What type of hernia results from the sliding of the abdominal esophagus and parts of the stomach?

A sliding hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach and the abdominal esophagus slip upward into the thoracic cavity through the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscular structure that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity, and the esophagus must pass through an opening in the diaphragm to connect the throat to the stomach. In a sliding hiatal hernia, the junction where the esophagus meets the stomach (the gastroesophageal junction) moves above the diaphragm along with a portion of the stomach.

This type of hernia is distinct because it can result in acid reflux, as the normal anatomical positioning of the esophagus and stomach is disrupted. Symptoms can include heartburn and regurgitation due to the altered position of these organs.

In contrast, the other types of hernias listed do not involve the sliding motion of the esophagus and stomach through the diaphragm, making the sliding hiatal hernia unique in its mechanism and clinical presentation.