aetiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

Aetiology of para-oesophageal hernia is unclear.

  • it is most often due to an increased abdominal pressure, which itself has a variety of causes - principally pregnancy and labour; large ovarian cysts; increasing weight; straining at stool in chronic constipation, etc.
  • an association with previous gastroesophageal surgery (antireflux procedures, esophagomyotomy, partial gastrectomy) has also  been recognized
  • thoracoabdominal trauma such as motor vehicle incidents or falls from a height may also result in paraesophageal hernia (1)

In children most paraesophageal hernias are associated with congenital defects (1).

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