Treatment Overview

A sliding hiatal hernia that causes no symptoms generally needs no treatment.

If you have symptoms, you probably have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Hiatal hernia and GERD often occur together. Your symptoms may vary from mild to severe.

If you have severe GERD symptoms, they often can be treated successfully with medicines. Less commonly, a sliding hiatal hernia can be surgically repaired through fundoplication, a procedure in which the hernia is pulled down from the chest cavity and stitched (sutured) so that it remains within the abdomen (belly). For more information, see the topic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Occasional or mild symptoms can generally be treated with home treatment, including lifestyle changes and nonprescription medicines.

If you have a paraesophageal or mixed hiatal hernia, surgery generally is recommended to avoid complications. Consult your doctor.