Hello, Treatment of para-esophageal hernia is surgery. A minimal invasive laparoscopy has fewer complications than an open abdominal approach. However, it depends on your clinical condition and the surgeon. No it is not as you think, the esophagus and stomach stay in their normal locations, but part of the stomach squeezes through the hiatus, next to the esophagus. You can have this type of hernia without any symptoms. But sometimes, the stomach can become strangled , or have its blood supply cut off. This can become life threatening. So get surgery done at the earliest. In case you have discomfort, you should urgently inform your surgeon. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician