The Pathogenesis of Hiatal Hernia

Abstract

Hiatal hernia is a common malady and an important contributor to the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Hiatal herniation is thought to result from any of several causes including transdiaphragmatic pressure gradients; congenital or acquired abnormalities in the cellular structure, biochemical composition, or geometry of the hiatus; or esophageal shortening due to fibrosis. Since no single theory explains the development of a hiatal hernia in all cases, or the reasons behind progression of some and not others, the pathogenesis of hiatal herniation likely is multifactorial and varies between individuals. A comprehension of the factors leading to hiatal hernia formation is important to their prevention and correction as well as to an understanding of the pathogenesis of GERD.

The Importance of Community in Growing a Fledgling Journal

“…In a little over 2.5 years, we have gone from a concept of becoming an integrated journal to developing a multidisciplinary collaborative editorial group, to completing 8 issues. 1,2 We have covered a wide variety of foregut topics including Barrett’s esophagus, 3 GERD, 4,5 esophageal motility, 6 obesity, 7 hiatal hernias, 8 esophageal cancer, 9 and achalasia. 10…”