Medical Student Research Forum Posters

Hiatal hernia (HH) involves the displacement of abdominal organs through the esophageal hiatus to above the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity. The overall prevalence of HH varies between 10-80% and increases with age, higher intrabdominal pressure (ex: obesity), genetic predisposition, congenital defect, and trauma. Sliding HH results in acid and non-acid reflux. Chronic exposure of the esophagus to refluxate can results in dysphagia, difficulty swallowing, due to impaired esophageal motility.