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Hiatal Hernia Center - Twin Falls, ID

Twin Falls 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 Twin Falls *

St Lukes Clinic Gastroenterology
Ted L Rea
141 Morrison St
Gastroenterology
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 732-3030

St Lukes Clinic Gastroenterology
Kent L Smith
141 Morrison St
Gastroenterology
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 732-3030

St Lukes Clinic Gastroenterology
Robert M Ward
141 Morrison St
Gastroenterology
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 732-3030

St Lukes Clinic Gastroenterology
Seth N Wheeler
141 Morrison St
Gastroenterology
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 732-3030

Twin Falls, Idaho

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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 Twin Falls

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Twin Falls Hospitals *

Canyon View Psychiatric & Addiction Services
228 Shoup Ave W
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208)734-6760

Magic Valley Regional Medical Center
650 Addison Ave W
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208)737-2000

St Benedicts Family Medical Center
709 N Lincoln Ave
Jerome, ID 83338
(208)324-4301

Gooding County Memorial Hospital
1120 Montana St
Gooding, ID 83330
(208)934-4433

Cassia Regional Medical Center
1501 Hiland Ave
Burley, ID 83318
(208)678-4444

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