Does a hiatal hernia just go away without surgery? how do you know when it requires surgery.

Hiatal hernia: Typically only large hiatal hernias cause problems such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing, feeling full after only a small meal, or anemia from small ulcers. It will only get better with surgery, best done by a general or thoracic experienced with laparoscopic repair. Usually diagnosed with upper GI contrast study, but sometimes endoscopy. Good luck!

Hiatal hernia: Hiatal hernias do not go away with time. They either stay the same in size or get larger. You only need surgery if you have gerd/ heartburn that isn't controlled with medication. Also, if you have barrett's esophagus, that is an indication for surgery as well since that is a precancerous condition.