Our Summary
The research paper is about a study that looked into the differences between general and thoracic surgeons when it comes to hiatal hernia repair, a common procedure. They used data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2012 to 2019, and the patients were grouped based on the surgeon’s specialty.
They found that general surgeons tended to operate on younger patients with fewer health problems and used laparoscopy (a type of minimally invasive surgery) more often. Between 2012 and 2019, there was an increase in the number of outpatient cases handled by general surgeons, but not thoracic surgeons.
The study also found that the type of surgeon didn’t have a significant effect on mortality, severe complications, or readmission within 30 days. Instead, things like the type of surgical approach, whether the patient was an inpatient, the patient’s health status, and the patient’s functional status had a larger impact on these outcomes.
In simpler terms, the study concludes that the type of surgeon (general or thoracic) doesn’t significantly affect the outcomes of hiatal hernia repair. Other factors, like the surgery method and the patient’s health, are more influential. This means hiatal hernia repairs can be safely performed by both types of surgeons.
FAQs
- What are the differences between general and thoracic surgeons when it comes to hiatal hernia repair according to the study?
- Does the type of surgeon (general or thoracic) significantly impact the outcomes of hiatal hernia repair?
- What factors were found to have a larger impact on the outcomes of hiatal hernia repair?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hiatal hernia repair is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting, eating small meals, and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding trigger foods that may exacerbate symptoms can help prevent future issues with hiatal hernias.
Suitable For
Generally, patients who are recommended for hiatal hernia repair are those who experience symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or regurgitation. These symptoms are often caused by the stomach pushing through the diaphragm muscle into the chest cavity, leading to a hiatal hernia. Patients with larger hiatal hernias, severe symptoms, or complications such as Barrett’s esophagus or esophagitis may be more likely to be recommended for surgical repair. Additionally, patients who do not respond to medical treatment or lifestyle changes may also be candidates for surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo hiatal hernia repair is based on the individual patient’s symptoms, health status, and response to conservative treatments.
Timeline
Before hiatal hernia repair, a patient may experience symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and nausea. They may undergo various tests such as endoscopy, pH monitoring, and imaging studies to diagnose the hernia.
After hiatal hernia repair, the patient will typically stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery. They may experience some pain, discomfort, and difficulty swallowing initially. It is important for the patient to follow post-operative instructions, including dietary changes and activity restrictions, to ensure proper healing.
Overall, the study suggests that the type of surgeon (general vs. thoracic) does not significantly impact the outcomes of hiatal hernia repair. Other factors, such as the surgical approach and the patient’s overall health, play a larger role in determining the success of the procedure. Patients can expect a successful outcome and improved quality of life following hiatal hernia repair, regardless of the surgeon’s specialty.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hiatal hernia repair include:
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with hiatal hernia repair surgery?
- What is the difference between laparoscopic (minimally invasive) and open surgery for hiatal hernia repair?
- How long is the recovery process after hiatal hernia repair surgery?
- Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet after surgery?
- How experienced are you in performing hiatal hernia repair surgeries?
- What is the success rate of hiatal hernia repair surgery?
- Are there any alternative treatments or options for managing my hiatal hernia?
- How will my overall health and any existing medical conditions impact the success of the surgery?
- Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, or is it possible to have the procedure done on an outpatient basis?
- What follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
Reference
Authors: Hadaya J, Handa R, Mabeza RM, Dobaria V, Sanaiha Y, Benharash P. Journal: Surgery. 2022 Aug;172(2):734-740. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2022.03.044. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35595565