Hiatal hernia is a condition where the upper part of the stomach moves up into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm muscle between the stomach and the esophagus. Normally, the stomach is located in the abdominal cavity, and the diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. However, when the opening in this muscle called the “hiatus,” through which the esophagus passes, enlarges or weakens, the stomach slides up through this opening into the chest cavity.

Hiatal hernia is usually a rare type of congenital diaphragm hernia. This type of hernia develops in a weak area of the diaphragm where the esophagus passes through. It is generally detected in children or young individuals. It accounts for about 10-15% of all diaphragm hernias (see other diaphragm hernias: congenital diaphragmatic hernia and Morgagni hernia). It is usually diagnosed during infancy or early childhood.

Symptoms

As mentioned, hiatal hernia involves the stomach herniating into the chest cavity. Therefore, the main complaints in children are feeding problems and vomiting. Besides these, children may also present with abdominal pain, chest pain, and breathing difficulties.

Treatment

If untreated, hiatal hernia can lead to the stomach becoming trapped in the hernia sac and progressing to gangrene, recurrent lung infections, and respiratory difficulties. Growth retardation due to feeding disorders and continuous vomiting reduce the quality of life for both children and their families. The surgical method in experienced centers is laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery. Compared to open surgery, it improves the child’s quality of life and reduces the risk of complications.

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