I am trying to find out when the term Hiatal Hernia was first used in the medical community. I first heard about it in 1981 which showed up in my civilian medical report for the first time. Prior to this time which dates back to 1968 my military records show Epigastric pain and acute Epigastric pain with substantial chest pain. I am having some problems with my claim with the Veterans Administration for medical benefits because there's no documentation in my military records for haital hernia which was from 1955 to 1975. I have been in disagreement with them since 1981 and thought I had a doctor on the evaluation board in my support but he's not sure when the word was first used. A Gastroenterologist specialist who is treating me presently thinks he first heard the term around 1978-1980. He is an older doctor. I would appreciate any help you can furnish to this matter.
Thanks, James Watson
Hi,
Hiatus means "opening" or defect. Hernia means protrusion of a structure.
It is really difficult to say when it was created.