Should a hiatus hernia be treated with surgery or medication (losec)?

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Answers:
It sounds as if it depends on the severity of your symptoms:

Lifestyle changes for a hiatal hernia include diet modification, not smoking, avoiding alcohol, and taking measures to reduce acid reflux during the day and acid reflux at night.

Medications include taking antacids, H2 Antagonists, and Proton Pump Inhibitors. http://heartburn.about.com/od/hiatalhern2/f/herniatreatment.htm

If you have severe GERD (gastroesophageal relfux disease) symptoms, they often can be treated successfully with medications. Less commonly, a sliding hiatal hernia can be surgically repaired through fundoplication, in which the hernia is pulled down from the chest cavity and stitched (sutured) so that it remains within the abdomen symptoms, they often can be treated successfully with medications. Less commonly, a sliding hiatal hernia can be surgically repaired through fundoplication, in which the hernia is pulled down from the chest cavity and stitched (sutured) so that it remains within the abdomen. http://www.webmd.com/hw/digestive_problems/hw239982.asp
Although hiatal hernias usually do not require treatment, treatment may be necessary if the hernia is:
*in danger of becoming strangulated (twisted in a way that cuts off blood supply).
*complicated by severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
*complicated by esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus). http://ymghealthinfo.org/content.asp?pageid=P00379

Other Answers:
It is not usually a serious condition, and often needs no treatment. Any symptoms can usually be treated with drugs, or if severe, an operation.

Treatment of hiatus hernia

Self-help

A number of lifestyle changes may reduce the symptoms of hiatus hernia:

eat small frequent meals rather than fewer large meals
avoid bending over or lying down after a meal
avoid foods that seem to cause more severe symptoms such as spicy foods, coffee and possibly alcohol
stop smoking
lose excess weight if overweight
sleep propped up on plenty of pillows or with the head end of the bed raised 10 cm
Non-prescription medicines

Antacids

Antacids can be taken in either in liquid or tablet form. Those containing magnesium or aluminium generally work by neutralising the stomach acid. Others contain an ingredient called an alginate which forms a barrier that floats on the top of the stomach contents and prevents them splashing back up into the gullet, thus preventing heartburn and reflux symptoms. Another medicine that coats the stomach is called bismuth. Many of the antacids contain a mixture of ingredients. Examples of antacid brands include Rennies and Gaviscon.

H2 blockers

If antacids don't work, or if large quantities of antacid are needed to be effective, a pharmacist may recommend a more powerful medication. One type of more powerful drugs that can be bought at a pharmacy are H2 blockers (also known as H2 antagonists). They work by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Examples are famotidine (Pepcid Two) and ranitidine (Zantac).

Prescription-only medicines

Anyone who needs to take medicines for indigestion regularly, more than two or three times a week for example, should discuss their symptoms with a doctor. Doctors can prescribe longer-acting H2 antagonists. They can also prescribe another type of drug called a proton pump inhibitor, which also works by reducing acid production. Examples are omeprazole (Losec) and lansoprazole (Zoton).

Other medications work by coating the stomach lining, to protect it against the acid-attack. These include, sucralfate or carbenoxolone.

Complementary therapy

Some people find that the symptoms of a hiatus hernia can be improved by better postural balance which may be achieved with the Alexander technique. Some people find that other complementary treatments such as acupuncture, relaxation and visualisation, yoga and tai chi are also helpful, but it is not clear what effects they have and there is no scientific evidence to suggest they are effective.

Surgery

Rarely, a hiatus hernia causes such severe symptoms or complications that surgery is recommended. The operation is called a fundoplication. This involves making a cut in the upper abdomen, pushing the stomach back into the correct position and securing it there, and then repairing any gap of the diaphragm. The procedure can be done by open surgery (through an incision in the abdomen) or by keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery.
Source(s):
http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk

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Should a hiatus hernia be treated with surgery or medication (losec)?

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