HIATUS HERNIA

WHAT IS HIATUS HERNIA?

Hiatus hernia is the protrusion of the upper part of the stomach into the chest through the weakness or tear in the diaphragm.

Diaphragm is a large thin sheet of muscle between the chest and the abdomen.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF HIATUS HERNIA?

There are two types of hiatus hernia

1.SLIDING HIATUS HERNIA

Sliding hiatus hernia occurs when the junction between the stomach and the esophagus slides up through the esophagus hiatus during the movement of increased pressure in the abdominal cavity.

When the pressure is relieved the stomach falls back down to its normal position.

2. PARAESOPHAGEAL HIATUS HERNIA

In this type of hernia, there is no sliding of the stomach.Instead the stomach remains stuck in the chest cavity.The stomach remains in the chest at all times.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF THE HIATUS HERNIA?

The main cause of hiatus hernia is increased abdominal pressure,

  • Heavy lifting and over bending
  • Frequent or hard coughing
  • Hard sneezing
  • Excessive vomiting
  • Pregnancy and delivery
  • Constipation
  • Obesity

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HIATUS HERNIA?

If a person has hiatus hernia, they might have following signs and symptoms;

  • Heartburn sensation
  • Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth
  • Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Chest or abdominal pain
  • Feeling full soon after eating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Vomiting of blood
  • Passing of black stools which indicates gastrointestinal bleeding

HOW TO DIAGNOSE HIATUS HERNIA?

Various tests are used to diagnose hiatus hernia,the following tests are taken;

  • X-Ray of upper digestive system
  • Esophagram
  • Upper endoscopy
  • Barium swallow test
  • Esophageal manometry

    • WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF HIATUS HERNIA?

    If left untreated it might leads to various severe complications like,

  • Difficulty to eat
  • Infection of esophagus(food pipe)
  • Esophageal stricture
  • Gastroesophageal reflex
  • Continuous heart burning sensation
  • Bleeding

    • ARE HIATUS HERNIAS REVERSIBLE?

    Hernias do not disappear. Over time, they typically grow worse.

    The hernia won’t necessarily cause you issues, though. It’s possible that you won’t require treatment if your hiatus hernia never gives you any symptoms.

    However, if it develops, you could expect that these symptoms will persist and even get worse. Mild acid reflux may be treatable with medication.

    However, you could require surgical treatment if your condition is more serious.

    HOW TO TREAT OF HIATUS HERNIA?

    MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

    • Medicines to control the stomach acid are given.
    • Antacids help lessen the acid in your stomach
    • H-2 receptor blockers or proton pump inhibitors can reduce stomach acid production.
    • Prokinetics help strengthen the muscle that prevents stomach acid from backing up into your esophagus, the esophageal sphincter. They also aid in the esophageal muscles’ function and aid in stomach emptying.

    SURGICAL MANAGEMENT

    A surgeon will advise you on surgery based on the stage of your Hiatal hernia.

    HIATUS HERNIA REPAIR

    The enlarged hiatus, the gap in the diaphragm through which the oesophagus passes to reach the stomach, is tightened and reduced in size during this operation using sutures and prosthetic mesh.

    It treats early-stage hiatal hernias and stops your stomach from protruding through the hiatus.

    LAPAROSCOPIC FUNDOPLICATION

    The upper piece of the stomach, known as the fundus, is wrapped around the lower segment of the esophagus using sutures in this technique to retain the stomach in place below the diaphragmatic hiatus. Your esophagus’s end is compressed by the sutures, which stops food and stomach acid from ascending.

    LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS

    Lifestyle modifications are very important in the management of hiatus hernia which includes,

  • Avoid increased intra abdominal pressure
  • Avoid lifting weight
  • Avoid constipation
  • Avoid stooping forward
  • Avoid straining for urination
  • Avoid chronic cough

    • DR.KUMAR has a huge experience in treating patients with hiatus hernia and he is an expert in the field of LAPAROSCOPIC HIATUS HERNIA REPAIR.

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