The diaphragm, a muscle located in the chest cavity, contains a small opening called a hiatus. The esophagus passes through this opening and connects to the stomach. According to MayoClinic.com, a hiatal hernia, a condition in which a part of the stomach pushes into the hiatus, may require surgical repair during which the stomach is pulled out of the hiatus, and the opening is made smaller to prevent it from recurring. A variety of complications may occur after hiatal hernia surgery.
Gas Bloat Syndrome
Drugs.com reports that gas bloat syndrome may occur as a complication of hiatal hernia surgery. Approximately 40 percent of patients will experience this condition, although it improves in most patients over time and rarely persists as a permanent condition. Gas bloat syndrome makes it difficult to burp or vomit and may cause bloating. According to Living With Reflux, this complication may result in gases building up in the stomach or small intestines. Symptoms include excessive flatulence, abdominal pain, gagging and distended abdomen.
Painful Swallowing
According to Drugs.com, post-surgery complications from a hiatal hernia repair include painful swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia. When dysphagia occurs, it indicates an interruption to part of the swallowing process. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders reports that this condition may cause serious side effects, including weight loss due to trouble swallowing food. Sufferers may find it difficult to clear food and drink that enter the windpipe, which may put those with dysphagia at higher risk of developing bacterial infections. Those with dysphagia as a complication of hiatal hernia surgery should see improvement in the condition within three months.
Collapsed Lung
A collapsed lung may occur as a complication of hiatal hernia surgery, reports Drugs.com. This condition, also called pneumothorax, results from pressure against the lungs from air leaking into the space between the lungs and chest wall, according to MayoClinic.com. Either a partial or full lung collapse may occur. In small collapses, medical intervention may be needed, as these types of pneumothorax can repair by themselves. For a larger lung collapse, physicians remove excess air through a tube or needle. Sufferers should seek medical attention if they notice chest pain or have trouble breathing.
