1 - 2 Hours
24 - 48 Hours
The esophagus, on its way to the abdomen, passes through a small hole in the diaphragm, called the esophageal hiatus. Normally, the elements surrounding this small hole allow the organs to be held in place.
The weakening of this supporting tissue, as well as situations that increase abdominal pressure, favor the progressive migration of the stomach into the thoracic cavity, resulting in a hiatal hernia. Once the barrier between both organs breaks, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which gets damaged.
There are different types of hernia, depending on the way the stomach migrates into the thorax. Symptoms may vary according to the type of hernia, but they generally include pain and burning behind the breastbone, discomfort while eating, feeling of fullness after meals, nocturnal cough or even palpitations or angina-like chest pain. Since most people are unaware of this problem, they mistakenly assume the hiatal hernia is gastritis and self-medicate instead. However, when pain becomes more intense, it is necessary to run some tests.
A hiatal hernia can be diagnosed with a specialized X-ray study (esophageal-gastroduodenal transit), even though endoscopy allows the presence of a hiatal hernia to be confirmed. This study is important since it allows taking biopsies of the esophagus, and thus determining the degree of its condition. If the hernia is significant, it is necessary to run some tests before the surgery in order to check for damage to your esophagus from acid reflux.
When symptoms are minor and there is no significant reflux, a medical treatment is prescribed as well as modifications to eating habits which will enable the patient to endure the problem.
However, when acid reflux causes changes in the esophageal membrane, surgery is recommended in order to put organs back in their proper place.
Advances in digital imaging techniques allow this problem to be solved in detail through very small incisions, guaranteeing the success of the surgery. The main advantage of this technique is that recovery is much faster, since patients usually go home and return to normal routine 48 hours after the surgery.
The changes of those patients with high degree of symptomatology are significant, since they can eat without pain or the discomforts after eating. For this reason, it is advisable for patients experiencing similar symptoms, to see a doctor so as to run the necessary tests and start the best treatment.
Stomach acid irritates the esophageal epithelium, to the point at which, over time, it turns into a thicker epithelium, where malignant tumors are more likely to develop.
SPECIALIST IN Hiatus Hernia
Professional Medical License: 19398. Specialty License: 6273
View resume and contact Norman Jalil, M.D.
How much does a hiatal hernia surgery cost abroad? The reference price for a laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia in Argentina is USD 2,500 but this may vary according to the needs and requirements of each patient. Please fill in the form below to contact us and get your Free Quotation!
Our prices includes: pre and post surgery consultations and controls; surgeon, anesthesiologist, nurses, assistances fees; surgery and recovery room; supplies and disposable materials. Bilingual assistant, accommodation and transfers are optional. Prescribe medication after surgery, surgical belts (if required) are not included. No hidden fees!
Learn everything you need to know about Medical Tourism in Argentina.
We meet all the biosecurity measures in the health industry during the Covid-19 pandemic. To be able to perform the surgery you must have a negative test result for coronavirus.
A hernia is a weakness in the abdominal wall. It may be present from birth, or develop gradually over the years.
The adrenals are small glands that are located above the kidneys and their function is to produce important hormones involved in body's response to stress such as cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline.
The gallbladder has the function to store and concentrate bile produced in the liver. Usually, this digestive liquid is released from the gallbladder after eating, aiding digestion.
The parathyroid glands are very small, the size of a grain of rice (4 or more) that are located behind the thyroid gland. Despite its small size, they are very important as they regulate the level of calcium in the blood,
The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the neck and produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Although its function may be affected when there is a greater or lesser production of these hormones,