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Diagnosis of Hiatal Hernia

Your child’s pediatrician (doctor who specializes in treating children) will likely refer your child to a specialist (either a gastroenterologist or a pediatric surgeon). These providers will order one or more of the following tests to confirm a hiatal hernia in your child:

Treatments for Hiatal Hernia

If your child’s hiatal hernia is mild and not causing symptoms, they may not need treatment.

If your child’s hiatal hernia is causing symptoms, they will likely need surgery. This surgery is often done at the same time as an “anti-reflux” procedure called a Nissen fundoplication. Typically, these surgeries are performed using minimally invasive, laparoscopic (inserting a small camera in the body) techniques. Your child will be under general anesthesia (fully asleep) for the procedure.

During the surgery and depending upon your child’s unique situation, the surgeon may:

After surgery, your child will spend several hours in a recovery area. Their care team will closely monitor them as they wake up from the anesthesia. Your child will likely spend a few days in the hospital for recovery.

Home remedies

The following lifestyle changes may help control your child’s symptoms prior to undergoing surgery, or if the symptoms are mild and don’t require surgery:


Request an Appointment

Contact an Orlando Health doctor

If you suspect that your child may have a hiatal hernia, make an appointment with an Orlando Health pediatrician today so your child can start on the road to improved health.