Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
10:52
Laparoscopic Repair of Para-Esophageal Hernia Using Absorbable Biosynthetic Mesh
Published on: September 11, 2021
Summary
Symptomatic hiatal hernia can cause respiratory issues. Gastro-oesophageal reflux without hernia may lead to fibrous strictures, suggesting early surgical intervention is crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Surgical Science
Background:
- Symptomatic hiatal hernia can present with atypical respiratory symptoms.
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition with varied presentations.
- Fibrous strictures are a potential complication of untreated GERD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical manifestations of symptomatic hiatal hernia.
- To explore the association between GERD, hiatal hernia, and the development of esophageal strictures.
- To evaluate the potential benefits of surgical intervention for GERD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of eight cases with symptomatic hiatal hernia.
- Examination of 27 patients with GERD but without radiologically visible hiatal hernia.
- Clinical and radiological assessment of patient symptoms and conditions.
Main Results:
- Four hiatal hernia cases exhibited respiratory symptoms mimicking bronchitis or bronchopneumonia.
- Six patients with GERD (no visible hernia) developed fibrous strictures.
- No esophageal strictures were identified in patients with hiatal hernia.
Conclusions:
- Surgical follow-up or intervention for GERD is recommended to prevent stricture formation.
- Early management of GERD may avert progression to more severe complications.
- Respiratory symptoms can be an unusual presentation of hiatal hernia.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
01:25Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia is the abnormal protrusion of the stomach or other abdominal organs through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.Normally, the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) lies below the diaphragm and is supported by the phrenoesophageal membrane, the diaphragmatic crura, and connective tissues. Weakening of these structures—due to aging, congenital defects like a short esophagus, or increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing, obesity, pregnancy, or heavy...
01:11Pyloric Obstruction
Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
01:22Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...