Suggest Medication For Hiatal Hernia

Posted on Sat, 5 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 5 Dec 2015 Answered on

Mon, 28 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had an EGD done yesterday and was told i had a hiatal hernia,i just looked on the picture they took in surgery and it said the size was 553.3 is that large ? I take nexium every day but would like to get off the meds

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
this is not size

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCM.

First,you probably didn't see the size but the so called ICD-9 code for diagnoses and code 553.3 is suggesting Hiatal hernia with no signs of gangrene or obstruction.

The size of hernia usually isn't related to degree of symptoms. In case if Paraesophageal hernia surgery is required and in case of the much more common sliding hernia,the surgery is recommended when patient have significant symptoms,heartburn,breathing or swallowing difficulties.

Surgery can be performed laparoscopically too.

Wish you good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (30 minutes later)

Is surgery for a hiatal hernia risky or dangerous? They said it was small,I have a follow up with family Dr next Thursday.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
not dangerous

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
This is not risky procedure but it should not be performed in patients with small hernias. it is better to treat it with medications and dietary changes.
Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T