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Our specialists deliver focused care and innovative treatment options for managing hiatal hernias and improving your quality of life.
Telehealth appointments are available.
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm into the chest. Normally, the esophagus passes down through the chest, crosses the diaphragm and enters the abdomen through a hole in the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus. Just below the diaphragm, the esophagus joins the stomach. In individuals with hiatal hernias, the opening of the esophageal hiatus is larger than normal, which allows a portion of the upper stomach to protrude through the hiatus and into the chest.
The two main types of hiatal hernias are:
Hiatal hernias are more common in adults over 50 years of age.
Other factors that increase your chance of getting hiatal hernia include:
Most people with hiatal hernias have no symptoms. However, a hiatal hernia can lead to stomach acid moving up into the esophagus. This is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Symptoms of GERD can include:
Because hiatal hernia symptoms are similar to many other esophageal conditions, accurate evaluation is critical to ensure proper treatment. That is why it is important to seek care from a health care expert experienced in the complex diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders and other related conditions.
Our doctors are leaders in research, providing you with compassionate care and access to advanced treatment therapies and the latest breakthroughs in surgical care.
We have one of the highest volumes and best outcomes of complex esophageal and gastric surgeries in Southern California.
We serve as a referral center for complex gastroenterology and GI surgery issues that are not treated often in local hospitals.
U.S. News & World Report ranks us among the top programs in the nation for exceptional gastroenterology and GI surgery care.
97% of our procedures are performed with minimally invasive techniques.