sliding hiatus hernia

Last reviewed 06/2021

The sliding or axial hiatus hernia is characterized by displacement of the gastro-oesophageal junction and some portion of the stomach (usually the gastric cardia) above the diaphragm.

  • the result is a symmetrical, bell-like dilatation of part of the stomach within the thoracic cavity
  • there is a widening of the oesophageal hiatus and  weakening of the phrenoesophageal  ligament
  • orientation of the stomach axis remains unchanged (1,2)

A sliding hiatus hernia is of no significance unless accompanied by abnormal gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD).

  • symptoms of GORD worsens with increasing size of the sliding hiatal hernia (1).

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