Are the risks of hiatal hernia surgery high in the elderly?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a VA patient. I have a GFR of 27. I have polycystic kidneys, COPD, and emphysema with severe allergies. I have hiatal hernia for 15 years. Now I am 73 years old. Due to my poor health, my doctor advises me to have a hernia operation to rebuild the valve.

In this bad medical condition, I am not a candidate to have this three to four-hour operation. I have lung or kidney failure. What is your opinion?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I do not understand the full form of VA. On considering your multiple comorbidities, surgery can be considered if you are severely symptomatic due to a hiatal hernia. If you have minimal symptoms such as reflux, bloating, or heartburn, then surgery is not needed.

Please mention whether you have Barrett's esophagus on histopathological examination and endoscopy. If you do not have Barrett's esophagus, then you can continue taking medication. You can do surgery only while having severe symptoms, even after taking medications. Otherwise, do not take any risk.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.