BEFORE YOUR HIATAL HERNIA PROCEDURE

 

Please download the Patient Information Form, complete as required and send back to us by email : hiridis.s@gmail.com

Include all relevant material (such as examinations, medical reports, previous workup)

Note: This page does not intend to replace your doctor's advice and proper clinical examination remains mandatory for every patient preoperatively.

 

If you suffer from upper gastrointestinal symptoms like gastroesophageal reflux, burning pain of the stomach or chest, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough etc), your doctor Dr. Hirides may suggest a series of examinations:

 

HIATAL HERNIA/GERD PREOPERATIVE WORKUP

- GASTROSCOPY (usually with your gastroenterologist)

- CHEST X-RAY F/P (radiology center)

- ESOPHAGOGRAM / BARIUM SWALLOW (radiology center)

- UPPER ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND (radiology center with an ultrasound department)

- ESOPHAGEAL MANOMETRY (usually with your gastroenterologist)

- ESOPHAGEAL 24-hour Phmetry/Impedance (usually with your gastroenterologist)

 

In simple cases of hiatal hernia with reflux, Gastroscopy, Barium swallow and Upper abdominal ultrasound are sufficient for preoperative planning, while in more complex cases (e.g. large hiatal hernias, unclear history of reflux, questions regarding esophageal motility), Dr.  Hirides may recommend more tests, such as 24-hour pHmetry, esophageal manometry, and/or chest and upper abdominal CT scan or other examinations.

 

PRIOR TO THE OPERATION

If your doctor has recommended Robotic Hiatal Hernia Repair-Relapse, you should follow a few simple instructions to make the procedure easier.

Confirm the Operation Date and if in doubt check the Admission Paper or contact the doctor's Secretariat for any clarification. The night before surgery make sure you go to bed early after a relaxing bath and light dinner. Take care of your adequate and full hydration one day before the operation. It is best not to eat or drink anything after midnight. You must fast for at least 6-8 hours before surgery. If you are taking medication, you will normally continue your treatment with some water until the morning of the operation. If you are taking anticoagulants or aspirin and have not stopped them, please contact your doctor again. Be informed at least 72 hours in advance of current pandemic prevention guidelines to allow admission to the hospital. If you wish to have the Covid test included in your hospitalization package, you must visit the hospital at least 24-48 hours before your admission, and provide a sample.

On the day of the operation you will come to the Admission Office, usually early in the morning (8 am) to be admitted to the hospital. It is a good idea to have all your insurance-related forms, booklets and ID with you. In the outpatient clinics, the standard pre-operative examinations will be performed:

- Full Blood Count (CBC)

- Basic Blood Biochemistry tests (sodium, potassium, glucose, urea, creatinine)

- Blood Coagulation test (APTT, INR)

- Chest X-Ray (F/P)

- and Electrocardiogram (ECG)

 

Don't forget to take all your recent tests with you, especially those related to the operation (gastroscopy, barium swallow, CTs). Once the pre-operative check-up in the outpatient department is over, you will be shown to your room. There the medical assistants will take your history and you will be examined by the cardiologist and the anesthesiologist. Remember to mention any chronic conditions, previous surgeries and don't ommit any drug allergies. You will then be given elastic protective stockings and a surgical gown. Once you are ready, you will be taken to the operating room. The head of surgery and the anesthesiologist will be waiting for you there, who will guide you through the anesthesia process. Again discuss the exact diagnosis, location of the problem and the operation you will undergo. Once again, remember to mention if you have a history of surgery or drug allergies.

 

READ MORE : ROBOTIC HIATAL HERNIA REPAIR PROCEDURE