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

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

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.

Answered by Dr. Anushtup De

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anushtup De is a detail-oriented and well-rounded medical professional with extensive years of surgery-related experience, specializing in minimally invasive surgery. He has excellent communication skills with supervisors, colleagues, and the general public. He was recognized for teaching and inspiring medical students and junior colleagues in the basic principles of surgery, ward management, and diverse aspects of patient care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At July 17, 2020
Reviewed At November 25, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anushtup De is a detail-oriented and well-rounded medical professional with extensive years of surgery-related experience, specializing in minimally invasive surgery. He has excellent communication skills with supervisors, colleagues, and the general public. He was recognized for teaching and inspiring medical students and junior colleagues in the basic principles of surgery, ward management, and diverse aspects of patient care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anushtup De is a detail-oriented and well-rounded medical professional with extensive years of surgery-related experience, specializing in minimally invasive surgery. He has excellent communication skills with supervisors, colleagues, and the general public. He was recognized for teaching and inspiring medical students and junior colleagues in the basic principles of surgery, ward management, and diverse aspects of patient care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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