Do I need a referral to see Dr. Jorge?

No. Most patients can call us directly at (803) 220-1716 to schedule a consultation. Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care physician — our team will tell you when you call and help you sort it out.

How quickly can I be seen?

Quickly. We strive for same-week visits whenever a patient needs one, and same-day or next-business-day appointments are often available. We deliberately hold consultation slots open so that patients with painful, worsening, or urgent problems are not waiting weeks to be evaluated. If your situation is urgent, tell us when you call and we will work you in.

What insurance do you accept?

We work with all insurance plans. Call (803) 220-1716 and our team will verify your specific plan and benefits before your visit, including whether bariatric surgery is a covered benefit under your policy, so there are no surprises.

Is bariatric surgery covered by insurance?

Many plans cover it, but requirements vary widely — typically a documented BMI threshold, supervised weight-management visits, and a psychological evaluation. We handle the authorization process for you and tell you upfront what your plan requires.

I had bariatric surgery years ago and regained weight. Can you help?

Yes. Revisional bariatric surgery is a core focus of this practice — sleeve-to-bypass conversion, band removal, and repair of complications after prior operations. Weight recurrence is common and it is not a personal failure.

What is robotic surgery, and is it better?

Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery that gives the surgeon better visualization and finer instrument control, which matters most in complex hernia and foregut cases. It is not automatically better for every operation. Dr. Jorge selects the approach — robotic, laparoscopic, or open — that fits your anatomy and prior surgical history.

Do you offer non-surgical weight loss?

Yes. Dr. Jorge is board-certified in obesity medicine, and our practice runs LeanDreams , a medical weight-management program built around a multidisciplinary team — physicians, a registered dietitian, behavioral and nutrition coaches, and certified personal trainers — working together on one plan. It covers medical weight management including GLP-1 medications for patients who are not surgical candidates, who prefer to start without an operation, or who need long-term support after surgery.

Where will my surgery be performed?

Dr. Jorge holds surgical privileges at Piedmont Augusta, Augusta Surgical Center, and Aiken Regional Medical Center. Your operative location depends on your procedure and your insurance, and we confirm it with you well before your surgery date.

Do you see patients from South Carolina?

Yes. We regularly care for patients from Aiken, North Augusta, and the surrounding South Carolina communities.

Paraesophageal Hernia Repair in Augusta, GA

If you have been told you have a large hiatal or paraesophageal hernia, or a stomach that sits partly in your chest, you probably have questions and maybe some fear. Good. Questions are the right place to start.

Dr. Jorge is a double board-certified surgeon with fellowship training in foregut and bariatric surgery. He sees patients from Augusta, Evans, Aiken and the surrounding region.

Request a consultation Call (803) 220-1716

What a paraesophageal hernia is

Your esophagus passes through a small opening in the diaphragm to reach the stomach. In a paraesophageal hernia, part of the stomach pushes up through that opening and sits beside the esophagus in the chest. Unlike a sliding hernia, it can grow over time and can become trapped or twisted. If you are not sure which type you have, our hiatal hernia page explains the difference.

Simplified illustration for education. Not to scale.

Instagram reelTold you have a gastric volvulus or a large paraesophageal hernia? Dr. Jorge explains what it means.

Symptoms that are worth a visit

Chest pressure or fullness after small meals
Trouble swallowing or food sticking
Regurgitation, or heartburn that does not respond to medication
Shortness of breath after eating
Anemia without a clear cause
Some people have few symptoms at all, and the hernia is found on a scan or endoscopy

Sudden severe chest or abdominal pain, repeated retching with nothing coming up, or being unable to swallow is an emergency. Call 911.

How we evaluate it

A visit to hear your story and review your scans, endoscopy and prior records.
Testing as needed, which may include an upper endoscopy, a swallow study or a CT scan.
A clear recommendation. Sometimes repair is the right call. Sometimes careful monitoring is. We will tell you which, and why.

Surgical repair

Repair brings the stomach back into the abdomen, removes the hernia sac and closes the opening in the diaphragm. It is often combined with a step to hold the stomach in place or an anti-reflux wrap, and mesh is used in selected cases. Dr. Jorge performs minimally invasive repair, including robotic approaches, and also treats recurrent hernias and repairs that need revision.

If you also live with obesity, the best operation may be different. Dr. Jorge will walk you through how weight and hernia repair fit together, including bariatric options when appropriate.

Instagram reelWhy would a surgeon recommend gastric bypass for a hernia?

What to expect

Most patients go home within a day or two, though this depends on the operation and your health. We explain the diet progression, activity limits and follow-up before surgery, so there are no surprises. Results and recovery vary from person to person.

Coming from out of state

Dr. Jorge is licensed in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois, and holds a license through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which streamlines licensure in 44 participating states. We regularly care for patients from out of state. Your evaluation and follow-up can happen by telehealth where licensure allows, with surgery in person here in Georgia when you need it.

Frequently asked questions

Does every paraesophageal hernia need surgery?

Not always. The decision depends on your symptoms, the size of the hernia, your age and your overall health. Dr. Jorge will review your tests with you and tell you honestly whether repair, or careful monitoring, makes more sense.

What is the difference between a sliding and a paraesophageal hernia?

In a sliding hiatal hernia the stomach moves up and down through the opening in the diaphragm. In a paraesophageal hernia part of the stomach sits next to the esophagus in the chest and can become trapped or twisted.

What is a gastric volvulus?

It means the stomach has twisted on itself, which can happen with a large paraesophageal hernia. Sudden severe pain or repeated retching with nothing coming up is an emergency. Call 911.

Instagram reelOnce you get surgery, can the hernia come back?

Is mesh always used?

No. Mesh is used in selected cases. Dr. Jorge explains whether it is likely to help in your situation and why.

Can a paraesophageal hernia come back?

It can. Recurrence is a known risk of any hernia repair. Careful technique, and managing weight, coughing and straining afterward, help lower the risk. Dr. Jorge also treats recurrent hernias.

Will insurance cover it?

Most insurance plans cover medically necessary hernia repair. Our team verifies your benefits before your visit.

Is Dr. Jorge employed by a hospital?

No. He runs an independent practice, Savannah River Advanced Surgery, and operates at facilities where he holds privileges, including Piedmont Augusta, Aiken Regional Medical Centers and Augusta Surgical Center.