The topic Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Hiatal Hernia.

Quick Summary:

• When a part or whole of an internal organ (or tissues) protrudes through weak areas of the adjoining muscles or connective tissues, the condition is termed as a hernia. Hernia occurs through the weakened area, whenever there is increased pressure or strain on it. They most commonly occur in the abdomen region
• Medically, there are various types of hernia and the most common ones include:
  • Inguinal hernia
  • Incisional hernia
  • Femoral hernia
  • Umbilical hernia
  • Hiatal hernia          
• A Hiatal Hernia occurs when the upper portion of the stomach (or any abdominal structure other than the esophagus) enters into the chest cavity (thorax). It enters through the diaphragm, which is a muscular tissue separating the abdomen and chest. The word ‘hiatus’ means a gap in an anatomical region; in hiatal hernia, it is the diaphragm
• Though the exact cause and mechanism is unknown, it may be caused by elevated pressure in the abdomen due to frequent coughing, stressful bowel movements (such as during constipation), and many other factors. Hiatal Hernia is a very common disorder in the elderly
• The signs and symptoms of Hiatal Hernia could include abdominal pain, burping, hiccups, swallowing difficulties, coughing, aspiration of food particles into the lungs, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Asymptomatic Hiatal Hernias may not require any treatment and the prognosis is good in such cases. But, if the symptoms continue to aggravate, or if other complications develop, then a surgery may be proposed

There are four types of Hiatal Hernias. The classification is important, because the indications for treatment differ with the different types.

• Type I Hiatal Hernia: A sliding Hiatal Hernia occurs when the gastroesophageal junction (the part where the esophagus meets the stomach) slides above the diaphragm, along with the small top portion (cardia) of the stomach. This type accounts for about 95% of all the cases
• Type II Hiatal Hernia: A fixed Hiatal Hernia occurs when part of the stomach (fundus) protrudes through the esophageal hiatus (the hole in the diaphragm through which the esophagus and vagus nerve pass through). The stomach and esophagus remain in the normal anatomical position below the diaphragm. This type accounts for about 5% of the cases
• Type III Hiatal Hernia: This is a rare kind of Hiatal Hernia and is a combination of types I and II
• Type IV Hiatal Hernia: This is another rare type that is associated with a large defect in the diaphragm, allowing other organs, such as the colon, spleen, pancreas, and small intestine, to enter into the chest cavity

Note:

• Types II, III, and IV are called Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernias
• The overall prognosis of commonly occurring hiatal hernias is generally good

Please find comprehensive information on Hiatal Hernia regarding definition, distribution, risk factors, causes, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, prognosis, and additional useful information HERE.