Common gastroenterological problems. II.--Sliding hiatus hernia

A sliding hiatus hernia is a common radiological finding and is not always relevant to the patient's symptoms. The possibility of an alternative explantation for the complaint of retrosternal pain or dyspepsia should always be considered, and when anaemia is present the site of occult blood loss is often lower in the gastrointestinal tract. The majority of patient's with symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux can be controlled with medical measures. Surgical intervention in cases of uncomplicated hiatus hernia should be recommended only after careful preoperative assessment and even then a satisfactory result cannot be absolutely guaranteed.