Achalasia Cardia

Understanding, Diagnosing, and Treating Chronic Heartburn and Reflux

What is Acid

Advanced Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment for Swallowing Disorders

What is Achalasia Cardia?

Achalasia Cardia is a rare but serious disorder of the esophagus (food pipe) that makes it difficult for food and liquids to pass into the stomach. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — the valve between the esophagus and stomach — fails to relax properly, and the esophageal muscles lose their ability to contract efficiently.

Symptoms of Achalasia Cardia

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) for solids and liquids
• Regurgitation of undigested food
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Weight loss and malnutrition
• Heartburn or sensation of food sticking in the chest
• Frequent coughing, especially at night

Why Prompt Diagnosis is Important

Achalasia is a progressive condition. If left untreated, it can lead to:

• Severe esophageal dilation (megaesophagus)
• Malnutrition
• Risk of aspiration (food entering lungs)
• Rarely, esophageal cancer (in longstanding cases)

How We Diagnose Achalasia

Our comprehensive diagnostic approach includes:

• Esophageal Manometry – Gold standard to measure LES pressure and muscle function
• Barium Swallow Study – Visualizes the narrowing at the stomach entrance
• Upper GI Endoscopy – Rules out cancer or mechanical obstruction

Why Choose Us for Achalasia Treatment?

• 30+ years of experience in complex foregut and esophageal disorders
• Among India’s leading robotic GI surgeons
• Access to the latest diagnostic tools and minimally invasive surgery
• High success rates with faster recovery and minimal post-operative discomfort

Recovery and Prognosis

Most patients experience dramatic relief from swallowing difficulties and can return to normal diets within a few days. Ongoing follow-up ensures long-term health and management of any reflux symptoms post-surgery.

Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest commonly known as heartburn. When this condition becomes chronic, it is referred to as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux

• Burning sensation in the chest (especially after meals or at night)
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
• Chronic cough or throat irritation
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Chest pain (often mistaken for cardiac issues)

When Should You See a Doctor?

Occasional heartburn is common, but if you experience symptoms more than twice a week, or over-the-counter medications don’t help, it’s time to consult a specialist. Untreated GERD can lead to complications such as:

• Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
• Strictures (narrowing of the esophagus)
• Barrett’s Esophagus (a precancerous condition)
• Esophageal cancer

Diagnosis and Evaluation

We use advanced diagnostics to evaluate acid reflux, including:

• Upper GI Endoscopy
• Esophageal pH Monitoring
• Manometry Testing
• Barium Swallow Studies

These helps determine the severity and underlying cause, enabling a tailored treatment plan.

Acid Reflux Treatment

Cardio myotomy we used to do routinely for years by laparoscopic means and patients go home in 2-3 days.
Now with the advent of robotic technology, the Same surgery is done with more precision with almost no blood loss and patients go home the next day.

Compared to the endoscopic procedure, we also do anti-reflux surgery in the same patient to avoid acid reflux