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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Dave G.

100% will return again. Very professional and fast. I was in at 6:30 am and out by 8 am.

Marsha D.

When an appointment is needed I can always get in to see someone in a reasonable time. When the appointment is with the PA I know they will consult with Dr. Wille. Dr. Wille will be available for a follow up appointment in a timely manner if needed. The front office staff and scheduling staff are always pleasant.

Frank C.

Very attentive and kind.

Adam D.

Great staff interaction from check in, through the procedure and recovery. Everyone was very friendly and made me feel comfortable through every step.

Kathy E.

Wonderful people! Very efficient and caring organization!

Pamathi J.

After a few virtual appointments, my mom had her first in person appointment with Dr. Nandi. He was very respectful and patiently listened to our concerns. We felt very comfortable and left knowing exactly the next steps to take. We had a good experience.

Laura D.

I received excellent and prompt care. Doctor Quallich, Nurse Anesthesis, and Nurses are the best. Great Endoscopy friendly place.

Claralyn U.

I had such a positive experience at the center. Everyone was kind and very professional.

Shannon W.

Dr Willy is the doctor who I saw here. From the moment we walked into the office, we knew it was a good choice. Our wait time was almost nothing and the staff is professional, efficient, accommodating and friendly. Dr Willey introduced himself to me before my procedure, explained everything and addressed my questions. He is kind, warm and understanding. Takes time to make sure you understand what he tells you. The procedure went quickly. I was only there for an hour and a half. I highly recommend Center for Digestive Health and Dr Wiley.

Cathi

All of the staff from reception to discharge were friendly and fabulous. Doctor Bakken greeted me before procedure and explained everything after the procedure. Very good experience.

Kathy C.

From the receptionist at the front desk to Roger my pre-procedure nurse and David my post-procedure nurse to the Nurse Anesthetist (Joanne, I believe), when she put her hand on my arm while pushing the Propofol gave me a sense of comfort. Dr. Donat also showed a sense of calm before he began my colonoscopy procedure. I instantly knew I was in good hands from the entire staff. Thank you all what you do. You truly make a huge difference.

Cecily R.

The Center for Digestive Health/Surgical Center is a great choice for any patient wanting the best care possible. Staff is professional, approachable and competent.

Nancy E.

Overall experience was good,however as a recovery nurse myself,I felt like I was being forced to get out and be sent home.i had difficulty standing and getting dressed and felt another 15-20 minutes of sleep would have done me well

Antoinette D.

I was so nervous on my day for my endoscope and colonoscopy. I'll tell you what the best I've ever felt is when I went there very knowledgeable very good and my doctor was fabulous. The nurses were fabulous. And Dr.Donat phenomenal I'm glad I went. Thank you for all you did for me. I would definitely recommend this office for anything.

Irene M.

I appreciate the convenience of virtual appointments.

Janice D.

Entire team friendly and helpful. Wait time to see Dr. Quallich was excellent. Dr. Quallich is a wonderful doctor. He spends the time needed to be sure you understand him and if you have any questions.

Cynthia S.

The office staff was professional and friendly. Dr. Willie was extremely polite and informed me of what to expect before and after the procedure

Kristopher D.

A very professional and caring staff.

Shirley K.

Everyone is so caring and pleasant

Yasso Y.

I went to this office for the first time ever. I found everyone to be cordial, helpful, attentive, and efficient. I was in with Jennifer the PA. She was wonderful. She listened, she was knowledgable, addressed all my concerns, explained thinhgs very clearly, and has wondeful interpersonal skills. After my visit I felt mcuh more at ease about my condition and the remedies for it.

Greg W.

Was checked in on time and the entire procedure took just over an hour I was very pleased with the doctor and the entire staff

Lynn B.

The Nurse Practitioner, Nicolette, is very knowledgeable and kind. She listens to your concerns and can order any necessary tests.

Joanne T.

I had the pleasure of seeing Dr Nandi for first time EGD, and Colonoscopy at Troy Surgical Center. Dr Nandi and wonderful staff were nothing but professional and the best bedside manners for pts. 5 stars and would recommend Troy Gastroenterology.

Vickie A.

Great experience well cared for.

Gerald W.

I felt very at ease with my procedure.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6251 reviews

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Gwen S.

All went smoothly, appointment was on time, staff cordial, office clean

Derious R.

Dr. Bakken is very welcoming and knowledgeable. I really felt comfortable with her. The staff is very friendly and inviting. Overall pleasant experience.

Maria J.

The service was beyond amazing. Everyone was so professional and amazingly nice.

Amy P.

Friendly staff clean environment

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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