Pre-operative radiological appearance with Barium Swallow & Meal:

Sliding hiatal hernia with heavy symptoms due to the consequent Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux of the gastric contents.

BLUE arrows: the left hemi-diaphragm (anatomical border defining / separating Chest or "Thorax" from Abdomen)

YELLOW arrows: the portion of stomach that is normally located inside the abdomen (inside the peritoneum)

BLUE arrows point at the hernia (the portion of stomach that has slipped or herniated into the chest through the hiatus)

  GREEN arrows point at the oesophagus (a linen tape is passed around it)

YELLOW arrows point at the left hemi-diaphragm

 (View through a Left thoracotomy)

Post-operative radiological appearance with Barium Swallow & Meal:

A Repair of the hiatal hernia was carried out, called "fundoplication" (plication of the stomach's fundus) according to the "Belsey Mark IV" technique.  All the symptoms have ceased without any need for medication (p.p.i. etc)

BLUE arrows: the left hemi-diaphragm (anatomical border defining / separating Chest or "Thorax" from Abdomen)

GREEN arrows point at the Oesophagus (a linen tape is passed around it)

YELLOW arrow point at the left hemi-diaphragm