The recommended treatment for hiatal hernia depends on the type of hiatal hernia and symptoms experienced. , No treatment is needed for patients with sliding hiatal hernia if the patient has no symptoms, and the hernia was found incidentally while being investigated for other conditions. Treatment for a patient with GERD symptoms can be classified into:

1. Lifestyle advice: Losing weight, eating smaller meals and not lying down or sleeping immediately after eating.


2. Medications: There are medications to reduce acid production in the stomach and to help the stomach empty its contents into the small intestine faster. This results in a rapid relief of GERD symptoms. However, they may have to be taken on a long-term basis to remain effective.


3. Surgery: This can be considered for patients who are not keen to take medication over a long term. Surgery involves repairing the loose hiatus, and wrapping a portion of stomach around the same area to reinforce the repair. This is carried out using minimally invasive techniques where small incisions are made on the skin to access the abdomen and perform the surgery. Patients who undergo surgery may need to be on a special diet for a period of time after surgery.

Patients with a paraoesophageal hiatal hernia would have to undergo surgery to be treated. Even if the patient does not experience any symptoms, surgery may be discussed if the patient is fit. This is due to the risk of complications that can occur with paraoesophageal hiatal hernia.