K44.0: Diaphragmatic hernia with obstruction, without gangrene

The diaphragm separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. Above the diaphragm are the lungs and the heart. Beneath the diaphragm are the stomach, liver and spleen. In the diaphragm there are some openings which the large blood vessels and the esophagus run through.

The openings in the diaphragm are usually so narrow that only the intended tissue fits through it. With a hiatus hernia, one of these openings is enlarged. This typically affects the opening for the esophagus. Parts of the abdominal organs can displace upwards into the chest cavity through the enlarged opening. This can affect the stomach, for example. If the openings are very large, part of the intestine may also get into the chest cavity. The liver or spleen can also displace upwards in these cases.

A hiatus hernia can cause various problems. For example, you may experience heartburn. Heartburn occurs if gastric acid from the stomach gets into the esophagus. Heartburn produces a burning, unpleasant sensation in the chest cavity.

The symptoms also depend on how much tissue has been displaced. If a lot of tissue has displaced into the chest cavity, there may be problems with breathing and the blood circulation. This is due to the fact that the lungs and heart have less space, so they cannot work properly.

The symptoms also depend on whether the tissue is being pinched in the diaphragm opening. In your case the displaced tissue has got pinched in the opening.