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Hiatal Hernia

What is a Hiatal Hernia?

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is a large muscle that helps with breathing and separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. Normally, the stomach sits below the diaphragm, but in cases of a hiatal hernia, part of the stomach bulges through an opening (called the hiatus) into the chest. Hiatal hernias are common and can lead to symptoms of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernias often cause symptoms similar to acid reflux or GERD, including:

Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, especially after eating or when lying down.

Regurgitation: The backflow of food or stomach acid into the throat or mouth.

Difficulty Swallowing: Known as dysphagia, which can occur due to inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus.

Chest Pain: Sometimes mistaken for heart-related issues, but actually due to irritation from the hernia.

Chronic Cough or Sore Throat: Ongoing irritation from acid reflux caused by the hernia.

In some cases, people with hiatal hernias may not experience any symptoms at all and may be diagnosed during testing for other conditions.

Causes and Risk Factors​

Hiatal hernias can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Aging: The diaphragm muscles weaken as we age, making hiatal hernias more likely.

Increased Pressure in the Abdomen: This can occur due to obesity, pregnancy, or chronic coughing.

Injury or Trauma: Physical trauma to the diaphragm can cause a hernia to develop.

Congenital Issues: Some individuals are born with an unusually large hiatus, increasing the risk of a hiatal hernia.

Diagnosing a Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernias are often diagnosed through imaging tests such as an X-ray, barium swallow, or endoscopy. These tests help visualize the hernia and determine its size and position within the chest cavity.

Treatments for a Hiatal Hernia

While small hiatal hernias may not require treatment, larger or symptomatic hernias often need medical or surgical intervention. At Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics, we offer a range of treatments, focusing on minimally invasive options such as laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery.

Lifestyle Changes: For mild cases, lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, avoiding trigger foods, and not lying down after eating may alleviate symptoms.

Medications: Acid-reducing medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antacids, can help manage symptoms of acid reflux or GERD.

Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair: This minimally invasive surgery involves small incisions and the use of a camera to guide the repair of the hernia. The surgeon will pull the stomach back into place and may tighten the hiatus or reinforce it with a mesh patch. This procedure offers a quicker recovery and less post-operative discomfort compared to open surgery.

What Happens If Left Untreated?​

If left untreated, a hiatal hernia can lead to worsening symptoms such as chronic acid reflux (GERD), esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), or esophageal strictures (narrowing of the esophagus). In rare cases, a portion of the stomach may become trapped in the chest cavity, cutting off its blood supply, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery.

Schedule a Consultation

If you have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia or are experiencing symptoms of acid reflux, contact Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics today to schedule a consultation. Our team will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.

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  • Schertz Clinic
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