HIATAL HERNIA, PANORAMIC REVIEW OF DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Introduction: Hiatal hernia (HH) occurs frequently in the population, characterized by various non-specific symptoms, however most of these symptoms are found to be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease. A hiatal hernia is said to be a medical condition in which the upper portion of the stomach or other internal organ protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm.

Objective: to detail current information related to hiatal hernia, description, etiology, classification, diagnosis, differential, prognosis, management and complications.

Methodology: a total of 38 articles were analyzed in this review, including review and original articles, as well as clinical cases, of which 27 bibliographies were used because the other articles were not relevant for this study. The sources of information were PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane; the terms used to search for information in Spanish, Portuguese and English were: hiatal hernia, hiatal repair, diagnosis, management.

Results: The incidence of symptomatic cases of hiatal hernia is related to the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The incidence of hiatal hernias increases with age. About 55%-60% of individuals over 50 years of age have a hiatal hernia. However, approximately 9% have symptoms and it depends on the type and competence of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The largest percentage of these hernias are type I sliding hiatal hernias. Type II, paraesophageal hernias, represent approximately 5% of hiatal hernias in which the LES remains stationary, with the stomach protruding superiorly to the diaphragm. There is also a high prevalence in women, attributable to increased intra-abdominal pressure during pregnancy. The estimated overall 30-day mortality rate in relation to antireflux surgery is approximately 0.19%.

Conclusions: Hiatal hernia (HH) is relatively common in the general population. It is caused by increased intra-abdominal pressure, leading to protrusion of the stomach and other abdominal viscera into the mediastinum. Hiatal hernias can be congenital or acquired. The current anatomical classification of hiatal hernias consists of four types or categories, each with its different characteristics. Diagnosis of hiatal hernia can be challenging because of the change in the anatomy of the esophagogastric junction on swallowing, breathing and movement. The pre-surgical study of the individual supports the diagnosis and the exclusion of other pathologic entities to properly direct the surgical intervention. The success of hiatal hernia surgery can be measured by the improvement of symptoms, such as esophageal acid exposure, complications and the requirement for reoperation. Complications of surgery are usually mild and are not directly linked to the surgery itself.