The relation of hiatal hernia to gastroesophageal reflux disease

Dustin A. Carlson, John E. Pandolfino*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The normal anti-reflux barrier of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) is a complex anatomical region. The axial displacement of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) from the crural diaphragm that occurs with a hiatal hernia results in both anatomic and physiologic alterations that increase the susceptibility to gastroesophageal reflux (GER). The crural diaphragm acts as a sling around the GEJ that helps maintain GEJ closure by providing external compression and maintaining the "flap-valve" conformation of the GEJ. Increased GEJ distensibility in the presence of a hiatal hernia also increases susceptibility to flow of refluxate. In addition, the hiatal hernia sac can harbor acidic fluid that has the potential to re-reflux during subsequent swallows and consequently impairs normal esophageal acid clearance. The findings described in this chapter highlight the importance of an intact GEJ, which is disrupted in the presence of a HH, in preventing GER.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAntireflux Surgery
PublisherSpringer New York
Pages53-59
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781493917495
ISBN (Print)9781493917488
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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