Hiatal Hernia Repair in Houston: Symptoms, Surgery Options, and Recovery

By Dr. Rizwan Chaudhry, Board-Certified Bariatric and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon

Introduction

Daily heartburn shouldn’t define your retirement years. As a board-certified bariatric surgeon specializing in hiatal hernia repair in Houston, I see many patients frustrated by discomfort that disrupts meals and travel. In my Houston-based practice at Advanced Houston Surgical, I bring Mayo Clinic residency, Cleveland Clinic fellowship training, and nationally recognized leadership in advanced, minimally invasive foregut surgery.

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, often causing reflux, regurgitation, or chest discomfort that medications alone can’t always control. If left untreated, symptoms may escalate and affect your quality of life.

Minimally invasive hiatal hernia repair typically involves gently repositioning the stomach and repairing the diaphragm opening. Evidence-based guidelines recommend tailored surgical approaches; mesh use and fundoplication have been shown to reduce recurrence and improve reflux in eligible patients (see current SAGES guidelines).

If you’re overwhelmed by long-term medication use or worried that ongoing reflux is robbing you of comfort in retirement, I’m here to help you regain confidence in daily living.

Understanding Hiatal Hernia and GERD

When I meet patients like Robert—often retired, living in Houston, and tired of daily heartburn—I find that understanding the basics of hiatal hernia and GERD is the first step to relief. A hiatal hernia happens when part of your stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, which can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD causes symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and sometimes chest discomfort that can disrupt meals and even sleep.

In my practice, I see that many seniors worry about the long-term effects of acid-blocking medications. For those in neighborhoods like Bellaire or West University Place, the goal is to restore comfort and reduce medication dependence. I’ve noticed that when patients understand how a hiatal hernia leads to reflux, they feel more empowered to consider their options. For a deeper dive into the connection between hiatal hernia and GERD, I recommend reviewing the Mayo Clinic’s overview.

In my years as a foregut surgeon, I’ve seen that many of my Houston-area patients come in after years of trying every antacid or reflux diet without lasting relief. It’s common to feel frustrated or even skeptical after so many failed approaches. That’s why I believe the right diagnosis—combined with education about how a hiatal hernia contributes to your discomfort—can be a pivotal turning point toward feeling better.

Who Needs Hiatal Hernia Repair? (Symptoms & Risks)

Not every hiatal hernia requires surgery, but for patients like Robert—who experience persistent heartburn, regurgitation, or chest discomfort despite medications—hiatal hernia repair can be life-changing. I often see patients who are frustrated by symptoms that limit their ability to enjoy meals or travel with loved ones.

Guidelines recommend surgery for those with ongoing symptoms or complications, such as difficulty swallowing or anemia. In my experience, many Houston-area seniors are concerned about the risks of surgery at their age. I reassure them that, with careful evaluation and coordination with their cardiologist or primary physician, surgery can be a safe and effective option. For more on who should consider surgery, see the SAGES guidelines.

As a surgeon trained at the Mayo and Cleveland Clinics and now practicing in Houston, I understand that trusting someone with your health—especially when you worry about age or other conditions—is a big decision. In my experience, a thorough preoperative assessment and honest conversation about the risks and your goals make all the difference. Most of my patients want to know not just about the safety, but about regaining the freedom to share meals, travel, and spend time with family without the distraction of heartburn.

If you’re tired of daily discomfort and want to explore your options, I encourage you to reach out for a personalized assessment.

How Is Hiatal Hernia Repair Performed?

Hiatal hernia repair most often performed using minimally invasive, laparoscopic techniques. In my practice, I use small incisions and a camera to gently reposition the stomach and repair the diaphragm opening. For many patients, I also perform a fundoplication—wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus—to help prevent acid reflux.

Studies suggest that mesh reinforcement may lower the risk of hernia recurrence, but it’s not right for everyone. I always discuss the benefits and potential risks, such as rare complications, so you can make an informed decision. For seniors like Robert, I tailor the approach to minimize discomfort and support a smooth recovery. You can read more about surgical options and outcomes in this JAMA Surgery article.

With so much research out there about mesh, fundoplication, and minimally invasive techniques, patients sometimes feel overwhelmed. My role is to help interpret this evidence in plain language. For example, long-term studies show that mesh may decrease the chance of the hernia coming back, but not every patient needs it, and some may be better suited to a traditional repair. By carefully weighing these choices—and drawing on years of experience handling both straightforward and complex cases in the Houston area—I’m able to personalize your procedure for the best possible long-term comfort and safety.

In my experience, patients appreciate knowing that most procedures are completed in under two hours, and many go home the same day. For those looking for a deeper dive, you can read about hiatal hernia repair options at our practice.

Recovery and Life After Surgery

After hiatal hernia repair, most of my patients are eager to return to enjoying meals and travel—especially those in retirement. Recovery typically involves a short hospital stay or even same-day discharge, followed by a gradual return to normal activities. I provide a clear, step-by-step plan for diet and activity, so you know exactly what to expect.

For Houston-area seniors, I coordinate closely with your other physicians to ensure a safe recovery, especially if you have heart or lung conditions. Most describe the discomfort as mild and manageable, and I’ve seen many patients reduce or even stop their acid-blocking medications after surgery. For more on recovery expectations, the Mayo Clinic’s patient guide is a helpful resource.

When patients ask how recovery really feels, I tell them this: many describe the process as much smoother than they expected. After years of working with seniors from communities like Sugar Land and Clear Lake, I’ve learned that taking a little extra time to guide you through each stage makes all the difference. My goal is not just to repair the hernia but to ensure you regain the quality of life and confidence you deserve—so you can get back to sharing meals and time with loved ones.

If you’re worried about downtime or support after surgery, know that my team and I are here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Experience and Advanced Care Matter in Houston

Choosing the right surgeon for hiatal hernia repair can make all the difference—especially for seniors with complex health needs. As the only fellowship-trained, Mayo and Cleveland Clinic–educated bariatric and foregut surgeon exclusively practicing at Advanced Houston Surgical, I bring advanced skills that many local clinics do not offer.

Many of my patients from the Houston area, including those from Bellaire, come to me after years of struggling with reflux or after being told nothing more could be done. My approach is patient-first and judgment-free, with a focus on long-term results and safety. I perform all surgeries myself and provide direct follow-up, so you always know who is guiding your care.

As someone who specializes in complex hiatal and paraesophageal hernia repairs—not just routine cases—I’ve seen how meticulous technique and individualized follow-up can lower the chance of recurrence and complications. I take pride in serving Houston’s seniors one-on-one and offering care that’s both advanced and deeply personal. Restoring patients’ ability to enjoy simple pleasures—like dinner with family or travel—is what continues to inspire my work.

For a sense of the standards I uphold, you can learn more about the Texas Medical Center’s reputation for excellence in surgical care at Texas Medical Center.

I’ve seen firsthand how restoring comfort and confidence can transform retirement years—helping patients get back to the activities and meals they love. If you value expertise and personal attention, I invite you to explore your options with me.

Community Voices Online

As someone who has dedicated my career to advanced bariatric and foregut surgery—including hiatal hernia repair, gastric bypass, and revisional procedures—I believe that trust is built through open communication and a patient-first approach. Here in Houston, I strive to make every consultation judgment-free and focused on your long-term well-being. It’s always meaningful to see feedback from our local community that reflects these values. One Google review shared online highlights this experience:

Hearing these voices from our Houston-area community reinforces my commitment to combining world-class training with compassionate, individualized care.
See what people are saying
Read the full review on Google

Conclusion

Hiatal hernia repair in Houston offers a safe, minimally invasive solution for those struggling with persistent heartburn, regurgitation, or chest discomfort that disrupts daily life. In summary, surgery is recommended when medications no longer provide relief, and advanced techniques like laparoscopic repair and fundoplication can help restore comfort and reduce dependence on long-term medications. My approach is always patient-first, with careful coordination for seniors and those with complex health needs.

As a board-certified surgeon with Mayo Clinic residency and Cleveland Clinic fellowship training, I am dedicated to helping Houston-area patients regain confidence and enjoy retirement without the burden of daily reflux. If you’re ready to reclaim your quality of life, schedule your consultation to take the first step toward lasting relief.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

Please note: Advanced Houston Surgical does not offer or recruit for clinical trials. References to research are citations of published medical studies only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hiatal hernia repair, and who should consider it?

Hiatal hernia repair is a surgical procedure to reposition the stomach and repair the opening in the diaphragm. I recommend it for patients who experience ongoing heartburn, regurgitation, or chest discomfort that doesn’t improve with medications. If these symptoms are affecting your meals, sleep, or quality of life, surgery may be the next step to lasting relief.

Where can I get a hiatal hernia repair in the Houston area?

I provide consultations and ongoing care at Advanced Houston Surgical, serving patients from across Greater Houston. Surgeries are performed at trusted local hospitals, and my team is dedicated to making your experience as smooth and supportive as possible, whether you live in the city or nearby communities.

I’m worried about surgery at my age—how safe is hiatal hernia repair for seniors?

I understand that safety is a top concern, especially for seniors. Studies suggest that with careful preoperative assessment and coordination with your other physicians, hiatal hernia repair is generally well-tolerated, even in older adults. My approach is always tailored to your health needs, ensuring you feel confident and supported every step of the way.

What results can I expect after surgery, and how soon will I feel better?

Most patients notice significant improvement in reflux symptoms and a reduction in medication use after surgery. Recovery is typically smooth, with many returning to normal activities within a few weeks. While every patient’s experience is unique, I provide a clear recovery plan and ongoing support to help you regain comfort and confidence.

Are there alternatives to surgery if I’m not ready for hiatal hernia repair?

Yes, there are non-surgical options such as lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and medications to manage symptoms. However, if these measures no longer provide relief, surgical repair may offer a more lasting solution. I’m happy to discuss all available options and help you decide what’s best for your situation.