how do they repair an hiatal hernia?

Answer 1

A hiatal hernia is when the (normal) opening in the diaghragm (the muscle that separates your chest and abdomina regions) is too large. This is only repaired when symptoms are significant and conservative treatment doesn't relieve those symptoms.

Are you having a full incision or a laparoscopic repair? The difference will be the size of the incision and the post op pain.

The repair can involve pulling the stomach into the abdominal cavity and then tightening the opening in the diaphragm. Or it can involve a fundoplication. This is where the top of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus and anchored. This prevents the stomach from slipping up in the chest.

It would be best to ask your doctor which incision you will have:
incisional
laparscopic

Also ask which procedure you will have:
diaphragm repair
fundoplication

If you are having a hiatal hernia repaired, it will give you a better idea of what to expect.