Hiatus Hernia

Definition :-

A type of hernia in which part of the stomach protrudes up through the esophageal opening of the Diaphragm.Hiatus hernia is an anatomical abnormality in which the part of the stomach protrudes up through the diaphragm into the chest.

Causes:-

   The exact cause is unknown.It may be due to ,

• Increased pressure within the abdominal cavity. It may be due to - Heavy lifting,Pregnancy,Ascites,Frequent or hard coughing,Boilent vomiting,Starving.
• Weak LES
• Obesity
• Aging

Types:-

1. type 1st :- Sliding Hiatus Hernia :-

• Herniation of both the stomach and gastro-esophageal function in thorax.
• most common type of hiatus hernia (90%).

      2.Type 2nd :- Paraesophageal Hiatus Hernia :-

• It is also known as rolling hiatus hernia.
• Herniation of all or part of stomach through the esophagus into the thorax,with an undisplaced G.E.junction.
• It is less common (10%).

Clinical Features :-

1. In most of cases hiatus hernia remains asymptomatic,the disease discovers accidentally.
2. the clinical feature are :-

• Heart burn.
• Dull chest pain. 
• Shortness of breath.
• Regurgitation.
• Disphasia.
• Palpitaion.
• Reteosternal chest pain.

Diagnosis :-

• Endoscopy.
• Barium swallow X-ray.
• Chest X-ray.
• C.T. scan.

Complications :-

• GERD (most common).
• Esophagitis.
• Esophageal ulcer.
• Aspiration pneumonia.
• Perforation (cutting of mucus membrane).