MedicineNet

Hiatal Hernia Center - Roswell, NM

Roswell 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 Roswell *

Southern New Mexico Medical Associates PA
Adil M Choudhary
303 W Country Club Rd
Roswell, NM 88201
(575) 623-1442

Southern New Mexico Medical Associates PA
Frederick B French
303 W Country Club Rd
Roswell, NM 88201
(575) 623-1442

Crit Hobbs MD
Crit Hobbs
313 W Country Club Rd
STE 15
Roswell, NM 88201
(575) 623-8021

Southern New Mexico Medical Associates PA
Lindy T Rachal
303 W Country Club Rd
Roswell, NM 88201
(575) 623-1442

Southern New Mexico Medical Associates PA
Shams Tabrez
303 W Country Club Rd
Roswell, NM 88201
(575) 623-1442

Roswell, New Mexico

Upcoming Local Events

2012-06-30
Alien Chase 10k/5k Run/Walk
Roswell, New Mexico
2012-09-03
2012-11-03
2012-11-11
World Run Day 2012 Registration - Roswell
Throughout Roswell, New Mexico

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

Upper GI Series (Barium Swallow) »

What is an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series?

An upper gastrointestinal (GI) series (barium swallow), is a radiological test that is used to visualize the structures of the upper digestive system - the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. If it is desired to see the remaining parts of the small intestine, a small bowel series can be added to the test. These structures are seen during the examination, and the images are also are saved for further review on X-ray film or digital images. The results of an upper GI series can reveal conditions such as ulcers, tumors, hiatal hernias, scarring, blockages, and abnormalities of the muscular wall of the gastrointestinal tissues.

What are the risks of an upper GI series?

Any x-ray test procedure involves some risk from radiation exposure. The radiation exposure is minimized by standard techniques that have been assigned and approved by national and international radiology ...

Emergency Contact for Roswell

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Roswell Hospitals *

Roswell Regional Hospital
117 E 19th St
Roswell, NM 88201
(575)627-7000

Eastern New Mexico Medical Center
405 W Country Club Rd
Roswell, NM 88201
(575)622-8170

New Mexico Rehabilitation Center
31 Gail Harris St
Roswell, NM 88203
(575)347-3400

*Provider Directory Terms of Use:

The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval.

You are prohibited from using, downloading, republishing, selling, duplicating, or "scraping" for commercial or any other purpose whatsoever, the Provider Directory or any of the data listings or other information contained therein, in whole or in part, in any medium whatsoever.

The Provider Directory is provided on an "AS-IS" basis. WebMD disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose. Without limiting the foregoing, WebMD does not warrant or represent that the Provider Directory or any part thereof is accurate or complete. You assume full responsibility for the communications with any Provider you contact through the Provider Directory. WebMD shall in no event be liable to you or to anyone for any decision made or action taken by you in the reliance on information provided in the Provider Directory.

The use of WebMD Provider Directory by any entity or individual to verify the credentials of Providers is prohibited. The database of Provider information which drives WebMD Provider Directory does not contain sufficient information with which to verify Provider credentials under the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) of the Utilization Review Accreditation Committee (URAC).

By using the WebMD Provider Directory, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.