A paraesophageal hernia is a type of hiatal hernia that is present in the upper portion of the stomach; it happens when a weak spot is present in the diaphragm wall. More specifically it occurs when the stomach protrudes through the esophageal hiatus; this is the hole in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes. It is also known as rolling hiatal hernia. It is one of the two types of hiatal or hiatus hernias, the other one being sliding hiatus hernia. The latter is the more common type and accounts for as much as 95% of the hiatal hernia cases.
Diagnosis of paraesophageal hernia is made through endoscopy, radiography, and manometry. Because the symptoms of the condition are not unique to it, it is important that other probable causes of the symptoms be eliminated. Chest pain, acid reflux, and heart palpitations are some of the symptoms that appear. Often, this type of hernia can exist without any signs or symptoms. Basically, this is quite a rare form of hernia that can take a long time, often years to develop. There is no firm known cause of paraesophageal hernia. Smoking and lifting heavy weights are risk factors, as is obesity. If the hernia develops into a strangulated or constricted one then immediate surgery is required.
Paraesophageal hernia can be treated laparoscopically; in fact, this mode of treatment is preferred wherever possible as the recovery time for the patient is less; surgery trauma is less; and the patient can leave the hospital sooner. He can return to work sooner. In short, there is minimal interference with lifestyle. The exception may be for cases of giant paraesophageal hernia that are treated with open surgery. If you experience persistent heartburn, dysphagia, and nausea you should consider a diagnosis for paraesophageal hernia. Left to itself the condition only grows worse and the amount of skill required to treat such a herniated stomach is not insignificant.
The doctors have to handle the herniated stomach with care otherwise tears and perforations can occur. It is very important that while the herniated stomach is released and the tear repaired, there should not be any touching of the pleural spaces. This surgery is performed close to the vital organs and requires a lot of care. The surgeon has to take a call on whether a mesh should be placed to support the weakened diaphragm muscles. Usually placing a mesh is not a problem by itself but the mesh will act as a hindrance to a surgical effort in the region in future.
Minimally invasive surgery to treat paraesophageal hernia is recommended but should only be done by experienced surgeons. The surgeon should also be open to converting it to an open surgery if any complications arise that cannot be rectified laparoscopically.
Tim Laker takes keen interest in the field of laparoscopic surgery and occasionally writes on the subject.
Diagnosis of paraesophageal hernia is made through endoscopy, radiography, and manometry. Because the symptoms of the condition are not unique to it, it is important that other probable causes of the symptoms be eliminated. Chest pain, acid reflux, and heart palpitations are some of the symptoms that appear. Often, this type of hernia can exist without any signs or symptoms. Basically, this is quite a rare form of hernia that can take a long time, often years to develop. There is no firm known cause of paraesophageal hernia. Smoking and lifting heavy weights are risk factors, as is obesity. If the hernia develops into a strangulated or constricted one then immediate surgery is required.
Paraesophageal hernia can be treated laparoscopically; in fact, this mode of treatment is preferred wherever possible as the recovery time for the patient is less; surgery trauma is less; and the patient can leave the hospital sooner. He can return to work sooner. In short, there is minimal interference with lifestyle. The exception may be for cases of giant paraesophageal hernia that are treated with open surgery. If you experience persistent heartburn, dysphagia, and nausea you should consider a diagnosis for paraesophageal hernia. Left to itself the condition only grows worse and the amount of skill required to treat such a herniated stomach is not insignificant.
The doctors have to handle the herniated stomach with care otherwise tears and perforations can occur. It is very important that while the herniated stomach is released and the tear repaired, there should not be any touching of the pleural spaces. This surgery is performed close to the vital organs and requires a lot of care. The surgeon has to take a call on whether a mesh should be placed to support the weakened diaphragm muscles. Usually placing a mesh is not a problem by itself but the mesh will act as a hindrance to a surgical effort in the region in future.
Minimally invasive surgery to treat paraesophageal hernia is recommended but should only be done by experienced surgeons. The surgeon should also be open to converting it to an open surgery if any complications arise that cannot be rectified laparoscopically.
Tim Laker takes keen interest in the field of laparoscopic surgery and occasionally writes on the subject.
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