When is hiatal hernia surgery necessary?

Hiatal hernia surgery becomes necessary if the condition cuts off the blood supply to the hernia, according to WebMD. This surgery involves moving the hernia back to the normal location.

Surgeons often complete hiatal hernia surgery using minimally invasive techniques, states WebMD. The surgeon cuts several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts surgical instruments, including a laparoscope. He makes the repair by viewing images of the hernia and abdomen on a camera. The small size of the incisions decreases the chances of infection, pain and scarring and can reduce recovery time. With this type of surgery, patients are usually walking later the same day and resume normal activities within a week.