What type of hernia allows part of the fundus to pass through the esophageal hiatus?

A paraesophageal hiatus hernia occurs when a portion of the fundus of the stomach herniates, or protrudes, through the esophageal hiatus in the diaphragm, while the esophagus remains in its normal position. This type of hernia is characterized by the stomach moving next to the esophagus, which can create complications, such as strangulation of the stomach due to the constricted opening.

This is different from a hiatal hernia, which commonly involves the sliding of the gastroesophageal junction and part of the stomach above the diaphragm, but does not specifically refer to the fundus passing through the hiatus. Inguinal hernias occur in the inguinal canal and umbilical hernias occur near the navel, neither of which involve the esophageal hiatus or the fundus of the stomach. Therefore, a paraesophageal hiatus hernia is the correct and specific choice for this scenario.