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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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6227 reviews

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Marie M.

Staff were very friendly & pleasant. Very efficient. Everything ran on time & smoothly.

Lori M.

Friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Wayne G.

Dr. Quallich is very reassuring and explains procedures and treatment plans in terms that are comforting to patients.

Cheri B.

Excellent place. All the people here are top notch , friendly efficient and professional.

Patticake B.

Happy to have met her and she will be my new Dr

Kathy O.

I had a great office visit with Dr Willi’s NP today. She was very thorough, explained everything to me, and she was very patient with my multiple questions.

Beth V.

Had a really great first time appt. experience. Front staff was quick and polite. Got back to room quickly and met with Dr. Bakken shortly after. She was a delight and got right into my stomach issues. I felt heard and she got right to how we should proceed with care. She honestly gave me hope to getting answers and feeling better. OVER ALL GREAT APPOINTMENT.

Gerry F.

I had my procedure done here and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. From check in to discharge, the entire staff was friendly and professional. The facility was super clean and organized, and the whole process went smoothly and on time. Dr Bologna came in and talked to me after my procedure and went over the results. I highly recommend this place to anyone.

Julie S.

Everything went very smoothly and was very timely.

Dawn S.

I've been thoroughly impressed by the medical staff and team, who always greet me with a smile. The facility is meticulously maintained, providing a clean and comfortable space for patients. Roger and Kathy, my nurses, were incredibly kind and understanding, helping to alleviate my anxiety. Dr. Weber is an exceptional and caring Gastrointestinal doctor who cares about you as a patient.

Madonna H.

Entire staff was friendly and efficient. The procedure was well explained and went on without long waiting in between. I also received a follow-up call later in the day.

Robin M.

Prompt and great service

Nancy F.

Very professional and very nice staff. I felt very comfortable with the care I received.

David K.

Center for Digestive Health is an outstanding medical office! They are thorough, knowledgeable and empathetic.

John W.

Professional, curious and knowledgeable doctors and staff.

Brant C.

Amazingly friendly staff. The whole procedure was over and done...from office entrance to office exit...in less than three hours. Professional and courteous.

Brad

Absolutely made it comfortable & very experienced staff fast & efficient..& Dr Nandi is the best made it easy to understand without Dr language..

Douglas K.

I have been a patient for some years now, both in person and virtual visits as well. My experiences with Dr Donat have been very good. The office staff is polite and on top of things as well.

Brian S.

2nd time in for a routine colonoscopy and couldn't be more happier with the center. The treatment I received from everyone was awesome. I may not like having a colonoscopy, but the center made it quick and as easy as possible. Highly, highly recommend!!

DONG J.

All Staff were excellent Doctor, Nurses (information communication) A++ thank you

Sam G.

From the moment I walked in the door, I felt taken care of. The entire staff is very professional and the doctors are top notch. I’ve been a patient for 25 years and have always had a positive experience. Health care is challenging these days. This office does not disappoint. I highly recommend!!

Tony D.

The staff is fantastic. All the way from check-in to walking me out. The facilities were extremely clean too.

Maria V.

Well organized. Staff very friendly. Dr. Donat very experience does an excellent job.

Ray R.

The entire staff from the front desk, to back room were beyond friendly. Everyone would constantly make sure you felt comfortable & that you didnt need anything. I would recommend this place.

Amy H.

Dr. Abadir is outstanding!!! He answered all of my questions about my recent test. He was very knowledgeable and kind. His expertise was very much appreciated and he was very reassuring. I felt I was in good hands with Dr Abasir. I highly recommend him !!!!

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

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Nancy M.

Making the appointment was easy. From check-in to procedure everyone I encountered was professional and friendly. They made me feel comfortable and Dr. Weber is wonderful. I really appreciate the team at Troy Gastroenterology.!

Vita B.

All the staff was really nice and friendly.

Michelle H.

From the time I checked in until the time I walked out the door I was blown away by your staff!! The practice is a well oiled machine but had the personal touch I so appreciated!!! You made an uncomfortable procedure easy and pain free!! Thank you

Debbie H.

I had a colonoscopy at the Center for Digestive Health/Macomb Endoscopy Center. I felt very much at ease and the procedure went extremely well. Dr. Weber was kind and somehow it made me know that I was in good hands. The anesthesiologist was also great. After the necessary, nasty prep for this, it is such a relief when the actual procedure goes so smooth.

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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