Question: what is the difference between a sliding and a paraesophageal hiatal hernia?
Answer: Ordinarily, your esophagus (food pipe) goes through the hiatus and attaches to your stomach. In a sliding hiatal hernia, your stomach and the lower part of your esophagus slide up into your chest through the diaphragm. Most people with hiatal hernias have this type. A paraesophageal hernia is more dangerous.