Hiatal hernia requires surgery most of the time. You will have to take certain tests before the surgery. These tests will help your surgeon diagnose the hernia’s state and proceed with necessary medical initiatives.
Your physician will begin by examining your medical history and checking for hiat hernia symptoms.
You may also be asked to consult with a pulmonologist to rule out any chest or lung condition.
What are the Tests Done Before the Hiatal Hernia Surgery?
The physical exam done before the surgery includes one or more of the following tests:
- Upper GI Endoscopy
- Motility Testing (Esophageal Manometry)
- pH Monitoring
- Barium Swallow
- Blood Tests
Upper GI Endoscopy
An endoscope is a flexible thin tube that contains a camera and a light source on one end. The tube is generally let into the digestive tract orally to diagnose the condition of the hiatal hernia.
Only the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract is enough to be diagnosed in a hiatal hernia scenario.
Motility Testing (Esophageal Manometry)
Esophageal manometry measures the constriction of the muscles in the esophagus while swallowing.
A thin manometry catheter is inserted into the esophagus through the nose for this procedure. The catheter is pressure- sensitive and it measures the level of difficulty in swallowing. It also identifies possible issues with esophageal sphincter causing acid reflux.
pH Monitoring
pH monitoring helps in diagnosing esophageal reflux. A small catheter will be placed inside the esophagus which measures the frequency of stomach acid entering the esophagus.
Based on the severity of the acid reflux frequency medications or surgery are prescribed.
Barium Swallow
Barium is a silvery-white metallic compound. When swallowed in liquid form this compound can coat on the esophagus and stomach. The coating then becomes visible in the fluoroscopic X-rays while imaging.
Barium swallow test helps enormously with locating the size, and location of the hiatal hernia.
Other Blood Tests
Blood tests are mandatory before hiatal hernia surgery. The following blood tests are usually run before surgery:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Electrolytes
- Coagulation Tests
CBC
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) or full blood count takes a blood sample to examine the number of cells in the blood. The test checks the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin concentration, etc.
It helps detect anemia, bleeding disorders, hematological disorders, and other disorders to prepare accordingly for surgery.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes such as chloride, potassium, sodium, etc. are essential for smooth bodily functions and regulate the rhythm of the heart. So the level of electrolytes in the body is checked before surgery.
Coagulation Tests
Coagulation tests assess the ability of the blood to clot. This is a necessary test before hiatal hernia surgery to ensure that no bleeding disorder disrupts the surgery.
Summary
The tests to be taken before hiatal hernia surgery are curated to facilitate a successful surgery.
If you suffer from any symptoms of hiatal hernia, contact a hernia specialist immediately and follow the health care provider’s prescriptions.
Also, equip yourself with knowledge about how to prepare for hiatal hernia surgery to have a smooth and successful surgery.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
To know more about the tests done before hiatal hernia surgery contact a hiatal hernia specialist.
