Hiatus hernia

Hiatus hernia — referral criteria for General surgery services.

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Clinically suspected or confirmed hiatus hernia with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Progressively worsening oropharyngeal or throat dysphagia

Inability to swallow with drooling or pooling of saliva

Unresolved food bolus obstruction

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Hiatus hernia identified on chest x-ray or gastroscopy

Suspected hiatus hernia with volume reflux or obstructive symptoms

Severe heartburn unresponsive to maximum medical management

Usually managed in primary care