Hiatal Hernia-Types-Signs-Symptoms-Treatment-Complications

Hiatal Hernia

There is an opening in the diaphragm which is known as oesophagal hiatus. Through this opening oesophagus enters from the chest cavity into the abdominal cavity. In hiatal hernia, the upper part of the stomach enters into the chest cavity through this opening.

Types Of Hiatal Hernia:

a. Axial or sliding hernia (95%)

In this type, the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity only during swallowing, when swallowing is finished stomach falls back into the abdominal cavity. In the type, the junction of oesophagus and stomach and upper part of the stomach both protrude in to the chest cavity. During swallowing oesophagal muscles contract, oesophagus shortens in length, this pulls the stomach up into the chest cavity, which returns back when swallowing is over.

b. Non-axial / paraesophageal / Rolling (5%) 

In this type the gastro-oesophageal junction remains at it normal position, it does not enter the chest cavity. In this case, only the upper part of the stomach enters into the chest cavity. It has nothing to do with swallowing. It does not come back to the abdominal cavity.

Signs and Symptoms:

Heartburn

regurgitation. 

Nausea

Complications:

Mucosal ulceration,

Bleeding

Perforation. 

Treatment:

Surgical correction of the hernia
Visit Home Page