There are several different types of hiatal hernias. They include:

• Sliding hiatal hernia. The most common type of hiatal hernia. A portion of the stomach, along with the gastroesophageal junction (place where the stomach is connected to the esophagus), protrudes above the diaphragm.
  
  
• Paraesophageal hiatal hernia. A portion of the stomach protrudes above the diaphragm, but lies beside the esophagus. The gastroesophageal junction is located in its normal place.
  
  
• Mixed diaphragmatic hernia. Hiatal hernias that include aspects of both sliding and paraesophageal hiatal hernias.
  
  
• Post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Hiatal hernias that occur due to blunt trauma (such as a motor vehicle accident) or penetrating trauma (such as a gunshot wound).
  
  
• Diaphragmatic hernia. Some hiatal hernias are present at birth, although this is rare.