Hiatal hernia is an enlarged opening in the diaphragm that allows the stomach or other abdominal organs to shift up into the chest. This may cause heartburn, chest  or abdominal discomfort, discomfort with eating, shortness of breath, or no symptoms at all. Symptomatic hiatal hernias and paraesophageal hernias can be repaired in a minimally invasive manner, using 5 one-half inch incisions. The abdominal organs are placed back into their correct position, and the hernia itself is closed. Under most circumstances the patient can be discharged after a one or two night hospital stay, and return to full activities within 2 weeks.
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