An Understanding of Hiatal Hernia

The term “Hernia” draws origin from the Greek latin word which means “tear” or “rupture”. Anatomically it refers to any abnormal protrusion of the abdominal contents.
A “Hiatal Hernia” therefore refers to the abnormal protrusion of the Gastrointestinal Tract through the opening (hiatus) within the diaphragm.
There are two main types of hiatal hernias: sliding hiatal hernias, and paraesophageal hiatal hernias.
Sliding hiatal hernias form when the stomach and the adjoining oesophagus slide up into the chest cavity through the diaphragm. It is more common.
Paraoesophgeal hernias are less common and it occurs when a portion of the stomach squeezes past the diaphragm and is lodged and strangulated in place beside the oesophagus. Such hernias can be asymptomatic but dangerous because the portion of stomach that is strangulated above the diaphragm will have a compromised blood supply.
In most cases, hiatal hernias are asymptomatic but sometimes patients might experience heartburn or reflux. While the two conditions appear to be linked, they do not independently cause the development of the other.