The Clinical Significance of Hiatus Hernia

Abstract

A close association has been found between hiatus hernia (HH) and reflux symptoms, oesophagitis, and other abnormalities known to be related to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). However, GORD is not always associated with HH and HH is not always associated with GORD. If a patient suffers from symptoms compatible with GORD, the finding of a HH may be taken to support the diagnosis. In a patient with an established diagnosis of GORD the finding of a HH may emphasize the severity of the disease, particularly so if the HH is large.

Key Words:

• Hiatus hernia
• oesophagitis
• reflux symptoms