Reflux Hernia

The studies are done as follows: a pH electrode to which has been attached an open-ended, water-filled polyethylene tube is passed transnasally into the stomach.

Withdrawal of this device allows for continuous measurement of pressure and pH in the stomach, at the gastroesophageal junction, and in the esophagus.

In addition to discomfort from reflux and difficulty swallowing, hiatal hernias can have severe consequences on the patient if not treated. While sliding hernias are primarily associated with gastroesophageal acid reflux, rolling hernias can strangulate a portion of the stomach above the diaphragm. In addition to discomfort from reflux and difficulty swallowing, hiatal hernias can have severe consequences on the patient if not treated.

A hiatus hernia per se does not cause any symptoms. In this way a hiatus hernia is associated with all the potential consequences of GERD - heartburn, esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.

The hiatal hernia condition promotes reflux of gastric contents.

While sliding hernias are primarily associated with gastroesophageal acid reflux, rolling hernias can strangulate a portion of the stomach above the diaphragm.

Where hernia symptoms are severe and chronic acid reflux is involved, surgery is sometimes recommended, as chronic reflux can severely injure the esophagus and even lead to esophageal cancer. Since sliding hiatal hernias rarely cause problems themselves but rather contribute to acid reflux, the treatment for patients with hiatal hernias is usually the same as for the associated GERD.

A hiatus hernia per se does not cause any symptoms.

Besides discomfort from reflux and dysphagia, hiatal hernias can have severe consequences for patients if not treated. Fixed Hiatus Hernia: In this type of hernia, the upper part of the stomach is caught up in the chest. Serious Hiatus Hernia: This type of hernia is uncommon.

Some hiatus hernias, especially sliding hernias cause no symptoms in some patients.

When the hiatal hernia is large, or is of the paraesophageal type, it is likely to cause esophageal stricture and discomfort.

Besides discomfort from GERD and dysphagia, hiatal hernias can have severe consequences for patients if not treated.

A para-esophageal hiatal hernia that is large, particularly if it compresses the adjacent esophagus, may impede the passage of food into the stomach and cause food to stick in the esophagus after it is swallowed.

Fortunately, large para-esophageal hernias are uncommon.

How is a hiatal hernia treated?