ABSTRACT
Four types of hiatal hernias exist. With type I or sliding hiatal hernias, the most common type, the gastroesophageal junction is displaced cranially into the chest. Type II and type III hiatal hernias are para-esophageal hernias. In type II hiatal hernias, the gastroesophageal junction is in its native position, inferior to the diaphragm. The fundus, and sometimes the body and antrum of the stomach, have rolled cranially into the mediastinum. Type III hiatal hernias are mixed para-esophageal hernias. In these hiatal hernias, both the gastroesophageal junction and a large portion of the stomach have rolled into the mediastinum. Type IV hiatal hernias include the spleen, the colon, or some other intra-abdominal organ within the hernia.
