General Surgery in Lagos
Hiatus Hernia
The signs, what causes it, and when to see a general surgery specialist in Lagos.
Signs to look for
Hiatus Hernia
- Heartburn: burning behind the breastbone, worse after meals or lying down
- Sour liquid coming up into the mouth
- Belching, bloating and feeling full quickly
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain or breathlessness after eating, with a large hernia
A hiatus hernia is when part of the stomach pushes up through the gap in the diaphragm, the muscle between the chest and the tummy, into the chest. It is common, especially with age, being overweight and during pregnancy. Many small hiatus hernias cause no trouble. Others let acid flow back into the gullet and cause heartburn, which many Nigerians call ulcer. A large hernia can cause chest pain, vomiting or breathlessness after meals, and rarely the stomach can twist and become trapped.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Heartburn: burning behind the breastbone, worse after meals or lying down
- Sour liquid coming up into the mouth
- Belching, bloating and feeling full quickly
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain or breathlessness after eating, with a large hernia
- Often no symptoms
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if heartburn happens most weeks or tablets from the chemist are not controlling it. See a doctor promptly for difficulty swallowing, weight loss, vomiting or anaemia, as an endoscopy is needed. Go to an emergency department for vomiting blood or black stools, or for sudden severe chest or upper tummy pain with retching and inability to vomit, which can mean a trapped stomach. Chest pain with sweating or breathlessness can be the heart: go to hospital.
Treatment options
- Gastroscopy or a barium swallow to confirm the hernia and check the gullet
- Smaller meals, not eating for two to three hours before lying down, and raising the head of the bed
- Losing weight, stopping smoking and cutting down alcohol
- Acid-reducing medicines such as omeprazole
- Keyhole surgery to repair the hernia and add a valve (fundoplication) when medicines fail or the hernia is large
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Is a hiatus hernia the same as a groin hernia?
No. A groin or navel hernia bulges through the tummy wall and can often be seen. A hiatus hernia is inside, at the diaphragm, and is found on an endoscopy or X-ray.
Does every hiatus hernia need surgery?
No. Most are managed with lifestyle changes and tablets. Surgery is for reflux that tablets do not control, for people who cannot take them long term, and for large hernias causing problems.
Need Help?
Find a verified general surgery specialist near you.
General Surgery in Lagos →General Surgery in Abuja →General Surgery in Port Harcourt →General Surgery in Jos →General Surgery in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Hiatus hernia. NHS. Patient information.
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia in adults: investigation and management (CG184). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
Links last checked 3 November 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.