Hiatal hernia: Surgery, diagnosis & costs in Turkey

Types of hiatal hernia

Hiatal hernias are classified into several types, each with unique characteristics and implications for treatment. Understanding the type of hernia you have can help guide the most effective approach.

Not sure which type of hiatal hernia you have? Request a personalized assessment from our expert surgeons in Turkey.

Common causes & risk factors

Hiatal hernias often result from increased abdominal pressure or diaphragm weakness. The most common causes include:

• Age-related changes: the diaphragm naturally weakens with age, increasing the risk of hernia.
• Obesity: excess weight puts extra pressure on the stomach and diaphragm.
• Smoking: may contribute to tissue weakening and reflux symptoms.
• Abdominal pressure: caused by pregnancy, chronic constipation, or persistent coughing.
• Congenital diaphragm weakness: some individuals are born with a predisposition.

Many people with a hiatal hernia have no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular check-ups are important if you have risk factors.

Symptoms & complications of hiatal hernia

Hiatal hernias can vary in size and severity, meaning symptoms may differ from person to person. Recognizing the signs early can help you get timely treatment and prevent serious complications.

Common symptoms

Hiatal hernias often cause discomfort that affects daily life. Here are the most frequent symptoms patients experience:

• Heartburn: a burning sensation rising from the stomach to the throat.
• Acid regurgitation: bitter or sour taste in the mouth.
• Difficulty swallowing: feeling that food is stuck in the chest.
• Bloating and early satiety: feeling full quickly after meals.
• Chest discomfort or pain: sometimes mistaken for cardiac pain.
• Chronic cough or frequent belching: caused by stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus.

Even mild or occasional symptoms can indicate a hiatal hernia. Early evaluation by a specialist is recommended.

Potential complications

While most hiatal hernias do not cause serious problems, some cases may require urgent attention:

• Incarceration: the stomach becomes trapped in the diaphragm opening.
• Strangulation: blood supply to the herniated stomach is cut off.
• Severe gastroesophageal reflux: can lead to esophageal inflammation or ulcers.
• Respiratory issues: large hernias may compress the lungs, causing shortness of breath.

Worried about potential complications? Chat with an expert surgeon now to assess your condition safely.

Diagnosis of hiatal hernia in Turkey

Proper diagnosis is essential to determine the type, size, and severity of your hiatal hernia and to plan the most effective treatment. In Turkey, certified clinics and expert surgeons use advanced diagnostic tests to provide an accurate assessment.

• Barium X-rays: This exam provides a clear image of the esophagus and stomach. It helps identify the hernia, its size, and position.
• Endoscopy of the upper digestive tract: It offers a direct view inside the esophagus and stomach. It detects inflammation, ulcers, or tissue damage caused by reflux.
• Esophageal manometry: It measures pressure and muscle function in the esophagus. It helps determine whether the esophagus is moving properly to push food into the stomach.
• 24-hour pH monitoring: This test tracks acid levels in the esophagus over time, assessing the severity of reflux and its impact on the esophagus.

Each test provides unique information, helping surgeons tailor the treatment to your specific hernia type and symptoms. Accurate diagnosis improves safety and outcomes.

Want to ensure an accurate assessment before surgery? Request a personalized diagnostic plan from Turquie Santé specialists.

Hiatal hernia treatment in Turkey

Treatment for a hiatal hernia depends on its type, size, and severity of symptoms. Turkey offers world-class care with options tailored to each patient's needs.

Medical treatment

For patients with sliding hiatal hernias or mild symptoms, medical management is often the first approach. This includes medications designed to reduce stomach acid, relieve heartburn, and control reflux. In addition, lifestyle adjustments such as dietary modifications, weight management, and avoiding activities that increase abdominal pressure can significantly improve comfort and daily functioning. 

The main goal of medical treatment is to manage symptoms effectively, prevent complications, and enhance quality of life without surgery. Regular follow-up ensures that the hernia does not worsen over time.

Even when symptoms are mild, early medical management can prevent the hernia from progressing and improve daily comfort.

Surgical treatment

Surgery is generally recommended for paraesophageal hernias, large hernias, or cases with severe symptoms that cannot be controlled with medication.

The most common surgical approach is laparoscopic fundoplication:

• The stomach is carefully returned to its normal position.
• The hiatus is reinforced to prevent recurrence.
• An anti-reflux mechanism is created to reduce the risk of acid reflux.

In rare cases, open surgery (laparotomy) may be necessary.

The goal of surgery is to correct the anatomical defect, relieve symptoms, and prevent serious complications, offering a long-term solution for patients whose hernias cannot be managed with medical treatment alone.

Paraesophageal hiatal hernia surgery

Before your hiatal hernia surgery, it's important to fast from midnight the night before. This means that you should not eat or drink after this time.

Don't forget to tell your healthcare team about all the medicines you are taking, including those you can buy without a prescription. Some treatments may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped before surgery.

Operative phase

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The main goal is to correct the anatomical defect and prevent acid reflux. The surgeon performs a fundoplication, creating a protective sleeve around the esophagus using part of your stomach. This reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing acid from rising into the esophagus and relieving symptoms effectively.

Postoperative phase

After surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room for close monitoring, typically around 2 hours. Some medical devices, such as drains or a nasogastric tube, may be temporarily placed to assist your recovery.

Once stable, you will be transferred to your hospital room. Gradual movement is encouraged, and you will be guided to stand up and start drinking fluids carefully. Pain is well-controlled with medication, allowing for a comfortable recovery.

Convalescence and post-operative follow-up

For optimal healing after hiatal hernia surgery, we recommend a mixed diet for the first two weeks. You can then gradually return to a normal diet.

For follow-up consultations:

• If you do not have endobrachyoesophagus, regular follow-up visits are not usually necessary after surgery.
• If you have endobrachyoesophagus, annual follow-up is recommended to monitor the evolution of this lesion and to adjust the treatment if necessary.

Planning your paraesophageal hiatal hernia surgery?  Request a personalized pre-op and post-op plan from Turquie Santé specialists.