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Hiatal Hernia Center - Grand Forks, ND

Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks *

Altru Clinic Family Medicine Center
Anthony G Chu
1000 S Columbia Rd
Grand Forks, ND 58201
(701) 795-2000

Tony Chu MD
Tony Chu
1000 S Columbia Rd
Grand Forks, ND 58201
(701) 780-6940

Tony Chu MD
Kamrin Macki
1000 S Columbia Rd
Grand Forks, ND 58201
(701) 780-6940

MeritCare Broadway Gastroenterology
Michael T Bader
801 Broadway
Gastroenterology
Fargo, ND 58122
(701) 234-2525

MeritCare Broadway Gastroenterology
Stephen J Spellman
801 Broadway
Gastroenterology
Fargo, ND 58122
(701) 234-2525

MeritCare Broadway Gastroenterology
Donald L Zogg
801 Broadway
Gastroenterology
Fargo, ND 58122
(701) 234-2525

Arezoo Taheri MD
Arezoo Taheri
300 Main Ave
STE 303
Fargo, ND 58103
(701) 235-3050

Dakota Clinic at Innovis & Innovis Health
Fadel E Nammour
3000 32nd Ave S
Fargo, ND 58103
(701) 364-3300

Dakota Clinic at Innovis & Innovis Health
Settihalli L Rajender
3000 32nd Ave S
Fargo, ND 58103
(701) 364-3300

Grand Forks, North Dakota

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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 Grand Forks

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Grand Forks Hospitals *

Altru Hospital
1200 S Columbia Rd
Grand Forks, ND 58201
(701)780-5000

Altru Rehabilitation Center
1300 S Columbia Rd
Grand Forks, ND 58201
(701)780-2311

RiverView Health
323 S Minnesota St
Crookston, MN 56716
(218)281-9200

North Valley Health Center
109 S Minnesota St
Warren, MN 56762
(218)745-4211

Northwood Deaconess Health Center
4 N Park St
Northwood, ND 58267
(701)587-6060

Union Hospital
42 6th Ave SE
Mayville, ND 58257
(701)786-3800

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