gastrointestinal disorders
Hiatus Hernia
Pathophysiology of Hiatus Hernia
There are 2 main types of hiatus hernia: Sliding hiatus hernia (most common): Gastroesophageal junction and a portion of the stomach are above the diaphragm. Paraesophageal hiatus hernia: Gastroesophageal junction is in the normal location, but a portion of the stomach is adjacent to the esophagus in the diaphragmatic hiatus. Hernias may also occur through other parts of the diaphragm ( see Diaphragmatic Hernia ). A hiatus hernia is an abnormal bulging of a portion of the stomach through the diaphragm. A sliding hiatus hernia is common and is an incidental finding on x-ray in>40% of the population; therefore, the relationship of hernia to symptoms is unclear. Although most patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have some degree of hiatus hernia,<50% of patients with hiatus hernia have GERD. 