diaphragmatic hernia [Gk, diaphragma, partition; L, rupture] , the protrusion of part of the stomach through an opening in the diaphragm, most commonly an abnormally enlarged esophageal hiatus. In some cases the intestines may also herniate into the chest. The enlargement of the normal opening for the esophagus may be caused by trauma, congenital weakness, increased abdominal pressure, or relaxation of ligaments of skeletal muscles, and it permits part of the stomach to slide into the thorax. A sliding hiatal hernia, one of the most common pathological conditions of the upper GI tract, may occur at any age but is most prevalent in elderly and middle-aged people. Kinds include hiatal hernia.
