What’s A Paraesophageal Hernia

Paraesophageal hernia is a type of hiatus hernia. It is also called type II hiatus hernia. It accounts for 3-5% of all hiatus hernias.

In this type of hiatus hernia, the gastroesophgeal junction is at the normal position at the level of the diaphragm. The stomach herniates alongside the esophagus in to the chest cavity.

Unlike the sliding type of hiatus hernia, paraesophageal hernia is often symptomatic. In paraesophageal hernia, the entire stomach and sometimes even the intestine and spleen may herniated. Complications like obstruction and volvulus can occur. In volvulus, the structures get twisted causing symptoms.

Written by admin on June 6th, 2008 with no comments.
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