Fundoplication is a surgery used to help correct gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If a sliding hiatal hernia has contributed to the development of GERD, the hernia will be fixed during this surgery. In this case, the hernia is pulled down from the chest and stitched (sutured) so that it remains within the abdomen. The hiatus (the opening in the diaphragm that the esophagus passes through) may also be tightened.

Surgery is not necessary for a sliding hiatal hernia with no symptoms, or when GERD symptoms can be successfully treated with medications.

For more information, see the topic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).