Hiatal hernia (diaphragmatic hernia)


A hiatal hernia is a widening of the esophageal opening through the diaphragm. They are diagnosed and treated by ZweiChirurgen at our “Competence centre for hernia surgery” in Switzerland in Basel, Zurich und Liestal.

A distinction is made between different degrees of severity (types I-IV), with type I hiatal hernia being the most common. In this case, the hernia is not particularly large, but the sphincter muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach no longer functions properly. This causes stomach acid to rise into the esophagus (so-called reflux), which can then trigger the typical heartburn (burning pain behind the breastbone). In most cases, treatment with acid blockers can help to alleviate the symptoms. In some cases, surgery is required.

In type II-IV hiatal hernias, abdominal organs (parts of the stomach, intestines) ascend through the hernia into the chest (thorax). The main symptoms here are a feeling of pressure, breathing difficulties, vomiting, etc. These hernias almost always require surgery.

The diagnosis is made by means of gastroscopy, CT and contrast swallowing. The treatment concept then depends on the symptoms and the type of hiatal hernia. If surgery is necessary, it is always performed using a minimally invasive approach.