The Association of the Presence of Esophageal and Colonic Diverticula with Hiatal Hernia: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the association between the presence of diverticula in the colon and esophagus and the occurrence of  hiatal hernia, seeking to understand potential shared pathophysiological underpinnings and risk factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional  study was conducted at a tertiary care center, including patients aged ≥18 years who underwent both gastroscopy and colonoscopy over  2 years. Exclusion criteria were prior gastrectomy or colectomy, incomplete medical records, and non-consent. The presence of hiatal hernia, colonic, and esophageal diverticulosis was identified via endoscopy. Logistic regression analysis assessed the associations,  adjusting for age and sex.

Results: Among 3563 participants, males showed a higher prevalence of hiatal hernias compared to females  (76.1% vs. 23.9%, P < 0.001). Hiatal hernia patients had a mean age of 51.28 years, slightly higher than those without (49.62 years, P =  0.034). A significant association was found between hiatal hernias and colonic diverticulosis (11.8% vs. 1.8%, P < 0.001), as well as between  hiatal hernias and esophageal diverticulosis (2.4% vs. 0.3%, P < 0.001). Adjusted logistic regression revealed a 5–7 times higher  likelihood of colonic diverticulosis in patients with hiatal hernias (odds ratio = 5.64, 95% confidence interval: 3.60–8.83; P < 0.001). 

Conclusion: The study demonstrates a notable association between hiatal hernias and the presence of both colonic and esophageal diverticula, suggesting common pathophysiological processes. These findings highlight the need for further research into shared risk  factors and mechanisms underlying these conditions, potentially guiding improved management strategies for affected patients.