Hiatal hernia

<B>Hiatal hernia:</B> An anatomical abnormality in which part of the stomach protrudes up through the diaphragm into the chest.</P> NTER><IMG height=700 alt='Hiatal Hernia' src='http://images.medicinenet.com/images/illustrations/stomach_diagram.jpg' width=360 vspace=8 border=0></CENTER> Normally, the esophagus passes down through the chest, crosses the diaphragm, enters the abdomen through a hole in the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus and joins the stomach just below the diaphragm.

When there is a hiatal hernia, the opening of the esophageal hiatus is larger than normal and a part of the stomach slips up or passes (herniates) through the hiatus and into the chest.</P> This type of hernia can be congenital (present at birth).

More often it is acquired over the years.

Symptoms usually start with a tingling or burning sensation, although patients may be able to see a bulge where the hernia is located.

If extreme pain is present, emergency surgery may be needed.

Treatment is via conventional or laproscopic (minimally invasive) surgery.