Paraösophageale

Paraösophageale is a term used in medicine, primarily in the context of hernias. It describes a condition where a portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity alongside the esophagus, rather than through the esophageal opening of the diaphragm. This is distinct from a typical sliding hiatal hernia, where the gastroesophageal junction itself moves upwards. In a paraösophageal hernia, the gastroesophageal junction remains in its normal position, but a portion of the stomach, often the greater curvature, herniates through a separate opening in the diaphragm, typically adjacent to the esophagus. This can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and even strangulation of the herniated stomach if blood supply is compromised. Diagnosis is usually made through imaging studies like barium swallows or CT scans. Treatment may involve surgical repair to return the stomach to the abdominal cavity and close the defect in the diaphragm. The risk of complications, particularly strangulation, often necessitates surgical intervention.