A hernia happens when part of your body protrudes into another. A paraesophageal hernia is a type of hiatal hernia, which forms at the opening of the diaphragm where the food pipe, or esophagus, joins the stomach. When part of the stomach gets caught in the chest or begins wrapping around itself, it is called a paraesophageal hernia. While hiatal hernias generally do not cause symptoms, those that do are likely paraesophageal hernias.
General Hiatal Hernia Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, general hiatal hernia symptoms can be vague digestive problems. They include heartburn, belching, chest discomfort, and upset stomach. These are caused by acids backing up into the stomach.
Paraesophageal Hernia Symptoms
Paraesophageal hernias may have more severe symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. These include severe chest pain and difficulty swallowing (a condition called dysphagia). Paraesophageal hernias may also obstruct the food pipe. This happens when there is strangulation of the stomach or a loss of blood supply to the part that has become twisted.
Causes
Doctors haven't determined precisely what causes hiatal hernias, but they do know that they can form as the result of an injury, or because the person naturally has a weakness in the area, or a large hiatal opening. According to the Mayo Clinic, anything that puts strain on the abdomen can cause a hernia to develop.
Diagnosis
Patients with paraesophageal hernias generally have more severe symptoms, so if a patient goes to the doctor complaining of severe chest pain or trouble swallowing, the doctor may determine that the hernia is paraesophageal.
Treatment
Paraesophageal hernias sometimes require surgery, according to the National Institutes of Health. Two popular options include open repair, where the surgeon cuts into the abdomen and corrects the problem, and laparoscopic repair, where the surgeon makes a few small cuts and repairs the problem using a laparoscope, a thin tube with a very small camera on the tip. Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive and often helps patients recover faster.
