In this Article

• What is a hiatal hernia?
• What causes a hiatal hernia?
• Are there different types of hiatal hernias?
• What are the symptoms of hiatal hernia?
• How does a hiatal hernia cause GERD?
• How is a hiatal hernia diagnosed?
• How is a hiatal hernia treated?
• Hiatal Hernia At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Hiatal Hernia - Effective Treatments
• Hiatal Hernia Glossary
• Hiatal Hernia Index

How is a hiatal hernia treated?

Treatment of large para-esophageal hernias causing symptoms requires surgery. During surgery, the stomach is pulled down into the abdomen, the esophageal hiatus is made smaller, and the esophagus is attached firmly to the diaphragm. This procedure restores the normal anatomy.

Since sliding hiatal hernias rarely cause problems themselves but rather contribute to acid reflux, the treatment for patients with hiatal hernias is usually the same as for the associated GERD. If the GERD is severe, complicated, or unresponsive to reasonable doses of medications, surgery often is performed. At the time of surgery, the hiatal hernia is eliminated in a manner similar to the repair of para-esophageal hernias. However, in addition, part of the upper stomach is wrapped around the lower sphincter to augment the pressure at the sphincter and further prevent acid reflux.

Hiatal Hernia At A Glance

• A hiatal hernia is an anatomical abnormality of the esophagus.
  
  
• Hiatal hernias contribute to gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  
  
• The symptoms in individuals with hiatal hernias parallel the symptoms of the associated GERD.
  
  
• The treatment of most hiatal hernias is the same as for the associated GERD.

Hiatal Hernia - Effective Treatments

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

What kinds of treatments have been effective for your hiatal hernia?

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