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Hiatus Hernia

Understanding various colon and rectum conditions and their treatment approaches

Hiatus Hernia

Hiatus Hernia

Overview

Hiatus Hernia is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach bulges or squeezes through the opening in the diaphragm (large muscle separating chest and abdomen) into the chest. The opening is where the food pipe (esophagus) passes on its way to the stomach.

A small Hiatus Hernia has almost no signs and symptoms and may be discovered accidentally during other workup. However, large hiatus hernia may allow food & acid to go back in esophagus causing Heartburn. Since most people with hiatus hernia do not have any symptoms, they wont need any treatment. However if the hernia is large and if one experience recurrent heartburn, acid reflux or breathing discomfort, treatment may be needed.

Treatment Options

1
No treatment needed if no symptoms (small hiatus hernia)
2
Lifestyle modification - first step advised to control symptoms
3
Eating small frequent meals
4
Avoid fatty/fried/spicy foods
5
Eating at least 2 hours before bedtime
6
Elevate head end of bed by upto 6 inches
7
Maintain healthy weight
8
Quit smoking
9
Proton pump inhibitors - block acid production and heal esophagus
10
Laparoscopic surgery - for large hiatus with persistent severe symptoms
11
Surgery pulls herniated stomach back in abdomen
12
Making abnormally large opening in diaphragm smaller to prevent future recurrent herniation
Dr. Nikhil Agrawal

About Author

Dr. Nikhil Agrawal
MS, MCh

Dr. Nikhil Agrawal is a leading GI-HPB Surgical Oncologist with 20+ years of experience in complex cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. He leads the GI-HPB Oncology Program at Apollo Hospitals, Delhi and Gurugram, with expertise in advanced robotic and laparoscopic cancer surgery.

His practice focuses on evidence-based, multidisciplinary care with an emphasis on individualized treatment and long-term outcomes.

He trained at BHU, SGPGI Lucknow, AIIMS New Delhi, and SNUBH, South Korea, and is a robotic surgery proctor who trains surgeons in advanced GI-HPB cancer surgery. He is also regularly invited as faculty at national and international scientific meetings.

This website helps patients and families understand GI and HPB diseases and cancers, treatment options, and what to expect during recovery and long-term care.

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Anatomical Diagram

Hiatus Hernia