A 41-year-old member asked:
What is hernia hiatal?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Uyedaanswered
General Surgery 47 years experience
Hiatal hernia: Is a defect in the diagphragm, which separates the chest from the abdominal cavities. Most are the sliding type, which does not require surgery most of the time. But some are paraesophageal type, which require surgery in order to prevent strangulation, a devastating complication. Consult a surgeon for specific advice about your case.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Sawyeranswered
General Surgery 38 years experience
See below: The esophageal hiatus is an anatomical feature traversed by the esophagus on its way from the chest to the abdomen. When muscles and ligaments that define the boundaries of the hiatus weaken or become lax, the upper stomach may transiently or permanently reside in the chest. This is a hiatal hernia. Uncommonly, the entire stomach or other organs (colon, small bowel, spleen) may herniate as well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
CA
A 37-year-old member asked:
Where are hiatal hernias located?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Barry Rosenanswered
General Surgery 36 years experience
Diaphragm: The diaphragm is the dome-shaped muscle that separates the abdominal from the chest cavity. All people have a hole in the diaphragm thru which the esophagus passes; this is called the hiatus of the diaphragm. This hole can become enlarged, allowing the esophagus and stomach to yo-yo up into the chest, causing reflux (gerd).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 42-year-old member asked:
What are some causes of hiatal hernias?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Wesley Marquartanswered
General Surgery 20 years experience
Obesity: A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm. There is an association between obesity and hiatal hernias.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Are hiatal hernias dangerous?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Barry Rosenanswered
General Surgery 36 years experience
Very rarely.: A hiatal hernia is an enlargement of the normal opening in the diaphragm thru which the esophagus passes. Most people have no symptoms. For those that do, it usually causes heartburn due to the stomach yo-yo-ing up and down thru the hiatus. Rarely, the top of the stomach stays in the abdomen but the bottom flips up thru the hiatus, sometimes causing obstruction or bleeding, which can be serious.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
What is hiatal hernia?
10 doctor answers • 19 doctors weighed in
Dr. Matthew Lublinanswered
Surgery 27 years experience
Hernia in diaphragm: A hiatal hernia is a hernia in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle separating your chest from your abdomen. There is a natural hole where your esophagus passes through from your chest into your abdmoen. If the hole enlarges, the stomach can come up through the hole and into your chest. This is a hiatal hernia.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Cincinnati, OH
A 59-year-old male asked:
What can be done about a hiatal hernia?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Tom Harringtonanswered
Internal Medicine 44 years experience
Hiatal hernia: Hiatal hernias are are very common and often without any symptoms at all. It is not like a groin hernia that one worries about stragulation or need for surgery. Often associated symptoms are reflux which is really caused by a weakened lower esophageal sphincter and not the hernia---ie hearburn, indigestion etc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 25, 2020
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
