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Hiatal Hernia Center - Anchorage, AK

Anchorage Gastroenterologist Doctors for Hiatal Hernia

Type of Physician: Gastroenterologist

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated.

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Common Name: GI Doctor

Gastroenterologist Doctors in Anchorage *

Internal Medicine Associates
Douglas B Haghighi
2841 Debarr Rd
STE 50
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 276-2811

Internal Medicine Associates
Steven B Ingle
2841 Debarr Rd
STE 50
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 276-2811

Internal Medicine Associates
Geronimo Sahagun
2841 Debarr Rd
STE 50
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 276-2811

Richard Farleigh MD PC
Richard Farleigh
4120 Laurel St
STE 202
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 561-4293

Brian F Sweeney MD
Brian F Sweeney
4048 Laurel St
STE 301
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 562-2928

Ronald Boisen MD
Ronald Boisen
385 Providence Dr
STE 466
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 569-1333

Daryl McClendon MD
Daryl McClendon
385 Piper St
STE 466
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 569-1333

Pioneer Gastroenterology Clinic APC
Saket K Ambasht
3300 Providence Dr
STE 208
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 562-6001

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is a consolidated city-borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. Anchorage has been named All-America City four times, in 1956, 1965, 1984/85, and 2002, by the National Civic League. It has also been named by Kiplinger as the most tax friendly city in the United States.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchorage)

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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.

What causes a hiatal hernia?

It is thought that hiatal hernias are caused by a larger-than-normal esophageal hiatus, the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes from the chest into the abdomen; as a result of the large opening, part of the stomach "slips" into the chest. Other potentially contributing factors include:

  1. A permanent shortening of the esophagus (perhaps caused by inflammation and scarring from the reflux or regurgitation of stomach acid) which pulls the stomach up.
  2. An abnormally loose attachment of the esophagus to the diaphragm which allows the esophagus and stomach to slip upwards.

Are there different types of hiatal hernias?

Hiatal hernias are categorized as being either sliding or para-esophageal.

Sliding hiatal hernias

Sliding hiatal hernias, the mo...

Recommended Reading Related to Hiatal Hernia

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) »

GERD facts

  • GERD is a condition in which the acidified liquid content of the stomach up into the esophagus.
  • The causes of GERD include an abnormal lower esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia, abnormal esophageal contractions, and slow emptying of the stomach.
  • GERD may damage the lining of the esophagus, thereby causing inflammation (esophagitis), although usually it does not.
  • The symptoms of uncomplicated GERD are heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea.
  • Complications of GERD include ulcers and strictures of the esophagus, Barrett's esophagus, cough and asthma, throat and laryngeal inflammation, inflammation and infection of the lungs, and collection of fluid in the sinuses and middle ear.
  • Barrett's esophagus is a pre-cancerous condition that requires periodic endoscopic surveillance for the development of cancer.
  • GERD may be diagnosed or evalua...

Emergency Contact for Anchorage

  • In case of Emergency, call 911
  • Police (808) 529-3111
  • Fire (808) 723-7139

Nearby Anchorage Hospitals *

North Star Behavioral Health System
2530 DeBarr Rd
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)258-7575

Alaska Regional Hospital
2801 Debarr Rd
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)276-1131

Alaska VA Healthcare System
2925 DeBarr Rd
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)257-4700

Alaska Psychiatric Institute
2800 Providence Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)269-7100

Children's Hospital at Providence
3200 Providence Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)261-3130

Providence Alaska Medical Center
3200 Providence Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)562-2211

Alaska Native Medical Center
4315 Diplomacy Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)563-2662

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center
2500 S Woodworth Loop
Palmer, AK 99645
(907)861-6000

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