Hiatus Hernia

Hiatus Hernias occur when part of the stomach protrudes or bulges through the hiatus in the diaphragm. There is know known cause of hiatus hernias but there are contributing factors (see list below).

A Video about Laparoscopic Hiatus Hernia Repair

Symptoms

Generally Hiatus Hernias demonstrate no obvious symptoms. Sometimes a patient might experience pain and discomfort in the form of reflux or gastric acid, air or bile. This type of hernia can also mimic other serious types of illnesses but is generally non life threatening. Symptoms include:

Dulls pain in the chest
shortness of breath
heart palpitations (caused by irritation of the vagus nerve)

Causes

Some factors which contribute to Hiatus Hernia include:

Heavy lifting or bending ove to pick up something
Violent or frequent coughing or sneezing
Delivery and pregnancy
Straining when going to the toilet
Violent Vomiting
Family history of hernias
Smoking
Drug use
Stress

Repair

Repair of a Hiatus Hernia is best carried out laparoscopically and involves wrapping of the upper part of the stomach around the inferior part of the esophagus which prevents herniation of the stomach through the hiatus in the diaphragm. When performed laparoscopically this procedure has low complication rates and a very speedy recovery time.