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The diaphragm is a powerful muscular sheet that separates the body into two compartments: the thorax and the abdomen. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves into the thorax due to the enlargement of the opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes from the thorax to the abdomen and connects with the stomach.<\/p>\n
Increased pressure in the abdomen causes a portion of the stomach to push through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.<\/p>\n
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The most common cause of hiatal hernia is increased pressure in the abdominal cavity. (The abdomen contains the lower part of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and bladder.) Pressure can arise from coughing, vomiting, straining during bowel movements, lifting heavy objects, or physical exertion. Pregnancy, obesity, or excess fluid in the abdominal cavity can also lead to hiatal hernia.<\/p>\n
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Hiatal hernias can develop in individuals of all ages and genders, though they are often seen in people aged 50 and older. Hiatal hernias occur more frequently in overweight individuals and smokers.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_cta h2=”Book an Appointment” add_button=”right” btn_title=”CONTACT HERE” btn_color=”mulled-wine” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-phone-alt” btn_add_icon=”true” btn_link=”url:tel%3A2102919687|||” css=”.vc_custom_1727685215263{padding-left: 50px !important;}”][\/vc_cta][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
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Many people with a hiatal hernia never experience symptoms. Some individuals with a hiatal hernia have some symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when digestive fluids move from the stomach into the esophagus. Symptoms of GERD include:<\/p>\n
Although there appears to be a connection between hiatal hernias and GERD, one condition does not seem to cause the other. Many people have a hiatal hernia without GERD, and others have GERD without a hiatal hernia.<\/p>\n
Another symptom of a hiatal hernia is chest pain. Since chest pain can also be a symptom of heart-related issues, it is important to contact your doctor or go to the emergency department if you experience chest pain.<\/p>\n
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Several tests can contribute to the diagnosis of a hiatal hernia. These include:<\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_cta h2=”Book an Appointment” add_button=”right” btn_title=”CONTACT HERE” btn_color=”mulled-wine” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-phone-alt” btn_add_icon=”true” btn_link=”url:tel%3A2102919687|||” css=”.vc_custom_1727685331797{padding-left: 50px !important;}”][\/vc_cta][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Most cases do not cause problems and rarely require treatment. However, since some patients with a hiatal hernia experience symptoms of GERD, treatment begins with methods used to manage GERD. These include lifestyle changes such as:<\/p>\n
Note<\/strong>: If you take medications for more than 2 weeks without any improvement, see your doctor. They may prescribe stronger medications such as pantoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, omeprazole, or lansoprazole.<\/p>\n Surgery is required if the part of the stomach that enters the thorax is compressed so strongly that blood supply may be cut off. Surgery may also be needed for individuals with a hiatal hernia who have also experienced severe, long-lasting (chronic) gastroesophageal reflux whose symptoms are not alleviated by medical treatments. The goal of this surgery is to correct gastroesophageal reflux by creating an improved valve mechanism at the bottom of the esophagus. The valve prevents stomach contents from returning to the esophagus. If left untreated, chronic gastroesophageal reflux can lead to complications such as esophagitis (inflammation), esophageal ulcers, bleeding, or scarring of the esophagus.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_cta h2=”Book an Appointment” add_button=”right” btn_title=”CONTACT HERE” btn_color=”mulled-wine” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-phone-alt” btn_add_icon=”true” btn_link=”url:tel%3A2102919687|||” css=”.vc_custom_1727685401776{padding-left: 50px !important;}”][\/vc_cta][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Surgery is required if the part of the stomach that enters the thorax is compressed so strongly that blood supply may be cut off. Surgery may also be needed for individuals with a hiatal hernia who have also experienced severe, long-lasting (chronic) gastroesophageal reflux whose symptoms are not alleviated by medical treatments. The goal of this surgery is to correct gastroesophageal reflux by creating an improved valve mechanism at the bottom of the esophagus. The valve prevents stomach contents from returning to the esophagus. If left untreated, chronic gastroesophageal reflux can lead to complications such as esophagitis (inflammation), esophageal ulcers, bleeding, or scarring of the esophagus.<\/p>\n The surgery involves pulling the hiatal hernia back into the abdomen and creating an improved valve mechanism at the bottom of the esophagus by closing the opening in the diaphragm muscle. The surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach (called the fundus) around the lower part of the esophagus. This creates a permanent new sphincter so that stomach contents do not reflux back into the esophagus.<\/p>\n Two approaches for the surgery can be taken. One is an \u201copen\u201d procedure, which is done through large incisions. The second is a \u201cminimally invasive\u201d procedure, which is done through several small incisions. The minimally invasive procedure is called laparoscopic fundoplication.<\/p>\n During laparoscopic surgery, five or six tiny incisions are made in the abdomen. The laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions. The surgeon guides the laparoscope, which transmits images of the internal organs to a monitor. Advantages of laparoscopic surgery compared to \u201copen\u201d surgery include smaller incisions, less risk of infection, less pain and scarring, and quicker recovery.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Related Posts<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space]When is surgery needed for a hiatal hernia?<\/h2>\n
When is surgery needed for a hiatal hernia?<\/h2>\n
How is surgery for a hiatal hernia performed?<\/h2>\n