Patient-Friendly Explanation

A hiatal hernia happens when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest, often causing heartburn. Many people having weight-loss surgery also have this problem. During bariatric surgery, the surgeon can often repair the hernia at the same time.

Clinical Definition

A hiatal hernia is the protrusion of the gastric cardia or fundus through the oesophageal hiatus of the diaphragm. It is strongly associated with obesity, due to raised intra-abdominal pressure, and with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Concomitant hiatal hernia repair during sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, with or without fundoplication, is a common and safe adjunct that reduces postoperative reflux and improves outcomes.

Why It Matters

Untreated reflux after bariatric surgery can damage the oesophagus and cause serious complications, especially after sleeve gastrectomy. The bariatric team at NuLifeCare Singapore routinely screens for hiatal hernia before surgery so it can be corrected in the same operation.