiatal Hernia Treatment in Chennai?
Patients from across Chennai and Tamil Nadu choose Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy because of his expertise, experience, and patient-first approach. Here is why he stands out:
- MS, DNB (GI Surgery), FMAS, FMIAS qualified and specially trained surgeon.
- Over 17 years of experience in advanced hernia and gastrointestinal surgeries.
- Expert in laparoscopic hernia surgery in Chennai and robotic hernia surgery in Chennai.
- Specially trained in the da Vinci Si Surgical System.
- Co-authored 34 research papers in top national and international medical journals
- Received the Travel Grant Award at AHPBA 2019 Seoul South Korea.
- Invited as faculty at AMASICON 2020 and Sri Lankan Surgical Society Conference 2020.
- Presented 7 research papers at the 13th IHPBA World Congress Geneva Switzerland.
- Trusted gastroenterologist in Chennai offering complete digestive and surgical care.
- Every patient receives a personalised treatment plan.
- Explains the diagnosis and treatment in simple and clear language.
- Transparent process with no surprises before or after surgery.
- Modern operation theatres and latest technology at Apollo Super Speciality Hospital.
- Warm and comfortable environment for patients and their families.
- Consults at Apollo Super Speciality Hospital Teynampet and SS Surgical Clinic Mylapore, Chennai.
- Easy appointment booking available by phone or online.
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy gives personal attention to every patient. He listens carefully before suggesting any treatment. His goal is always safe surgery, fast recovery, and your long term good health.
Diet and Care Tips After Hiatal Hernia Surgery
Good food habits and simple lifestyle changes after surgery help you heal faster:
- Have only liquid and soft foods for the first few days after surgery
- Eat five to six small meals a day instead of three big meals
- Avoid spicy, oily, or very hard foods for at least four weeks
- Do not lie down for at least two hours after eating
- Avoid cold drinks, fizzy drinks, and alcohol completely
- Drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated
- Do not lift heavy objects for four to six weeks after surgery
- Follow all post surgery instructions given by Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy carefully
- Do not skip any follow up appointments
These simple habits will speed up your recovery and reduce the chance of the hernia returning.
Book An Appointment:
If you are diagnosed with a Hiatal Hernia and looking for the best care then consult with Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy at Apollo Super Speciality Hospital Chennai, and SS Surgical Clinic, Mylapore, Chennai. For an appointment call us on 9677231111 or you can book an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Mild hiatal hernias can be managed with medicines and lifestyle changes. But these only control symptoms. Surgery is the only way to permanently fix the hernia.
Most patients can do light activities within one to two weeks. Complete recovery after laparoscopic or robotic hernia surgery usually takes three to four weeks.
The chances of recurrence are very low when an experienced surgeon performs the operation. Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy uses advanced techniques to make sure the hernia does not return.
Yes. Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy offers advanced robotic hernia surgery in Chennai at Apollo Super Speciality Hospital, Teynampet, Chennai.
If you have regular heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain, or trouble swallowing then please see a gastroenterologist in Chennai immediately. Early treatment always gives better results.
You can call 96772 31111 or visit www.drsrivatsan.com to book your appointment.