Paraesophageal surgery is used to treat paraesophageal hernias, which are hernias that are next to the esophagus. Paraesophageal hernias require repair when it begins to cause symptoms, such as chest pain, upper abdominal pain, and difficulty swallowing. Symptomatic paraesophageal hernias are at higher risk of progressing into incarceration (stomach gets stuck resulting in obstruction) or ischemia (blood supply to the stomach is cut off), resulting in the need for emergency surgery.

Most paraesophageal hernias can be safely and successfully repaired laparoscopically through the abdomen. Laparoscopic repairs result in significantly fewer complications than an open repair. Most patients are only required to stay in the hospital for one to two days, and can go back to their usual activities within four weeks.