Hiatus hernia
A hiatus hernia is where part of the stomach moves up into the chest through the opening in the diaphragm. It often causes heartburn and acid reflux, and many people have no symptoms at all. Read more about hiatus hernia →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the gastroenterology wait (not specific to hiatus hernia), updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
gastroenterology waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust | Sunderland | 4 weeks |
| Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust | Gateshead | 5 weeks |
| Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Cambridge | 6 weeks |
| East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust | Blackburn with Darwen | 6 weeks |
| Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust | Cornwall | 6 weeks |
| Whittington Health NHS Trust | Islington | 6 weeks |
| South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Middlesbrough | 6 weeks |
| Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust | Wakefield | 7 weeks |
About hiatus hernia
A hiatus hernia is where part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through the hiatus, the opening in the diaphragm that the gullet passes through. It is common, especially over the age of 50. Many people have no symptoms; others get heartburn, acid reflux, a sour taste or discomfort behind the breastbone, which can be worse after eating or when lying down.
How it is treated
Most hiatus hernias are managed without an operation. The first steps are lifestyle changes, such as smaller meals, not eating close to bedtime and raising the head of the bed, and pharmacy or prescription medicines that reduce stomach acid. An operation, usually keyhole surgery to pull the stomach back down and tighten the diaphragm opening, is considered only when symptoms are troublesome and medicines have not controlled them.
After treatment
Lifestyle changes and acid-reducing medicines control symptoms for most people. If keyhole surgery is needed, recovery usually takes a few weeks, and most people can stop or reduce their reflux medicines afterwards.
Sources: NHS: Hiatus hernia. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.