A hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the stomach pushes upward into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. This condition is commonly linked to acid reflux, heartburn, chest discomfort, and difficulty swallowing. Many patients do not realise they have a hiatal hernia until symptoms become severe or persistent.
If you are looking for the best hiatal hernia surgeon in Chennai, India, Dr. Pinak Dasgupta, a leading Hernia specialist in Chennai with over 21+ years of surgical experience, offers advanced diagnosis and treatment using laparoscopic and robotic anti-reflux surgery. With deep expertise in complex hernias—including paraesophageal hernias—and 5000+ successful hernia surgeries to his credit, he ensures safe, effective, and long-term relief from reflux and hernia symptoms. Patients from across India and abroad trust his team for scientific evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and the best surgical outcomes.
What is a Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia happens when a part of the stomach moves up into the chest through the diaphragm opening. The two main types are:
- Sliding Hiatal Hernia: The stomach slides in and out of the chest. This is the most common type and is strongly linked to acid reflux/GERD.
- Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia (Complex Hernia): The stomach pushes beside the food pipe. This is more serious and may cause pain, breathing issues, or bleeding if untreated.
Common Symptoms:
Common hiatal hernia symptoms include:
- Heartburn, acidity, or GERD
- Chest pain or burning sensation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Chronic cough or throat irritation
- Feeling of fullness after small meals
- Shortness of breath (in large hernias)
If symptoms are frequent or severe, you may need evaluation by a hiatal hernia specialist in Chennai.
Causes & Risk Factors:
Understanding hiatal hernia causes helps in early prevention and treatment:
- Weakness of diaphragm muscle
- Obesity or excess body weight
- Chronic cough or constipation
- Smoking
- Heavy weight lifting
- Pregnancy
- Age above 50 years
Advanced Treatment Options for Hiatal Hernia:
The treatment for hiatal hernia depends on symptoms, hernia size, and response to medicines.
- Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair With Fundoplication: This minimally invasive surgery is the standard treatment for most hiatal hernias. Through tiny keyhole incisions, the herniated stomach is gently brought back to its normal position. The diaphragm opening is tightened safely to prevent future herniation. A fundoplication (wrapping of the upper stomach around the food pipe) is performed to stop acid reflux permanently. This surgery provides excellent results with minimal pain, quick recovery, and long-term relief from heartburn and GERD. Patients usually return to normal activities within a week.
- Robotic Hiatal Hernia Repair (Da Vinci System): Robotic surgery offers unmatched precision for complex hiatal hernias, especially paraesophageal hernias. The 3D HD robotic camera and flexible robotic instruments allow delicate dissection, perfect suturing, and accurate mesh placement when required. Robotic surgery significantly reduces complications, minimises blood loss, and ensures a stronger, long-lasting repair. It is ideal for patients with large hernias, recurrent hernias, or those who want world-class, high-tech surgical care in Chennai.
- Paraesophageal Hernia Repair (Advanced Procedure): Paraesophageal hernias require special expertise because part of the stomach or other organs may enter the chest. Untreated, this can lead to ulceration, bleeding, twisting (volvulus), or strangulation. Dr. Pinak Dasgupta performs advanced laparoscopic and robotic paraesophageal hernia repair, including cruroplasty, mesh reinforcement, and fundoplication. This ensures safe repositioning of the organ and long-term symptom control. Patients experience immediate relief from chest pressure, anemia, and swallowing difficulties.
Why Choose Us for Hiatal Hernia Treatment in Chennai?
- Expert in Anti-Reflux & Hiatal Hernia Surgery: Dr. Pinak Dasgupta is a highly experienced Robotic Hernia and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Surgeon with 21+ years of surgical expertise. He specializes in advanced treatment of GERD-related hiatal hernias, sliding hiatal hernias, and paraesophageal hernias, offering durable solutions through minimally invasive techniques.
- Advanced Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery: With over 5000+ hernia surgeries, including 1000+ robotic hernia procedures, Dr. Pinak Dasgupta employs cutting-edge laparoscopic and DaVinci robotic systems to ensure minimal pain, negligible scarring, faster recovery, and superior surgical precision.
- High Success Rate & Long-Term Relief: Proven techniques such as laparoscopic fundoplication, crural repair, and mesh-based hiatal hernia reconstruction provide long-lasting relief from acid reflux, heartburn, chest discomfort, and hernia recurrence—backed by decades of high-volume surgical experience.
- Award-Winning Robotic Surgeon: Dr. Pinak Dasgupta excellence in hernia and minimally invasive surgery has been recognised nationally and internationally, including the Award for Excellence in Hernia Surgery (2021), IAGES Shining Star Award (2022), multiple Best Video Awards at CRSA 2020, ANZ AWR 2021, and HSICON 2021, and global video selections at KSELS, Korea (2021 & 2022).
- Trusted by International Patients: As a Best Robotic Surgeon from South India and a Top 10 Most Promising Colorectal Surgeons of India – 2024, Dr. Pinak Dasgupta is trusted by patients from the Middle East, Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Europe, who seek world-class hiatal hernia treatment in Chennai with safe, predictable outcomes.
Cost of Hiatal Hernia Surgery in Chennai:
The cost of hiatal hernia surgery depends on the type of hernia (sliding or paraesophageal), the surgical method (laparoscopic or robotic), mesh requirement, hospital stay, and pre-operative tests. On average, laparoscopic surgery falls in the moderate range, while robotic surgery costs slightly more due to advanced technology. International patients receive end-to-end assistance including treatment planning, stay arrangements, and follow-up support.
Book an Appointment
If you are experiencing long-term acidity, chest discomfort, difficulty swallowing, or other symptoms of hiatal hernia, early consultation can prevent complications and improve quality of life.Patients from Chennai, other parts of India, and international locations are welcome. Our team also assists overseas patients with appointments, travel guidance, and follow-up care.
Early consultation leads to better outcomes. Book your appointment today for expert hiatal hernia care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
Sliding hernias are usually mild, but paraesophageal hernias can be serious if untreated.
Medicines may reduce acidity but cannot repair the hernia. Surgery is needed for permanent correction.
Most patients recover within 5–7 days after laparoscopic or robotic repair.
Yes, fundoplication provides long-lasting relief from acid reflux and heartburn for most patients.
Robotic repair gives better precision and is highly recommended for large or complex hernias.
Yes, complete medical tourism support is available for international patients.