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Hiatal Hernia Center - Eau Claire, WI

Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire *

Midelfort Clinic Gastroenterology
Gregory A Derfus
1221 Whipple St
Gastroenterology
Eau Claire, WI 54703
(715) 838-6020

Midelfort Clinic Gastroenterology
Charles R Nordstrom
1221 Whipple St
Gastroenterology
Eau Claire, WI 54703
(715) 838-6020

Midelfort Clinic Gastroenterology
Jaime Zighelboim
1221 Whipple St
Gastroenterology
Eau Claire, WI 54703
(715) 838-6020

Gundersen Lutheran Whitehall WI
Frank J Aberger
18606 Ervin St
Whitehall, WI 54773
(715) 538-4355

Gundersen Lutheran Whitehall WI
Heather J Chial
18606 Ervin St
Whitehall, WI 54773
(715) 538-4355

Franciscan Skemp Medical Center
Gregory L Cramer
700 West Ave S
Internal Medicine Specialists
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 791-9862

Franciscan Skemp Medical Center
Robert D Shaffer
700 West Ave S
Internal Medicine Specialists
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 791-9862

Marshfield Clinic Marshfield Center Gastroenterology
Jane E Kennedy
1000 N Oak Ave
Gastroenterology Dept
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 221-7822

Marshfield Clinic Marshfield Center Gastroenterology
John P Kirchner
1000 N Oak Ave
Gastroenterology Dept
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 221-7822

Marshfield Clinic Marshfield Center Gastroenterology
Patricia A Kuzma-Sell
1000 N Oak Ave
Gastroenterology Dept
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 221-7822

Marshfield Clinic Marshfield Center Gastroenterology
Gary P Mayeux
1000 N Oak Ave
Gastroenterology Dept
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 221-7822

Marshfield Clinic Marshfield Center Gastroenterology
Christopher J Rall
1000 N Oak Ave
Gastroenterology Dept
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 221-7822

Marshfield Clinic Marshfield Center Gastroenterology
Michael E Ryan
1000 N Oak Ave
Gastroenterology Dept
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 221-7822

Marshfield Clinic Marshfield Center Gastroenterology
Camille F Torbey
1000 N Oak Ave
Gastroenterology Dept
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 221-7822

New Richmond Clinic
Anthony C Hecht
551 Hospital Rd
New Richmond, WI 54017
(715) 246-6911

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

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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 Eau Claire

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Eau Claire Hospitals *

St Joseph's Hospital Chippewa Falls
2661 County Highway I
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715)723-1811

Sacred Heart Hospital
900 W Clairemont Ave
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715)839-4121

Luther Midelfort Hospital
1221 Whipple St
Eau Claire, WI 54703
(715)838-3311

Luther Middlefort Oakridge
13025 8th St
Osseo, WI 54758
(715)597-3121

Our Lady of Victory Hospital
1120 Pine St
Stanley, WI 54768
(715)644-5571

Bloomer Medical Center
1501 Thompson St
Bloomer, WI 54724
(715)568-2000

Tri-County Memorial Hospital
18601 Lincoln St
Whitehall, WI 54773
(715)538-4361

Red Cedar Medical Center
2321 Stout Rd
Menomonie, WI 54751
(715)235-5531

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