Kim Kardashian’s Worrisome Diagnosis Before Surgery Echoes Her Dad’s Health Battle

Kim Kardashian has been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia.

The diagnosis came just before she underwent surgery to address her esophagitis.

She learned about the condition during a doctor's appointment on Thursday's preview for next week's episode of "The Kardashians."

A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The diagnosis marks yet another connection to her late father, Robert Kardashian Sr., who died of esophageal cancer in 2003.

Upon learning she had the condition, Kim told her doctor, "My dad had that."

Earlier in Thursday's episode, Kris Jenner accompanied her daughter to a doctor's appointment.

Kim explained that she was there to find out whether her esophagitis had improved with medication.

Her doctor was also examining her for a possible "pre-cancerous condition."

During a confessional, Kim said, "I'm hopeful. It is what it is. They're either going to say, 'Hey, the irregularities have not gone away [with] the medication, and you need to have a piece of your esophagus removed,' or they're going to say, 'The medication worked, and you don't need the procedure … just continue on this medication.'"

"Obviously, I don't want surgery, but I'll do whatever's necessary," she added.

Kris, 71, also opened up about how "stressful" the situation has been, particularly because Robert Sr. died just eight weeks following his esophageal cancer diagnosis.

"So of course I'm scared. I don't want to tell her I'm scared, but it's very worrisome. We just pray for the best," she said.

During the episode, which aired at the end of the Oct. 29 installment, Kim also revealed that she had undergone surgery to "cut out … irregularities" in her esophagus.

The SKIMS founder received her esophagitis diagnosis earlier in last week's episode.

During a confessional, she said she had been "feeling a little off lately" and that her throat had been "killing [her]."

Kim admitted that she hadn't "[told] too many people about" her symptoms because of her father's medical history.

"[The diagnosis is] something that really hits home for me. I just don't really want to go there with my dad having passed away from [esophageal]," she said.

Robert Kardashian Sr. died in 2003 after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

He passed away just eight weeks after receiving that diagnosis.

Esophageal cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the esophagus, the long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

A hiatal hernia can sometimes cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a risk factor for Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can lead to esophageal cancer.

Hiatal hernias are common, especially in people over 50, and many people with the condition experience no symptoms.

When symptoms do occur, they often include heartburn, regurgitation of food or liquid into the mouth, difficulty swallowing, chest or abdominal pain, and a feeling of fullness soon after eating.

Treatment for a hiatal hernia ranges from lifestyle changes and medication to surgery in severe cases.

Kim's esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus that can cause pain, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain.

Esophagitis can be caused by GERD, infections, medications, or allergies.

Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid, and in some cases, surgery to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.

The combination of esophagitis and a hiatal hernia is not uncommon, as a hiatal hernia can worsen GERD, which in turn can cause or worsen esophagitis.

Kim's decision to undergo surgery came after medication did not fully resolve the irregularities in her esophagus.

The surgery she underwent was to remove those irregularities, though the exact procedure has not been detailed in the episode.

Kim has been candid about her health struggles on "The Kardashians," which has followed her journey through this diagnosis and treatment.

The show has documented not only her medical appointments but also the emotional toll on her family.

Kris Jenner's fear is palpable on camera, as she recalls losing her ex-husband so quickly after his diagnosis.

The Kardashian family has a history of health scares being documented on their reality shows, from Kris's own health issues to Kim's previous medical concerns.

Kim has been open about her health in the past, including her struggles with psoriasis and her decision to freeze her eggs.

The hiatal hernia diagnosis adds another layer to the family's medical history, particularly given the shadow of Robert Sr.'s death.

Kim's father was a prominent attorney who gained fame as part of O.J. Simpson's legal defense team.

He died at age 59 after a brief battle with esophageal cancer.

His death has been a recurring theme on "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" and its spin-offs, with Kim often speaking about how it has shaped her fears about her own health.

Kim's current health journey is unfolding in real time on "The Kardashians," with viewers seeing both her medical updates and her family's reactions.

The show airs on Hulu and has been a ratings success for the streaming platform.

Kim's health scare comes amid a busy period for the reality star and businesswoman.

She is currently promoting the second season of "All's Fair," a legal drama in which she stars.

Her press tour has included appearances on "Good Morning America" and other shows, where she has discussed both her acting career and her health.

During her "Good Morning America" appearance, Kim wore a vintage Paco Rabanne dress from the Spring/Summer 1989 couture collection.