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Hiatal Hernia Center - San Angelo, TX

San Angelo 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 San Angelo *

Shannon Clinic Gastroenterology
Edward J Artnak
120 E Beauregard Ave
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 481-2274

Shannon Clinic Gastroenterology
Stephen W Coates
4450 Sunset Dr
San Angelo, TX 76904
(325) 481-2277

Shannon Clinic Gastroenterology
Eugene Stokes
4450 Sunset Dr
San Angelo, TX 76904
(325) 481-2277

West Texas Medical Associates
Robert J Danbert
3605 Executive Dr
San Angelo, TX 76904
(325) 949-9555

West Texas Medical Associates
Bruce R Heare
3605 Executive Dr
San Angelo, TX 76904
(325) 949-9555

Sandip V Mathur MD
Sandip V Mathur
6300 Regional Plaza
STE 820
Abilene, TX 79606
(325) 692-3777

Yogeshkum Patel MD
Yogeshkum Patel
6200 Regional Plz
STE STE 1675
Abilene, TX 79606
(325) 795-2100

Abilene Endoscopy Center & Gastroenterology Associates
William C Haynes
1249 Ambler Ave
STE 200
Abilene, TX 79601
(325) 677-2626

Abilene Endoscopy Center & Gastroenterology Associates
Steve K Johnson
1249 Ambler Ave
STE 200
Abilene, TX 79601
(325) 677-2626

Abilene Endoscopy Center & Gastroenterology Associates
Sivakolunthunathan Pathmanathan
1249 Ambler Ave
STE 200
Abilene, TX 79601
(325) 677-2626

Abilene Endoscopy Center & Gastroenterology Associates
Gary D Roark
1249 Ambler Ave
STE 200
Abilene, TX 79601
(325) 677-2626

San Angelo, Texas

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San Angelo, Texas

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 San Angelo

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby San Angelo Hospitals *

Shannon Medical Center Memorial Campus
120 E Harris St
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325)653-6741

Shannon Medical Center St John's Campus
2018 Pulliam St
San Angelo, TX 76905
(325)659-7100

San Angelo Community Medical Center
3501 Knickerbocker Rd
San Angelo, TX 76904
(325)949-9511

Ballinger Memorial Hospital
608 Ave B
Ballinger, TX 76821
(325)365-2531

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