Hiatal Hernia »
What is a hiatal hernia?
A hiatal hernia is an anatomical abnormality in which
part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and up
into the chest. Although hiatal hernias are present in
approximately 15% of the population, they are associated with
symptoms in only a minority of those afflicted.
Normally, the esophagus or food tube passes down through
the chest, crosses the diaphragm, and enters the abdomen
through a hole in the diaphragm called the esophageal
hiatus. Just below the diaphragm, the esophagus joins the
stomach. In individuals with hiatal hernias, the opening of the
esophageal hiatus (hiatal opening) is larger than normal, and a
portion of the upper
stomach slips up or passes (herniates) through the hiatus and into
the chest. Although hiatal hernias are occasionally seen
in infants where they probably have been present from
birth, most hiatal hernias in adults are believed to have
developed over many years....
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