Can You Have Weight Loss Surgery with a Hiatal Hernia? What You Need to Know

Understanding Hiatal Hernias and Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a common treatment for severe obesity. However, many individuals considering this option may also have a hiatal hernia, which occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This raises an important question: Can you have weight loss surgery with a hiatal hernia?

The short answer is yes, you can have weight loss surgery with a hiatal hernia. In fact, addressing both issues simultaneously is often recommended and can lead to better outcomes for patients.

Why Combine Hiatal Hernia Repair with Bariatric Surgery?

Combining hiatal hernia repair (HHR) with bariatric surgery offers several benefits:

Improved symptom relief: Addressing both issues can help alleviate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) more effectively.

Reduced risk of complications: Repairing the hernia during weight loss surgery can prevent potential complications related to the hernia in the future.

Single surgical event: Patients only need to undergo one procedure and recovery period, rather than separate surgeries.

Types of Weight Loss Surgery Compatible with Hiatal Hernia Repair

Two common bariatric procedures that can be performed alongside hiatal hernia repair are:

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB): This procedure is particularly effective for patients with GERD and hiatal hernias.

Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG): While this can be combined with HHR, it may not be the best choice for all patients with hiatal hernias.

The Surgical Process

During the combined procedure, the surgeon will typically:

Repair the hiatal hernia by pulling the stomach back into the abdominal cavity and closing the diaphragm opening.

Perform the chosen bariatric procedure (RYGB or SG).

Use minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques when possible to reduce recovery time and complications.

Potential Outcomes and Considerations

While combining HHR with bariatric surgery is generally safe and effective, it’s important to note:

The risk of certain postoperative interventions may be slightly higher, particularly with sleeve gastrectomy.

Long-term outcomes for GERD symptoms tend to be better with RYGB compared to SG.

Each patient’s situation is unique, and the best approach should be determined in consultation with an experienced bariatric surgeon.