Gastric hernia is a condition in which the muscles in the upper part of the stomach, which connect the stomach to the esophagus, sag out of an opening in the diaphragm as a result of melting. It is a condition that can be seen in people of all age groups. It is especially more common in people aged 50 and over. There are also some factors that can trigger and cause this condition.
The disease can occur as a result of weakening of the diaphragm, but there are also many factors that can cause this condition to develop. In cases where stomach hernias are small and mild, there are not many problems. However, in the case of a large hernia, food and stomach acid can back up into the esophagus and cause problems such as heartburn. These symptoms and complaints can be prevented by self-care or home care measures or the use of medication. Depending on the size of the hernia and the level of reflux, specialist physicians plan whether surgical intervention is necessary. Surgical intervention usually results in recovery.
Why does stomach hernia occur?
There may be many factors among the causes of gastric hernia . However, especially in case of melting in the muscles connecting the stomach to the esophagus, it is formed by the stomach sagging into the esophagus. While enlargement or weakening of the muscles in the upper part of the stomach can lead to this condition, different triggers are also effective in the development of gastric hernias. The main cause is the weakening of the diaphragm.
Prolonged constipation as a result of irregular eating habits, obesity, weakening or sagging of the muscles due to aging, injuries, differentiations in the diaphragm, genetic structure, some psychological factors such as stress, smoking and tobacco use trigger gastric hernia.
It can also occur during pregnancy or after heavy work. Especially people over the age of 50 and overweight individuals are in the risk group and it is much more common in these people. This condition, which does not cause a life-threatening condition, usually does not cause too many problems in daily life. This condition is encountered in most patients with reflux.
What are the Symptoms of Stomach Hernia?
While stomach hernias that are small in size do not cause any symptoms or signs, they can progress insidiously. Large stomach hernias can cause some problems. Symptoms of gastric hernia can be listed as follows:
- Painful burning sensation in the chest area
- Food or liquids coming back into the mouth
- Stomach acid coming back into the esophagus
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain in the abdomen or chest area
- Feeling full immediately after a meal
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting blood or black stools, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding
- Feeling of bloating and sudden belching
- Bad breath, heartburn
- Toilet irregularities
Depending on the progression of the condition, symptoms and signs may vary. In cases such as severe pain and burning sensation in the chest or abdomen, you should immediately go to the nearest health institution and consult a specialist.
Diagnosis of Stomach Hernia
Individuals suffering from this condition may have complaints and problems such as heartburn, pain in the chest and upper abdomen. These complaints may indicate this condition, but a number of tests and examinations may be ordered by the specialist to make a definitive diagnosis. The procedures that can be performed for the diagnosis of gastric hernia are as follows:
Upper Digestive System X-ray
In this procedure, also known as barium swallowing, a special liquid is drunk and then X-rays are taken. This allows the specialist to see the size of the hernia and whether there is a problem in the area.
Endoscopy
It is a procedure performed with an endoscope to examine the lining of the esophagus and stomach and to determine whether there is inflammation.
Esophageal Manometer
It is a test performed to determine the contractions that occur in the esophagus during swallowing and the problem of difficulty swallowing.
Stomach Hernia Treatment
The treatment of gastric hernia is based on the size of the hernia and the complications associated with this condition. While this condition does not cause any symptoms or signs in most people, there is no need for treatment planning and implementation. However, in some cases it may require treatment.
In case of recurrent, long-term complaints such as heartburn and acid reflux, it can be treated with medication or surgical intervention. In patients with heartburn and acid reflux; Different drug treatment applications such as antacids that block stomach acid, drugs that reduce acid production, drugs that prevent acid production and drugs that heal the esophagus may be recommended by specialist physicians. Surgical operation may be required in some cases. In cases where drug treatment is not sufficient and there is excessive inflammation in the esophagus, surgery can be performed to alleviate signs and symptoms.
Gastric hernia surgery may involve pulling the stomach into the abdomen, reducing the opening in the diaphragm, pulling it into the abdomen, reducing the opening in the diaphragm, reconfiguring an esophageal sphincter, or removing the hernia sac. The doctor may make some small incisions in the abdomen and insert a camera and special surgical devices into the area. He or she can then complete the surgery with laparoscopic surgery.
In some cases, surgery can be performed through an incision in the chest wall (thoracotomy). With the help of small incisions made during the procedure, the possibility of infection is minimized and the scars heal faster than in normal surgical operations. The patient can usually be discharged on the same day or after 1 day.