What is the purpose of hiatal hernia correction surgery?

The purpose of hiatal hernia correction surgery is primarily to repair the position of the diaphragm and stomach. A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, which can lead to symptoms such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), difficulty swallowing, and chest pain.

During the surgical correction, known as fundoplication or other techniques, the surgeon realigns the stomach to its proper position in the abdomen and reinforces the diaphragm to prevent recurrence. This addresses the anatomical issue directly and helps mitigate the symptoms associated with the hernia by restoring normal anatomy and function.

While other options may seem plausible, enhancing digestion, removing excess tissue, or improving blood flow are not the primary goals of this surgical procedure. The key focus is on correcting the structural problem posed by the hernia itself.