Hiatal hernia repair

What a hiatal hernia is, when repair is considered and what the operation involves.

If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 now. Do not use this form for urgent symptoms.

What it is

A hiatal hernia happens when part of the stomach pushes up through the opening in the diaphragm (the hiatus) into the chest. Many are small and cause no symptoms. Larger ones, especially paraesophageal hernias, can cause reflux, trouble swallowing, chest or upper-abdominal pain, or anemia. Repair pulls the stomach back into the abdomen and narrows the hiatus, often with a fundoplication wrap.

Who may qualify

People with symptoms that do not respond to medicine, or with a large paraesophageal hernia, may be considered. Small hernias without symptoms usually do not need surgery. Sudden severe chest or abdominal pain, repeated vomiting or being unable to swallow can signal an emergency.

What recovery can look like

Repair is commonly done laparoscopically or with robotic assistance. Many people stay one or two nights and use a soft diet for a few weeks while swallowing settles. Your surgeon will give limits on lifting and straining.

Risks to understand

Risks include bleeding, infection, difficulty swallowing, gas bloat, a return of the hernia over time and, rarely, injury to nearby organs. Results vary and nothing is guaranteed.

Insurance and questions to ask

Ask your insurer whether repair is covered when symptoms or imaging support it, what tests (upper endoscopy, swallow study, pH testing) they require first and which surgeons are in network.

Informational website. It is not a medical practice, does not name or imply any particular doctor, and does not give medical advice. Using it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Content is general education only; talk to a licensed physician about your own care. Last reviewed: November 2026.