A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm opening into the chest. Smaller hiatal hernias typically require no surgical intervention and can be managed with medications and lifestyle adjustments. However, surgical intervention may be needed for a hernia that is too large or generates significant health complications, including severe heartburn, swallowing troubles, or chest pain. Your healthcare provider makes treatment decisions based on the size of the hernia and patient-reported symptoms. Treatment is customized according to the individual's medical situation. For more detailed guidance on when surgery is required, you can read more at Hernia Innovations: What Size Hiatal Hernia Needs Surgery.
We will explain how a hiatal hernia develops while reviewing symptoms that might lead to medical procedures and situations that necessitate surgery based on the hernia's size. In severe cases, where complications are more prominent, surgery might become necessary. To explore more treatment options, please seeMDBariatrics: At What Size Does a Hiatal Hernia Require Surgery.
Hiatal hernias vary in size, with small ones measuring around 2-3 cm, medium ones ranging from 4-5 cm, and large ones exceeding 5 cm. The treatment required depends on the size and severity of the hernia. Hiatal hernias are classified into four types based on how much they protrude into the chest:
Type 1 (Sliding Hiatal Hernia): This is the most common type and is difficult to diagnose. It often causes acid reflux, which may be the only noticeable symptom.
Type 2: The top part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, but the connection between the stomach and esophagus stays below the diaphragm.
Type 3: This is a more advanced version of type 2. The opening in the diaphragm widens, allowing more of the stomach to move into the chest. The connection between the stomach and esophagus shifts above the diaphragm.
Type 4: The most severe type, where not only the stomach but also other organs like the pancreas, colon, or spleen, can move into the chest due to a weakened diaphragm.
Types 2-4 are less common, comprising about 5-15% of all hiatal hernias. To learn more about the different types of hiatal hernias, visit IBI Healthcare: What Size Hiatal Hernia Needs Surgery.
To determine the size of your hiatal hernia and decide on the best treatment approach, doctors use various diagnostic methods. Two main approaches include:
Radiographic Evaluation:
Barium Swallow X-ray: You swallow a special liquid called barium, which appears on X-rays. This helps doctors visualize your esophagus and stomach and measure the size of the hernia.
CT Scan: A detailed imaging scan of the chest and abdomen helps doctors locate the hernia and assess its size and any complications.
Endoscopic Assessment:
Upper Endoscopy (EGD): A thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to examine the esophagus and stomach, helping doctors assess the hernia and check for any inflammation or damage.
Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS): In some cases, ultrasound during the endoscopy offers better images of the hernia and the surrounding tissues.
For additional insights on these diagnostic tests, you can refer to the detailed articles provided at Healthline: What Size Hiatal Hernia Needs Surgery.
There Is No Set Size When Surgery Is Required
There is no definitive size that dictates when surgery is needed for a hiatal hernia. The decision depends on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, whether other health conditions are present, and patient preference. Generally, surgery may be suggested for individuals with large hiatal hernias if they experience serious symptoms that don't improve with conservative treatments. In some cases, surgery could also be considered for people with small hiatal hernias if they experience complications like acid reflux (GERD) or trouble swallowing. For more about when surgery might be needed, visit (https://www.herniainnovations.com/blog/what-size-hiatal-hernia .
The best way to determine whether surgery is needed for a hiatal hernia is to consult your doctor. They will evaluate your condition and recommend the appropriate course of treatment for your specific case. If you're experiencing symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider. They will help guide you toward the best treatment options based on your individual needs.
If you have a hiatal hernia and are seeking expert care, Heal Private is here to help. We provide access to some of the best hiatal hernia consultants, ensuring you receive the right treatment tailored to your needs. Our skilled team of surgeons will support you throughout the entire process—from diagnosis to recovery—with the highest level of care.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us at 0203 538 8014 or visit our website at https://heal-private.com. We're committed to providing you with the best specialists and Hiatal Hernia Surgeons.