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Sliding hiatal hernia

The esophagus passes through the diaphragm and connects to the stomach. When a sliding hiatal hernia is present, part of the stomach moves up through an opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm. The presence of a hiatal hernia increases the risk for gastroesophageal reflux.

Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 07, 2006
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