Hiatal Hernia Repair in New Jersey

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. James Buwen, FACOS

What is a Hiatal Hernia | Hiatal Hernia & GERD | Office Locations | Meet the Team | FAQs

Hiatal Hernia Treatment Options in NJ

While medications can help manage symptoms, surgery is the only long-term solution for hiatal hernias.

At New Jersey Bariatric Center®, our procedures:

Return the stomach to the abdominal cavity
Tighten the weakened muscle area
May include a Nissen Fundoplication or LINX to prevent acid reflux

Our surgical team uses laparoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques with:

Tiny incisions with minimal scarring
A laparoscope camera for precise visualization
Final endoscopic review to ensure proper repair

Hiatal Hernia Surgery Recovery Timeline

Day Of Procedure

Same day or overnight hospital stay

Week 1-2

Return to work in 1-2 weeks for office jobs

Week 1-2

Soft diet for two weeks after surgery

Week 2+

Gradual reintroduction of potential trigger foods (caffeine, spicy foods)

Benefits of Hiatal Hernia Repair Surgery

Patients who undergo a laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair experience:

Shorter hospital stays (typically outpatient)

Potential reduction of reflux medications

Quicker return to normal activities

Less postoperative pain

What is a Hiatal Hernia?

Surgical Treatment Options

A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach bulges up through the opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm muscle. Normally, only the esophagus passes through this opening. Unlike other hernias, hiatal hernias don't create visible external bulges.

What Causes a Hiatal Hernia?
There are several causes of a hiatal hernia. Common causes include:

Age-related muscle weakening
Increased pressure from obesity
Pregnancy and childbirth
Chronic coughing or straining

Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia

Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
Regurgitation of food or liquids
Feeling of food getting stuck
Chest or abdominal pain
Difficulty swallowing
Shortness of breath after eating

Will a Hiatal Hernia Go Away?
Hernias never heal on their own - the only effective treatment is surgical repair. New Jersey Bariatric Center® offers minimally invasive treatments that provide faster recovery times and reduced pain.

The Hiatal Hernia and GERD Connection

A hiatal hernia can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscular valve that normally prevents stomach acid from flowing backward into the esophagus.

When part of the stomach is displaced into the chest, it can interfere with the LES's ability to close properly, making acid reflux more likely.

However, it's important to know that not everyone with a hiatal hernia develops GERD, and not everyone with GERD has a hiatal hernia. Many people have small hiatal hernias without any symptoms at all. But when the two conditions do occur together, the hiatal hernia can make GERD symptoms worse and harder to manage.

For more information, visit our Acid Reflux and GERD page.

Meet the Experts | Your Hiatal Hernia Repair Team

Our team of hiatal hernia specialists in NJ includes board certified surgeons and physician assistants that offer patients knowledge, expertise and compassion when it comes to treatment of their hiatal hernia.

Dr. Ajay Goyal, MD, FACS

Fellow of the American College of Surgeons

Dr. Goyal brings more than 20 years of specialized experience in minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery, with over 10,000 procedures completed throughout his career. As Associate Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery at Atlantic Health System's Overlook Medical Center — a nationally accredited surgical facility — his general surgery practice encompasses a comprehensive range of procedures, including hiatal and other hernia repairs, Nissen fundoplication, LINX reflux management, gallbladder removal and more.

Dr. Goyal was also among the earliest surgeons in the country to incorporate robotic techniques into minimally invasive procedures.

Dr. James Buwen, DO, FACOS

Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons

Dr. Buwen has spent his career treating some of the conditions that disrupt everyday life — chronic acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, and the structural issues behind them, including hiatal hernia repair and Nissen fundoplication for acid reflux. Dr. Buwen practices across multiple MBSAQIP-accredited facilities throughout New Jersey and takes a conservative approach — surgery is recommended only when it will meaningfully improve a patient's quality of life.

Dr. Buwen’s patients receive care grounded in both surgical precision and the latest minimally invasive techniques - laparoscopically and robotically.

Our surgeons are members of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).

Schedule Your Hiatal Hernia Repair Consultation in NJ Today

If you're experiencing hiatal hernia symptoms or other hernia signs, our experienced general surgery team can help.

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Take the next step in hiatal hernia management today.

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Six Convenient NJ Office Locations

Springfield, NJ

193 Morris Ave., 2nd Floor, Springfield, NJ 07081

Conveniently located just a few minutes from I-78, the Garden State Parkway and Route 22.

Bridgewater, NJ

1200 US-22, Suite 19, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Located near route 22, easily accessible from 78 and 287.

Hoboken, NJ

79 Hudson St., Suite 301, Hoboken, NJ 07030

Accessible via PATH train from NYC. Validated public parking nearby.

East Brunswick, NJ

192 Summerhill Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816

Easily accessible from Route 1, Route 18, the New Jersey Turnpike or the Parkway.

Totowa, NJ

500 Union Blvd, Totowa, NJ 07512

Conveniently located near the intersection of Route 46, 23 and 80.

Sparta, NJ

70 South Sparta Ave., Suite 202 Sparta, NJ 07871

Serving Sussex County and surrounding areas

Schedule Online Consultation Call 908-481-1270

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiatal Hernia Treatment

Get the answers for frequently asked questions about hiatal hernia and hernia repair surgery in New Jersey.

Am I a candidate for laparoscopic or robotic hiatal hernia repair?

At New Jersey Bariatric Center, our general surgeons use a minimally invasive approach (laparascopic or robotic) rather than a large open incision when repairing hiatal hernias. You may be a candidate if you have significant reflux, regurgitation, chest discomfort, or swallowing problems despite medication, and do not have severe heart–lung disease or prohibitive anesthesia risk.

Will mesh be used in my hiatal hernia repair, and is it safe?

Sometimes our surgeons use surgical mesh to reinforce the hiatus in larger hiatal hernias, but many repairs are done without mesh. Recent studies show that the mesh used is safe with very low rates of complications. The decision to use or not use mesh is individual and based on hernia size, prior surgeries and other factors. This is a discussion you will have with your doctor prior to surgery.

How long is the recovery time after hiatal hernia surgery, and when can I go back to work, driving, and exercise?

After a hiatal hernia repair surgery, most patients can return to a desk job and driving within 1 to 2 weeks, provided they are no longer taking prescription pain medication. However, you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 2-4 weeks.

What are the chances my reflux/heartburn will be cured or improved after surgery, and can the hernia come back?

Most patients (85% to 95%) experience complete relief from reflux and can stop taking daily acid medications following a successful repair. While highly effective, there is a 10% to 15% chance of recurrence, often caused by significant weight gain or lifting heavy objects too soon after surgery.

Can my hiatal hernia be repaired during Gastric Sleeve surgery? Will Gastric Sleeve improve my hiatal hernia symptoms?

It is very common for a hiatal hernia to be identified and repaired during a gastric sleeve (VSG) procedure. Addressing a hernia during your sleeve can help reduce the risk of post-operative acid reflux/GERD and ensure a smoother recovery. If you have questions about hiatal hernia in relation to your gastric sleeve surgery, it’s important to have a conversation with your surgeon. For more information, visit our Gastric Sleeve page.

Is hiatal hernia surgery covered by insurance, and what will my out-of-pocket cost be in New Jersey?

Hiatal hernia surgery is typically covered by insurance because it is considered a medically necessary procedure to treat chronic GERD or prevent complications like strangulation. In New Jersey, your final out-of-pocket cost is dictated primarily by your specific plan's deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.

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