Best Surgical Gastroenterologists for Hiatal Hernia in India
This page lists 6 hiatal hernia doctors in India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.
Quick answer
This page lists 6 hiatal hernia doctors in India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.
About Hiatal Hernia doctors in India
This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.
About the Condition
What is Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm — the muscular sheet separating the chest from the abdomen — into the chest cavity, disrupting the normal barrier that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. While small hiatal hernias are common and many people experience no significant symptoms, larger or more complex hernias can lead to persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal inflammation, difficulty swallowing, and in rare but serious cases, complications such as gastric volvulus or strangulation of herniated tissue. Risk factors include older age, obesity, pregnancy, chronic coughing or straining, and prior abdominal surgery. Appropriate management depends on the hernia's type and size, symptom burden, and findings from a thorough clinical and radiological assessment.
Individual assessmentEvery case is different
Complete evaluationUnderstand the condition first
Specialist reviewChoose the right approach
Medical assessment helps clarify severity and identify appropriate options.
Treatment options for Hiatal Hernia
Care may include lifestyle changes, medical treatment, specialist review or a procedure, depending on the diagnosis, associated conditions and individual goals. The options below are associated with this condition in the GAF Healthcare directory.
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to correct hernias of the abdominal wall (inguinal, umbilical, incisional) as well as hiatal hernias where part of the stomach protrudes into the chest.
Why it may be consideredUsing small incisions, a camera and specialized instruments, the surgeon repairs the weakened muscle and reinforces it with a surgical mesh where needed. It offers less pain, smaller scars, and faster return to normal activity compared to open surgery.
Hiatal Hernia Repair with Fundoplication is a surgical procedure performed to correct a hiatal hernia and reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter, typically to treat severe or refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Why it may be consideredThe stomach is repositioned below the diaphragm and the upper part of the stomach (fundus) is wrapped around the lower esophagus to prevent acid reflux. It is recommended for patients who have not responded adequately to long-term medical therapy or who have complications such as esophagitis, strictures, or large paraesophageal hernias.
Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair is a minimally invasive surgery to reposition the stomach back into the abdominal cavity and tighten the diaphragmatic opening (hiatus), often combined with a fundoplication to prevent acid reflux.
Why it may be consideredIt is recommended for patients with symptomatic hiatal hernias causing heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing that do not respond well to medication. The procedure uses small incisions, a camera, and specialized instruments, resulting in less pain and faster recovery compared to open surgery.
Apollo Hospital, Jubilee Hills Hyderabad, India18+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
18+ years of experience in Colorectal Surgeon
Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Apollo Hospital Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad — Present
Surgical specialist in Colorectal, Gastroenterological, Hepatopancreatic and Transplant Surgery — Over 18 years of clinical experience in diagnosis and management of colorectal conditions
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABL — National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
Many international patients consider India for hiatal hernia treatment for several reasons, including:
More affordable estimates
Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.
Internationally accredited hospitals
Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.
Experienced specialists
Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.
Care coordination support
A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.
How this directory is built
Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Hiatal Hernia) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.
Need help with the next step?
Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.
Common questions
FAQs about Hiatal Hernia in India
What is Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia is a condition in which a portion of the stomach slides or protrudes through the hiatus — the natural opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes — into the chest. There are several types, the most common being the sliding hiatal hernia, with the less common but more complex paraesophageal (rolling) type carrying a higher risk of serious complications.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Hiatal Hernia?
Common symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation of acid or food, chest discomfort or pain, belching, a sensation of fullness after small meals, and in larger hernias, difficulty swallowing or shortness of breath. Some individuals with confirmed hiatal hernias have few or no symptoms, while others with troublesome symptoms may have an unrelated cause — meaning symptoms alone are not sufficient to establish a diagnosis.
How is Hiatal Hernia diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a clinical history focusing on reflux symptoms, diet, lifestyle, and any prior upper gastrointestinal conditions, followed by targeted investigations. An upper GI barium swallow study or upper endoscopy (gastroscopy) is commonly used to visualize the hernia and assess esophageal and gastric anatomy; a CT scan of the chest and abdomen may be added for complex or large hernias. In cases where surgery is being considered, additional tests such as esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring help evaluate esophageal function and the degree of acid exposure, informing the choice of surgical technique.
How is Hiatal Hernia treated?
Treatment is tailored to the hernia's classification — Type I (sliding) through Type IV (involving other organs) — as well as the severity of symptoms and any associated complications. Many patients with small, asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic sliding hernias are managed conservatively with lifestyle changes and medication, without requiring surgery. Larger hernias, paraesophageal hernias, or cases where symptoms significantly impair quality of life or complications are present may be best addressed through a minimally invasive surgical procedure, and the appropriate path is determined through individual assessment by a qualified clinician.
Can Hiatal Hernia be treated without surgery?
Non-surgical management is a well-established and appropriate option for many patients, particularly those with Type I sliding hiatal hernias and controlled symptoms. This typically involves dietary modifications (smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods and late eating), weight management, elevating the head of the bed, and the use of acid-suppressing medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers as directed by a physician. Regular monitoring is important, as symptom patterns and hernia size can change over time, and decisions about continuing, adjusting, or escalating treatment should be made in partnership with a specialist.
When is Laparoscopic Hernia Repair considered for Hiatal Hernia?
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair may be considered when conservative or medical options have not achieved enough improvement, or when the severity of the condition warrants it. The decision depends on clinical assessment, expected benefits and individual risks.
Which doctor treats Hiatal Hernia?
Hiatal hernias are typically evaluated and managed by a gastroenterologist, who may coordinate care with a surgical gastroenterologist or a thoracic or foregut surgeon when procedural intervention is being considered. In centers with a multidisciplinary approach, input from a dietitian or nutritionist may also be part of the care plan.
How do I choose a doctor for Hiatal Hernia?
When selecting a specialist or surgical team for hiatal hernia care, it is worth asking about their experience with the specific hernia type identified in your case, their volume of laparoscopic and fundoplication procedures, the availability of preoperative functional testing (such as manometry), and what follow-up support is provided after any intervention. Affiliation with a facility that offers both gastroenterology and minimally invasive surgery services ensures access to comprehensive evaluation and a range of treatment options.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a medical summary, investigation and imaging or biopsy reports where relevant, a current medication list, previous diagnoses and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translation where needed.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team helps review initial medical information, connect you with suitable doctors and hospitals, explain next steps and indicative estimates, and organise a treatment plan before travel.
