Our Summary

This research paper looked at two different types of anesthesia used during laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair surgery - one that uses opioids (OBAP) and one that doesn’t (OFAP). This type of surgery is usually performed with a short hospital stay of 1-2 nights. The researchers found that patients who received opioid-free anesthesia (OFAP) were more likely to be able to leave the hospital on the same day as their surgery (SDS). There was no significant difference in the amount of pain relief required between the two groups. Also, patients who received OFAP experienced less post-surgery nausea. Despite these benefits, the cost for both types of anesthesia was about the same. Therefore, the study suggests that using opioid-free anesthesia could improve patient recovery without increasing costs.

FAQs

  1. What types of anesthesia were studied in this research on hiatal hernia repair surgery?
  2. Were there any notable differences in patient recovery between those who received opioid-based anesthesia and those who received opioid-free anesthesia?
  3. Does using opioid-free anesthesia for hiatal hernia repair surgery increase the overall cost of the procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about hiatal hernia repair is to discuss the option of receiving opioid-free anesthesia during the surgery. This type of anesthesia may allow for a quicker recovery and potentially reduce post-surgery nausea. It is important for patients to have an open dialogue with their healthcare provider about their options and any concerns they may have.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for hiatal hernia repair surgery include those who have severe symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or regurgitation of food. In some cases, patients may also experience complications such as bleeding, anemia, or obstruction of the esophagus. Additionally, patients who have a hiatal hernia that is causing Barrett’s esophagus or other complications may also be recommended for surgery. Overall, the decision to undergo hiatal hernia repair surgery is typically made based on the severity of symptoms and the potential risks and benefits of the procedure for each individual patient.

Timeline

Before hiatal hernia repair surgery:

  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as endoscopy or imaging studies to confirm the presence of a hiatal hernia
  • Patient may be prescribed medications to manage symptoms such as acid reflux or heartburn
  • Patient may be advised to make lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain foods or losing weight to help alleviate symptoms

After hiatal hernia repair surgery:

  • Patient is monitored in the hospital for a short period of time to ensure there are no immediate complications
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort at the surgical site, which can be managed with pain medication
  • Patient will be advised on dietary restrictions and recommended changes to their eating habits to prevent recurrence of the hernia
  • Patient will be instructed on post-operative care, including restrictions on physical activity and when to follow up with their surgeon for a post-operative appointment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of anesthesia will be used during my hiatal hernia repair surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period expected to be following the surgery?
  4. Will there be any dietary restrictions or lifestyle changes I need to follow after the surgery?
  5. What are the success rates for hiatal hernia repair surgery?
  6. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  7. What are the alternatives to surgery for treating a hiatal hernia?
  8. Will I need to take any medications after the surgery, and if so, what are the potential side effects?
  9. How long will it take for me to resume normal activities and exercise after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific factors about my health or medical history that could impact the success of the surgery or my recovery?

Reference

Authors: Hoffman C, Buddha M, Mai M, Sanjeevi S, Gutierrez R, O’ Neill C, Miller A, Banki F. Journal: J Am Coll Surg. 2022 Jul 1;235(1):86-98. doi: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000000229. Epub 2022 Apr 11. PMID: 35703966