Stomach Hernia (Hiatal Hernia) and Reflux Disease
The stomach is located just under a special muscle called the diaphragm, which separates the chest and abdominal cavities. The esophagus passes through the gap in the diaphragm just before it joins the stomach. If the space in this diaphragm is larger than it should be, the stomach slides towards the chest cavity due to the pressure in the abdomen. This is called a hiatal hernia.
There is a special muscle between the stomach and the esophagus to prevent food and stomach acid from leaking back. This muscle controls the movement of food by opening and closing like a lid. As a result of the muscle not working properly, the acid in the stomach leaks into the esophagus and irritates it. This is called reflux. If reflux continues for a long time, it causes the cell structure of the esophagus to change and cancer formation.
Surgical treatment of both diseases is possible. A special surgical method called funduplication is applied. The upper part of the stomach, called the fundus, is released and wrapped around the esophagus. Thus, the muscle between the stomach and esophagus is strengthened and the stomach is prevented from rising back into the chest cavity. In hiatal hernia surgery, in addition to funduplication, the enlarged space in the diaphragm is reduced with a special patch.
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