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Hiatal Hernia Center - Flagstaff, AZ

Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff *

Joan C Mitrius MD
Stephanie Hawthorne
77 W Forest Ave
STE 210
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 773-2547

Joan C Mitrius MD
Steven L Palley
77 W Forest Ave
STE 210
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 773-2547

Joan C Mitrius MD
M Angelo Trujillo
77 W Forest Ave
STE 210
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 773-2547

Digestive Disease Specialists
Richard Pleva
1001 Division St
STE A
Prescott, AZ 86301
(928) 445-4066

Digestive Disease Specialists
Ching Wang
1001 Division St
STE A
Prescott, AZ 86301
(928) 445-4066

Prescott Gastroenterology
Lgudevit Andres
811 Ainsworth Dr
STE 103
Prescott, AZ 86301
(928) 771-5548

Prescott Gastroenterology
Milton M Schild
811 Ainsworth Dr
STE 103
Prescott, AZ 86301
(928) 771-5548

Edward B Gogek MD
Edward B Gogek
315 S Cortez St
STE STE G
Prescott, AZ 86303
(928) 443-0032

Flagstaff, Arizona

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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 Flagstaff

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Flagstaff Hospitals *

Flagstaff Medical Center
1200 N Beaver St
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928)779-3366

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