What is hernia hiatal?

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.

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.