ANSWER: A hiatal hernia (“hiatus” means “gap” in Latin), also called an esophageal or paraoesophageal hernia, is when the hole in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes is larger ...

Despite the scene in Friends where Joey develops an agonizing hernia, not all hernias are painful. A hiatal hernia, which affects 50 percent of adults over age 50, won’t often directly cause pain.

Dr. David A. Napoliello has had a special interest in hernias for nearly 20 years. As an original consultant for the Origin Corp., a pioneer in laparoscopic hernia repair, he helped train other ...

Most hiatal hernias are thought to be congenital, meaning you were born with the propensity to have a larger-than-needed hole in the diaphragm. Most people with this condition have no symptoms and ...

A hiatal hernia is important mainly because it often promotes acid reflux (i.e., gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) by weakening the complex valve (known as the lower esophageal sphincter, or ...

I have never seen a type 4 hiatal hernia, in which the defect is so large that the stomach AND other abdominal organs — such as the colon, spleen, pancreas or small intestine — are present in ...

For hiatal hernias, symptoms might include acid reflux, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing. Diagnosis and treatment If you suspect you have a hernia, a visit to the doctor is in order.

Secondary Source JAMA Surgery Source Reference: Patti MG, Herbella FAM "Mesh and hiatal hernia repair -- the never-ending saga" JAMA Surg 2023; DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2023.4965.

Another way hiatal hernias can cause GERD is pressure from gastric contents becoming trapped in the hernial sac. To reduce GERD, be mindful of the position of your stomach as you eat.

Recovery from hiatal hernia surgery usually takes four to six weeks, but many patients feel better very quickly after surgery and can even return to work in one to two weeks. You can expect to spend ...