“Hiatal hernia” sounds like a problem you should keep quiet about, and “choledocholithiasis” sounds like a spell from a medical musical. We decided to make both terms make sense. I’m Dr. Ben, and I’m joined by comedian and university professor Brynn Daniels plus Dr. Jameil, a general and bariatric surgeon, for a fast, funny round of “What The Heck Is That” where we translate real medical terminology into plain English.

We start with hiatal hernia and get specific: how the diaphragm separates your chest from your abdomen, how the esophagus passes through, and how part of the stomach can migrate upward. We talk about common hiatal hernia symptoms like heartburn, reflux, regurgitation, and trouble swallowing, plus why many cases show up as incidental findings on imaging. Dr. Jameil also explains why only some patients need treatment and what surgeons are trying to accomplish when they repair the anatomy.

Then we tackle choledocholithiasis, breaking down the word and the problem: gallstones that move from the gallbladder into the common bile duct and create a blockage. We cover the classic pain pattern after fatty or greasy meals, right upper quadrant pain that can radiate to the back, and the red-flag sign you should never ignore: jaundice. If you want a smarter way to understand GERD, gallstones, and bile duct obstruction without wading through confusing jargon, this is your shortcut.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review, then tell us: what medical word have you always wanted translated?

THANKS TO OUR GUESTS:

Dr Jameil: IG @drjameil, TT @bariatricbro, www.tennesseestyleweightloss.com

Brinn Daniels: IG @brinn_does_comedy, www.brinndaniels.com

Subscribe wherever you listen, share this with a friend and leave a review so more people can find honest conversations about weight loss, health, and a little comedy along the way.

This episode was produced by Angie Debelak with post-production editing by Ben Hill Sound.

Thanks for listening to Dr Ben and Friends. Laughter is the best medicine...unless you're treating bowel or bladder incontinence. See you next time!

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DISCLAIMER: Dr Ben and Friends Podcast

Quick heads-up folks: Dr Ben and Friends is your weekly dose of laughs and stories. We celebrate healthcare heroes and pro comics.

This is infotainment-- think popcorn, not prescriptions or medical advice.

If you're feeling funky, see your medical professional. Your health? That's on you. We'll stick to the punchlines.