Hiatus hernia

Hiatus hernia
Protrusion of the stomach up into the opening normally occupied by the esophagus in the diaphragm, the great dome of muscle that separates the thoracic (chest) cavity from the abdomen. 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. This type of hernia can be congenital (present at birth). More often it may be acquired (develop) 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. "Hiatus" in Latin means "an opening, gaping mouth, or chasm" which came from the verb "hiare" meaning "to gape or yawn." Therefore, a "hiatus" is a gaping opening in something, such as the opening of a cave in a cliff or a major interruption (hole) in a conversation. In this case, hiatus (or hiatal) refers to the opening in the diaphragm.

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hiatus hernia n HIATAL HERNIA

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Medical dictionary. 2011.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Hiatus hernia — Ventricular hernia Classification and external resources ICD 10 K44, Q40.1 …   Wikipedia

  • hiatus hernia — noun hernia resulting from the protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm • Syn: ↑hiatal hernia, ↑diaphragmatic hernia • Hypernyms: ↑hernia, ↑herniation * * * hiˌatus ˈhernia 7 [hiatus hernia] …   Useful english dictionary

  • hiatus hernia — noun see hiatal hernia …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • hiatus hernia — Pathol. an abnormal condition in which part of the stomach protrudes upward through the esophageal cleft in the diaphragm, sometimes causing a backflow of acid stomach contents into the esophagus. Also, hiatal hernia. * * * …   Universalium

  • hiatus hernia — (also hiatal hernia) noun Medicine the protrusion of an organ (usually the stomach) through the oesophageal opening in the diaphragm …   English new terms dictionary

  • hiatus hernia — see hernia …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • hiatus hernia — /haɪˌeɪtəs ˈhɜniə/ (say huy.aytuhs herneeuh) noun herniation of a part of the stomach through the oesophageal hiatus, often causing heartburn …  

  • hiatus hernia — hia′tus (or hia′tal) her′nia n. pat protrusion of part of the stomach through the esophageal cleft of the diaphragm …   From formal English to slang

  • hiatus hernia —     An upwards protrusion of the stomach through the diaphragm wall. It is particularly common in women in their fourth and fifth decades …   Herbal-medical glossary

  • Hernia — Classification and external resources Frontal chest X ray showing a hernia of Morgagni ICD 10 K …   Wikipedia

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