Hiatal Hernia Surgery in Novi, MI
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest. A hiatal hernia results in the retention of acid and other contents since the stomach tends to get squeezed by this opening in the diaphragm. These acids and other substances can easily back up (reflux or regurgitate) into the esophagus.
Board-certified surgeons Dr. Kolachalam and Dr. Tindall are highly trained at diagnosing and treating patients who suffer from symptoms of a hernia. They will take the time to diagnose your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan, tailored to your unique condition and personal needs. For more information, call our office at (248) 662-4272 in Novi, MI, and schedule a consultation.
Find Lasting Relief from Hiatal Hernia — Right Here!
From lifestyle guidance to advanced minimally invasive surgery, our team delivers personalized care for every stage of hiatal hernia so you can get back to living comfortably.
✔ Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery
✔ Most Insurance Accepted
✔ Personalized Treatment Plans
There are Four Types of Hiatal Hernias:
- Type I or sliding hiatal hernia
- In this type, the stomach intermittently slides up into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm.
- Types II, III, and IV Hiatal hernias are called paraesophageal hernias.
- They happen when a portion of the stomach pushes up into the chest adjacent to the esophagus. They may have a significant portion of their stomach or other abdominal organs push up into their chest.
Signs & Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia
Many small hiatal hernias produce no symptoms at all and are discovered incidentally during testing for another condition. However, larger hernias commonly cause one or more of the following:
- Heartburn, often linked to acid reflux
- Chest pain or a sensation of pressure
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Difficulty swallowing
- A feeling of fullness after eating small meals
- Shortness of breath in more severe cases
- Bloating or persistent upper abdominal discomfort
If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider.
Early diagnosis can prevent the condition from worsening and help you avoid more serious complications which could require emergency surgery.
What About Severe Cases?
In severe cases, the stomach or abdominal organs may rotate or twist, causing severe pain. This is a medical emergency and will likely require immediate surgery.
How Will We Find out How Severe My Hernia Is?
Dr. Kolachalam or Dr. Tindall will perform a medical exam and medical history. Your doctor will also need a:
- Chest X-ray
- Upper Endoscopy
- EGD
- Barium swallow
- Manometry, a test to measure the pressure in the esophagus
At What Point is Surgery Needed?
Medication may be prescribed by Dr. Kolachalam or Dr. Tindall to neutralize stomach acid, decrease acid production, or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter. The esophageal sphincter is the muscle that prevents stomach acid from coming up into the esophagus. Surgery may also be needed in these cases to reduce the size of the hernia, or to prevent strangulation by closing the opening in the diaphragm.
The common reasons for surgery include but not limited to:
- In danger of becoming strangulated (twisted in a way that cuts off blood supply to the stomach).
- Complicated by severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may require acid reflux surgery.
- Complicated by esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus).
Hiatal Hernia Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the severity of your hernia and the symptoms you are experiencing. We offer a full spectrum of care from conservative management to advanced surgical repair.
1. Lifestyle Modifications
For many patients, targeted lifestyle adjustments can meaningfully reduce symptoms:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the abdomen
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions
- Avoid trigger foods — spicy dishes, caffeine, alcohol, and acidic items
- Elevate the head of your bed by 6–8 inches to minimize nighttime reflux
- Avoid lying down for at least two to three hours after eating
2. Medications
When lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, medication can help control symptoms:
- Antacids — Provide fast, short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid
- H2 Blockers — Reduce acid production for more sustained relief
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) — The most effective class of acid-suppressing medications for managing reflux associated with hiatal hernia
3. Surgical Options
For larger or symptomatic hernias that do not respond to conservative care, surgery offers the most durable and definitive solution.
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication
The most widely performed surgical procedure for hiatal hernia with acid reflux. The surgeon tightens the hiatal opening and wraps the upper stomach around the lower esophagus to create a natural valve that prevents acid from flowing back upward.
Key Benefits:
- Proven, long-term effectiveness for both hernia repair and reflux control
- Performed through small laparoscopic incisions no large open cut
- Short hospital stay with a relatively quick recovery
Robotic Hiatal Hernia Repair
Using state-of-the-art robotic-assisted technology, our surgeons achieve enhanced precision in repositioning the stomach and reinforcing the diaphragm. Dr. Kolachalam has performed over 1,200 Da Vinci robotic surgical procedures, making our center one of the most experienced in the region for robotic hernia repair.
Key Benefits:
- Smaller incisions and reduced tissue trauma
- Less postoperative pain and faster healing
- Quicker return to normal daily activities
What Types of Surgery are Available to Me?
Three major types of surgical procedures correct gastroesophageal reflux and repair the hernia in the process. They can be performed by open laparotomy or with laparoscopic approaches, which currently are being employed more frequently. These procedures offer relief of symptoms in 80-90% of patients.
- da Vinci® surgery – minimally invasive surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery – minimally invasive surgery
- Open Surgery – rarely done
Meet Our Surgical Team
Our practice is led by two board-certified surgeons with deep expertise in minimally invasive abdominal and hiatal hernia surgery, committed to delivering state-of-the-art care with a compassionate, patient-first approach.
Dr. R.B. Kolachalam, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon | Section Chief, Department of General Surgery, Providence Hospital
Dr. Kolachalam has been a board-certified surgeon serving the Novi and Southfield, MI area since 1995. He serves as Section Chief of the Department of General Surgery at Providence Hospital and as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at Michigan State University. He practices at both Providence Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital, where he also serves as part of the teaching faculty.
His primary areas of expertise include minimally invasive abdominal surgery, Da Vinci robotic surgery, endocrine surgery (thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands), and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). He is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art surgical, diagnostic, and treatment technology alongside personalized, compassionate patient education.
Highlights & Accolades:
- ✔ Over 1,200 Da Vinci robotic surgical procedures performed
- ✔ Board-certified surgeon since 1995
- ✔ Section Chief, Department of General Surgery — Providence Hospital
- ✔ Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Surgery — Michigan State University
- ✔ HOUR Detroit Magazine Top Doc — every year from 2011 to 2019
- ✔ Patients’ Choice Award recipient, 2010–2013 (awarded to only the top 5% of physicians nationwide)
- ✔ Serving Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield Township, Northville, Plymouth, Redford Charter, and surrounding areas
Ready to take the next step?
Dr. Elizabeth Tindal, MD, MPH
Board-Certified General Surgeon | Specialist in Minimally Invasive GI, Bariatric & Foregut Surgery
Dr. Elizabeth Tindal is a board-certified surgeon with advanced training in minimally invasive gastrointestinal, bariatric, and foregut surgery. She earned her medical degree and Master of Public Health from Drexel University, completed her general surgery residency at Brown University, and pursued fellowship training at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Dr. Tindal cares for patients with a wide range of conditions, including hiatal hernias, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gallbladder disease, inguinal and ventral hernias, and complex abdominal wall reconstruction. She is committed to using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible — helping patients heal faster and return to their daily lives with minimal disruption.
Education & Training:
- ✔ Medical Degree & Master of Public Health (MPH) — Drexel University
- ✔ General Surgery Residency — Brown University
- ✔ Fellowship Training in Minimally Invasive Surgery — Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City
- ✔ Specialties: Hiatal hernia, GERD, bariatric surgery, abdominal wall reconstruction
“Her goal is to provide compassionate, individualized care, using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to help patients heal faster and return to their daily lives.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiatal Hernia
What is the difference between a sliding and a paraesophageal hiatal hernia?
A sliding hernia moves in and out of position and is the most common type — often manageable with lifestyle changes and medication. A paraesophageal hernia involves a portion of the stomach that stays permanently in the chest cavity, which carries a greater risk of serious complications and typically requires surgical repair.
Can a hiatal hernia go away on its own?
No. A hiatal hernia does not resolve without treatment. However, small hernias with mild symptoms can often be managed effectively through diet, lifestyle modifications, and medication. Larger or more symptomatic hernias generally require surgical correction.
How do I know if my symptoms are caused by a hiatal hernia?
Common indicators include frequent heartburn, chest pressure, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and feeling full quickly after eating. A definitive diagnosis requires evaluation by a physician, which may include an endoscopy or imaging study such as a barium swallow or CT scan.
What lifestyle changes help manage hiatal hernia symptoms?
Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods (spicy, fatty, or acidic items), not lying down after eating, elevating the head of your bed, and maintaining a healthy weight are all proven strategies for reducing symptoms without medication.
When is surgery the right choice?
Surgery is recommended when symptoms are severe or persistent despite medication, when a large or paraesophageal hernia is present, or when complications have developed. Our team conducts a thorough evaluation to determine the best approach for each patient.
What is recovery like after hiatal hernia surgery?
Most patients resume light activity within one to two weeks and return to a normal diet within four to six weeks. Our team provides detailed recovery guidance and close follow-up support throughout the healing process.
Does insurance cover hiatal hernia surgery?
In most cases, yes when clinical criteria are met. Our billing team will review your specific plan, verify your benefits, and walk you through any out-of-pocket costs or financing options before scheduling any procedure.
Schedule a Hernia Surgery Consultation in Novi, MI
If you have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment options with Dr. Kolachalm or Dr. Tindall today by calling (248) 662-4272 or through our secure online form.
