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Hiatal Hernia Center - Savannah, GA

Savannah 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 Savannah *

Center for Digestive & Liver Health
Steven L Carpenter
1139 Lexington Ave
Savannah, GA 31404
(912) 303-4200

Center for Digestive & Liver Health
Charles W Duckworth
1139 Lexington Ave
Savannah, GA 31404
(912) 303-4200

Center for Digestive & Liver Health
Joseph M Hathaway
1139 Lexington Ave
Savannah, GA 31404
(912) 303-4200

Center for Digestive & Liver Health
Mark E Murphy
1139 Lexington Ave
Savannah, GA 31404
(912) 303-4200

Center for Digestive & Liver Health
Mark Nyce
1139 Lexington Ave
Savannah, GA 31404
(912) 303-4200

Center for Digestive & Liver Health
Edward Rydzak
1139 Lexington Ave
Savannah, GA 31404
(912) 303-4200

Center for Digestive & Liver Health
Ryan Wanamaker
1139 Lexington Ave
Savannah, GA 31404
(912) 303-4200

Jonathan C Glen MD
Jonathan C Glen
716 E 71st St
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 355-1533

Gastroenterology Consultants
Gregory D Borak
519 Stephenson Ave
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 354-9447

Gastroenterology Consultants
David M Chalikian
519 Stephenson Ave
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 354-9447

Ronald R Fagin MD
Ronald R Fagin
613 Stevenson Ave
STE 203
Savannah, GA 31415
(912) 354-3954

Gastroenterology Consultants
Branden Hunter
519 Stephenson Ave
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 354-9447

Gastroenterology Consultants
Frederick H Weber
519 Stephenson Ave
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 354-9447

Gastroenterology Consultants
Michael Weinman
519 Stephenson Ave
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 354-9447

Nicholas Costrini MD
Nicholas V Costrini
501 Eisenhower Dr
Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 354-2175

Statesboro Gastroenterology
Scot A Murray
1555 Brampton Ave
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 681-2007

East Georgia Gastroenterology Center
Rose L Cesar
1497 Fair Rd
STE 201
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 871-8500

Digestive Associates PC
Huitt E Mattox
3217 4th St
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 267-0058

Digestive Associates PC
Robin A Rittgers
3217 4th St
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 267-0058

Digestive Associates PC
Darrell E Schwertner
3217 4th St
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 267-0058

Digestive Associates PC
David Whitehead
3217 4th St
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 267-0058

Vantuil L Varges MD
Vantuil L Varges
96 B Lake Shore Dr
Saint Marys, GA 31558
(912) 882-2167

Savannah, Georgia

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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

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 Savannah

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Savannah Hospitals *

Memorial Health University Medical Center
4700 Waters Ave
Savannah, GA 31404
(912)350-8000

Select Specialty Hosptial of Savannah
5353 Reynolds St
Savannah, GA 31405
(912)819-7972

St Joseph's Candler Health System
5353 Reynolds St
Savannah, GA 31405
(912)819-6000

Coastal Harbor Treatment Center
1150 Cornell Ave
Savannah, GA 31406
(912)354-3911

Georgia Regional Hospital at Savannah
1915 Eisenhower Dr
Savannah, GA 31406
(912)356-2011

St Joseph's Hospital
11705 Mercy Blvd
Savannah, GA 31419
(912)819-4100

Coastal Carolina Medical Center
1000 Medical Center Dr
Hardeeville, SC 29927
(843)784-8000

Hilton Head Regional Medical Center
25 Hospital Center Blvd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843)681-6122

Effingham Hospital
459 Highway 119 S
Springfield, GA 31329
(912)754-6451

Beaufort Memorial Hospital
955 Ribaut Rd
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843)522-5200

Liberty Regional Medical Center
462 E G Miles Pkwy
Hinesville, GA 31313
(912)369-9400

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