I underwent surgery for the largest hiatal hernia the (young) surgeon had ever seen. After today s CT scan I m told I have a large hiatal hernia AND one on my abdominal wall. I recall my surgeon telling me you don t get rid of hernias but it was moved to another place. Then later matter of factly stated, it IS gone ! My esophagus was torn when removing the bogey (sp?) thus he as well as the gastroenterologist exclaimed they never want to operate on me . After the first attempt at laparoscopy I underwent a 7 hr. surgery to repair my esophagus resulting in a 21 stay in ICU followed by a 30 day stint in an assisted living facility. I turned 67 in the hospital & was in otherwise, good health. Your thoughts please? I am, naturally, very concerned & prayed I d never have to undergo a surgery requiring a tube again! Thank you!