Diaphragmatic Hernias (Hiatal Hernias) Treatment in NYC
If you’re suffering from severe pain, difficulty swallowing, GERD, heartburn, and/or other symptoms listed below, you may have a diaphragmatic (hiatal) hernia. Dr. Mark Reiner is an expert at treating diaphragmatic hernias and has performed thousands of advanced laparoscopic hiatal hernia surgeries. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Reiner, a global expert in minimally-invasive hernia repair, at his private practice in NYC to return to a pain-free life.
What Is A Diaphragmatic Hernia?
A diaphragmatic hernia is a type of hiatal hernia that causes food and acid to back up into the esophagus through your diaphragm up into your chest. Your diaphragm is the portion of your body that separates your chest and abdominal section and helps you breathe. When a hiatal hernia is present, parts of your abdominal organs are able to move up into the chest cavity through the diaphragm. This can cause severe pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other serious health complications when it is left untreated.
Hiatal Hernia Causes
A hiatal, or diaphragmatic, hernia occurs when your muscles weaken and allow your stomach to enter the chest through the diaphragm. Your diaphragm is a round muscle that separates the abdomen and chest cavity. A small hole in the diaphragm, called the hiatus, allows the esophagus to pass through to the stomach. When the hiatus is enlarged or the diaphragm muscles are weak, the stomach can sometimes push through the diaphragm and into the esophagus area.
Diaphragmatic Hernia Symptoms
A hiatal hernia can occur without causing any signs or symptoms in a patient. However, when the hernia is larger, it can cause:
- Extreme pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Vomiting blood
- Passing black stools
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Shortness of breath on exercise
Who Is At Risk For Developing A Diaphragmatic Hernia?
There is no exact cause for a hiatal hernia, but you may be more likely to suffer from the condition if you:
- Are pregnant
- Are older in age
- Have suffered from a traumatic injury
- Have had previous upper abdominal surgery
- Are overweight
Diaphragmatic Hernia Diagnosis
A diagnosis will be made using diagnosed using X-ray, CT scan or contrast study of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Diaphragmatic Hernia Treatment
Hiatal hernia treatment usually involves surgery to reduce the organs that have slipped into the chest cavity back into the abdomen. The enlarged hole in the diaphragm must be sutured closed in order to prevent re-herniation. A concurrent operation to treat gastroesophageal reflux may also be performed. Dr. Mark Reiner, an experienced New York hernia doctor, can provide advanced laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair to repair your hernia and help prevent repeated hernias from occurring.
Schedule Your Diaphragmatic Hernia Consultation Today!
If you are suffering from an hiatal hernia, the first step to improving your health and getting back to your regular pain-free life is to schedule a consultation with a hiatal hernia surgery specialist. Dr. Mark Reiner is a top surgeon in the field of minimally invasive hernia repair, and has performed thousands of successful hernia operations. Contact Dr. Reiner today by calling 212.879.6677 or filling out the form on this page.