Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia describes what happens when the upper portion of your stomach bulges through the diaphragm, which is the large muscle separating the chest from the abdomen. There is a small opening in the diaphragm, called the hiatus, and the esophagus passes through this opening before it connects to the stomach. When the stomach pushes through this opening and into the chest, hiatal hernia is the result.

If you have a minor hiatal hernia, you may never know. Larger hiatal hernias, on the other hand, can cause noticeable symptoms.

What causes hiatal hernia?

Hiatal hernia is a result of weakened muscles, which allow the stomach to bulge through the diaphragm. This can be caused by aging or injury from trauma or surgery. Other potential causes of hiatal hernia include being born with an abnormally large hiatus or suffering from intense pressure from vomiting, coughing, straining during bowel movements, or lifting heavy objects.

Is a hiatal hernia dangerous?

While it sounds serious, a hiatal hernia actually doesn’t cause symptoms in most cases. Many people who experience a hiatal hernia won’t need treatment.

What sort of treatment is used for hiatal hernia in cases where treatment is necessary?

If you have ongoing symptoms like acid reflux, you may require medications or surgery to treat hiatal hernia. Your doctor may prescribe medications to neutralize stomach acid, reduce acid production, or block the production of acid. If medication does not improve symptoms or if you have serious complications, such as significant inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus, your doctor may perform surgery. For example, surgery can allow your doctor to pull the stomach back down into the abdomen and reduce the size of the opening in the diaphragm.

Common Symptoms

“I had symptoms of acid reflux, and it felt like I was regurgitating food back into my mouth.”
“I experienced heartburn, and I was having trouble swallowing food.”
“I had chest pain and shortness of breath.ausea and vomiting.”

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiatal-hernia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373379

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Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

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Fast and efficient patient service and professional staff

Linda S.

Staff is absolutely amazing as is Dr. Nandi. Very courteous, thorough in explaining procedure, takes time to answer all questions and concerns. I even received a personal phone call from a staff member on the same day inquiring on how I was feeling following my procedure. Highly recommend this facility for any digestive procedures needed.

JJRYAN W.

Every staff member including the Doctor was exceptionally! They made you feel comfortable and safe. They all spoke with a positive smile in their tone.

Kim H.

They’re like a fine oil machine someone to take care of all your needs make it comfortable and that’s over and done and you’re great

Regina J.

I had a great experienced ar center for digestive health. The nurses were very nice and calming since it was my first time ever being under anesthesia. The doctors and anesthesiologists were awesome as well. Thank you for taking care of me step by step!

Gerri O.

Everyone was very nice and professional. Told you everything that was going on. Quick and easier than I thought it would be. No problems at all.

Howard B.

Every single staff person was so caring and so efficient I was in great hands from beginning to end

Ralph P.

Well organized office. No wait and taken care of quickly . All members of the team were professional and caring. Exceeded expectations in all areas.

Aziz B.

The doctor and staff are very professional and very friendly. They make the patient feel comfortable and worry free. Highly recommended.

David F.

My wife was recently in the hospital. The ER determined she had diverticulitis. The CDH doctors took very good care of her. We had a post hospital visit that went well.

Janet T.

Went in for a colonoscopy. Everyone at the Macomb office was just so nice. From the registry to the young lady walking me out. Everything went like clockwork. So smoothly. Dr Willie and his staff are amazing. Highly recommended it. They have private rooms too!!!

Richard O.

My colonoscopy went very well with no issues.

Melody S.

Staff was professional, friendly and accommodating. My procedure was quick and problem free and both the doctor and anesthesiologist were willing to answer questions and provided clear info about the procedure and everything that would happen.

Edward J.

Dr Bologna and his staff are great. When I was called back to get prepped everyone made me feel good and relaxed. Dr Bologna popped in to check on me and explained what he was going to do. As soon as I was ready the Anesthesiologist come in and wheeled me to the surgical room while making me feel comfortable. Dr Bologna and his team were ready for me. After my procedure I woke up back in my private recovery room. Amy, my nurse, made sure I was comfortable as she got me ready to leave. The doctor came in and we had a nice chat about what he discovered and next steps. I give the whole experience a 5 out 5.

Ashley H.

My doctor was on time for my scheduled appointment, he listened to me as I was describing my medical issues as of late, and his secretary/receptionist allowed me to pick a time for my test date with the given available times.

Kathy R.

Noelle Maude is truly the only GI Healthcare provider that has listened to my symptoms and worked with me to improve them, rather than just giving me another pill to try.

Susan Z.

Very friendly staff and the physician, A. Bakken, took her time and really paid attention.

W.A. W.

Very efficiently run facility, and ran to scheduled times. The entire staff was very pleasant and professional.

Karin S.

Very friendly staff from beginning to end. Everyone made this experience soo easy. Thank you for treating your patients above and beyond with kindness.

Richard S.

It was a great experience! Very friendly and professional!

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Great experience, highly recommend.

Marilyn H.

Dr Anezi Bakken is such a good Dr. I have been her patient for over 10 years and will stay with her. The staff is the best I have ever seen. Keep up the good work. 😀

J W.

Everyone was very helpful and willing to answer any questions that I had regarding my procedure. Thanks to all!

Sharon O.

Very organized and on time. Very pleasant people. Love Dr. Wille And team!

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Connie O.

Muy buenos días les agradezco muchísimo por sus atenciones puedo recomendar éste hospital ya que cada persona que trabaja en el mismo fueron muy amables conmigo y también darle al Dr Nandy por su ayuda y apoyo en mi estudio de colonoscopia es muy bueno como gastrointestinal y también cabe recalcar que es un ser humano que sabe tratar a sus pacientes como si fueran parte de su familia con toda mi gratitud les doy las gracias por ser tan especial conmigo bendiciones los estaré visitando el año que viene ya que el trato brindado fue excelente y también darles las gracias a todas las personas que estuvieron con el Doctor en su intervención: saludos 🤗

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I would recommend Dr. Nandi and his team to anyone. I was very nervous and they all made me feel comfortable and answered all questions. Very professional team!

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Very professional and kind. Dr Nandi is the best!

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Great operation! Office is well run and my appointment was on time. My nurse , a gentleman, was amazing as well as Doctor Webber. Highly recommend.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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