A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach pushes up through the opening. You may not even know this has happened if only a small part of your stomach pokes through, particularly if it quickly returns to its normal position.

Hiatal Hernia Risk Factors

There are several risk factors that can contribute to or trigger the development of a hiatal hernia. These include:

• Injury to the area
• Having an unusually large hiatus (opening of the diaphragm) from birth
• Persistent and intense pressure on the surrounding muscles. This can be caused by coughing, vomiting, straining during a bowel movement, heavy lifting or pregnancy.
• Weakening of the diaphragm due to age or pregnancy.
• Being a woman
• Being over the age of 50
• Being overweight

Sliding Hiatal Hernia

A sliding hiatal hernia, which is the more common type, occurs when the stomach and conjoining section of esophagus push up through the hiatus.

Paraesophageal Hernia

A paraesophageal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes up through the hiatus to sit beside the esophagus. This type of hiatal hernia is rarer but potentially more dangerous, as the portion of the stomach can become trapped and ‘strangled’, losing its blood supply.

Hiatal Hernia Treatment

Surgery is not always performed unless there is a danger of damage to the stomach or esophagus, but it may be considered if GERD symptoms or pain are severe.

Medications to reduce acid reflux, such as proton pump inhibitors, antacids and H2 blockers, are normally used to alleviate symptoms.

Fundoplication Procedure

If surgery is required, the primary technique used is fundoplication, which is usually done laparoscopically (i.e. through small slits in the abdomen rather than through a large incision).