6 LIVING WELL In your upper abdomen and chest, a hiatal hernia can disrupt food and digestive fluid flow. This common condition can cause uncomfortable, even painful, symptoms that interfere with daily life and make it harder to do basic tasks like eating and swallowing. “When symptoms persist or complications form despite other treatments, surgery can restore function and bring significant relief,” says board-certified surgeon Elliot Dobkin, DO, who provides this and other procedures at Adventist Health Portland. Discover more. When surgery is needed, you can trust the expertise of Adventist Health Portland’s board-certified surgeons. Our skilled surgical teams have earned recognition for outstanding quality outcomes. To learn more, go to AdventistHealthPortland.org/Surgery. To schedule an appointment, call 971-231-6833. SCAN ME Elliot Dobkin, DO General Surgery Other steps you can take If you have a hiatal hernia, surgery may be the solution, but it’s not the only option. Lifestyle changes and other treatments can ease symptoms too. Here are some strategies to discuss with your health care provider. Take medication to neutralize, reduce, or block stomach acid. Eat several smaller meals throughout the day rather than a few large meals. Avoid eating foods that trigger heartburn, like fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine. Avoid lying down after a meal or eating late in the day. Maintain a healthy weight. Don’t smoke. Elevate the head of your bed by 8 inches. Surgical solutions Surgery for a hiatal hernia may involve:: ● Pulling the stomach and lower esophagus down into the abdomen and making the opening in the diaphragm smaller. ● Reshaping the muscles of the lower esophagus, which helps keep the contents of the stomach from coming back up. ● Tightening the junction between the stomach and esophagus. The surgery is performed with a minimally invasive technique through small incisions in the abdomen. for hiatal hernias Relief
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