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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Hiatal Hernia

Condition: Hiatal Hernia

Also called: Paraesophageal Hernia; Sliding Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is caused by the upper portion of the stomach pushing through the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen.  The diaphragm has a hole through which our food tube (esophagus) passes.  Sometimes, the esophagus and stomach bulge through this opening called the hiatus and put us at risk for several health issues. 

Hiatal hernias are divided into two groups.

  • Paraesophageal hernias are when a part of the stomach or the esophagus bulge into the diaphragm.  This condition is less common, and may not cause any symptoms for long periods.
  • Sliding hiatal hernias happen when the connection of the esophagus and stomach slides up through the hiatus and stays there. This is the more common type of hiatal hernia and may be found in as many as 1 in 4 adults by age 40.

Paraesophageal hernias may not need to be fixed if there are no symptoms or discomfort.  Sliding hiatal hernias may need to be repaired when changes to your diet, lifestyle (losing weight, not eating late into the night, sleeping on an incline or upright) and acid-reducing medications no longer control symptoms. 

Contents

  • Treatments & Procedures
  • Providers
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Treatments and Procedures Related to Hiatal Hernia

UAMS providers perform and prescribe a broad range of treatments and procedures, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Hernia surgery
  • Hiatal Hernia Repair

Providers Treating Hiatal Hernia

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Hiatal Hernia. Review each provider for availability.

Filter the Providers


Jason L. Muesse, M.D.

Jason L. Muesse, M.D. Vascular Surgeon

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Lauren E. Searcy, CNP Nurse Practitioner

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Areas of Expertise for Hiatal Hernia

Image of little boy having tummy examination by pediatrician at doctor's office.

Digestive Health

With highly skilled and trained specialists and the latest technology, UAMS Health's digestive health services are the most complete in the state.

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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