Hiatal Hernia in Tulsa, OK
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Find a ProviderWhat is a hiatal hernia?
Your diaphragm is a muscle above your stomach, and your esophagus passes through an opening (hiatus) in your diaphragm to connect to your stomach. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach pushes up through the opening. You may not even know this has happened if only a small part of your stomach pokes through, particularly if it quickly returns to its normal position.
However, a large or persistent hiatal hernia can allow food and/or acid to back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn and potentially GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). If you are in Tulsa, OK, and think you are experiencing a hiatal hernia, request a consultation at your nearest Adult Gastroenterology Associates office today.
What risks are associated with a hiatal hernia?
There are several risk factors that can contribute to or trigger the development of a hiatal hernia. These include:
- Injury to the area
- Having an unusually large hiatus (opening of the diaphragm) from birth
- Persistent and intense pressure on the surrounding muscles. This can be caused by coughing, vomiting, straining during a bowel movement, heavy lifting or pregnancy.
- Weakening of the diaphragm due to age or pregnancy.
- Being a woman
- Being over the age of 50
- Being overweight
Are there different types of hiatal hernias?
There are two types of hiatal hernias. Classifying your hiatal hernia is best done by a GI specialist. Sliding, which is the most common type, and paraesophageal, which is rare.
Sliding Hiatal Hernia
A sliding hiatal hernia, which is the more common type, occurs when the stomach and conjoining section of the esophagus pushes up through the hiatus.
Paraesophageal Hernia
A paraesophageal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes up through the hiatus to sit beside the esophagus. This type of hiatal hernia is rarer but potentially more dangerous, as the portion of the stomach can become trapped and ‘strangled’, losing its blood supply.
Both types of hiatal hernias can lead to more serious conditions. If you think you are experiencing signs of a hiatal hernia, request a consultation with a GI provider at one of our Adult Gastroenterology Associates locations today.
What treatments are available for a hiatal hernia?
A hiatal hernia can be treated by medication to manage symptoms or, in more severe cases, surgery. Medications to reduce acid reflux, such as proton pump inhibitors, antacids, and H2 blockers, are normally used to alleviate symptoms. Surgery is not always performed unless there is a danger of damage to the stomach or esophagus, but it may be considered if GERD symptoms or pain are severe.
Fundoplication Procedure
If surgery is required, the primary technique used is fundoplication, which is usually done laparoscopically (i.e. through small slits in the abdomen rather than through a large incision).
During this procedure, the upper part of your stomach is wrapped right around the lower end of the esophagus and fixed in place, strengthening the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). This can be successful, but some people may need to have the surgery repeated later.
Seek treatment for a hiatal hernia
If you think your symptoms are pointing toward a hiatal hernia, help is not far away. Our providers at Adult Gastroenterology Associates are standing by to help give your relief from your hiatal hernia. If left untreated, your hernia symptoms can result in more severe GI problems. Contact one of our Tulsa, OK locations to start your path to healing.
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