GERD and sliding hiatus hernia surgery in Delhi for NRIs from the UK, Australia and UAE
A sliding hiatus hernia happens when the upper part of the stomach slides up through the opening in the diaphragm into the chest, weakening the valve that keeps acid in the stomach. When reflux continues despite medicines, or the hernia is large, laparoscopic (keyhole) repair with fundoplication may be advised.
At THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas, Dr Saurabh Bansal (DMC Reg. No. 37887, 18 years in practice) repairs the hernia and performs a modified Toupet (partial posterior) fundoplication with a retro-gastric approach in the same operation, under general anaesthesia. Admission is usually for one day, and patients follow a liquid to soft diet for about 2 weeks. Cost is an estimate after examination. Insurance facilities available. Our team helps with the paperwork.
Start with your reports
WhatsApp your reports to +91 9217381353 (or call +91 8448830013). OPD Mon–Sat, 9 am–9 pm IST.
WhatsApp us · Book a consultation · Call +91 9217381353 / +91 8448830013
Is surgery right for you? Start with your reports
Not every hiatus hernia needs surgery. Small hernias without troublesome symptoms are usually managed with medicines, weight control and diet changes. Surgery is considered when reflux continues despite medicines, when the hernia is large, or when long-term tablets are not wanted or not tolerated.
Before you travel, send:
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Upper GI endoscopy report (and photos, if available)
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Oesophageal manometry and pH study reports, if done
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CT scan report, if done for a large hernia
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Barium swallow report, if done
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Your current acid medicines and doses, other medicines, and previous operation notes
Dr Saurabh Bansal reviews them on a video consultation (chargeable) and tells you whether surgery looks suitable and which tests need repeating in Delhi.
Tests and surgery in Delhi
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Upper GI endoscopy is done by Dr Saurabh Bansal at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas, if a recent one is not available or needs repeating.
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Oesophageal manometry and pH monitoring are needed for some patients; these are done at nearby hospital facilities, and your surgeon reviews the results. Doing them at home before you travel, where possible, can shorten your stay.
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CT scan is usually done for a large hiatus hernia.
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Surgery: laparoscopic, through 4–5 small keyhole incisions, about 1 to 2 hours. The stomach is brought back into the abdomen, the opening in the diaphragm is narrowed with stitches, and the fundoplication reinforces the valve. Mesh is generally not used for hiatus hernia.
How long to plan in Delhi
Allow time for any tests before surgery, then the operation and a review before you fly. Admission is usually for one day. If you are recovering well, you can usually fly back 4 to 5 days after surgery; your surgeon decides at the review. Plan extra days before surgery if manometry or pH studies are done after arrival. Many patients return to desk work in 2–3 days, and full recovery takes about 2 to 3 weeks. Some temporary bloating or slow swallowing is common in the first weeks, so plan soft food for the journey home.
For patients in the UK
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Getting here: non-stop London–Delhi flights take about 9 to 11 hours.
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Time zone: India is 5 h 30 min ahead in winter (GMT) and 4 h 30 min ahead in British Summer Time. Dr Bansal's afternoon OPD slots are a UK morning.
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Before you travel: ask your GP practice or hospital for your endoscopy report and any manometry or pH study results, and send them as PDFs.
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Flying home: on a long-haul flight after surgery, walk the aisle, drink water and follow your surgeon's advice on preventing blood clots. Your surgeon gives you a fit-to-fly date at the review.
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Back home: follow-up by video with Dr Bansal; your GP receives the discharge summary and operation notes to continue your care, including advice on when to stop acid tablets.
For patients in Australia
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Getting here: non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne take about 13 hours; from other cities, plan for a connection. This is the longest journey of the three regions, so book a return date that leaves room if your surgeon advises a few more days.
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Time zone: India is 4 h 30 min behind Sydney and Melbourne (5 h 30 min in daylight saving) and 2 h 30 min behind Perth. A Delhi morning video consultation is an Australian afternoon.
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Before you travel: collect endoscopy and any specialist reports; if manometry or pH monitoring is advised, ask whether it can be done in Australia first.
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Back home: video follow-up with Dr Bansal; your GP or gastroenterologist receives the operation notes.
For patients in the UAE
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Getting here: Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Delhi takes about 3.5 hours, so a separate short trip for tests before surgery, or an in-person review a few weeks later, is practical.
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Time zone: India is 1 h 30 min ahead of the UAE; OPD hours are 7:30 am–7:30 pm UAE time, and Saturday clinics fall on the UAE weekend.
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Before you travel: bring endoscopy and imaging reports from your UAE doctor.
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Back home: follow-up by phone or video; reports are shared digitally for your doctor in the UAE.
Visa and entry
Visa and entry rules are set by the Government of India and can change, so check the official portals before you book flights.
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Indian passport holders (most NRIs) do not need a visa.
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OCI cardholders hold a multiple-entry lifelong visa for visiting India, so no separate medical visa is needed.
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British, Australian and UAE passport holders can apply for an e-Medical visa online, only at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Apply at least 4 days before arrival; applications open up to 120 days ahead. You upload your passport bio page and a letter from the treating hospital in India, on its letterhead, giving your name, nationality, passport number and tentative admission date. Up to two e-Medical Attendant visas can be granted against one e-Medical visa.
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UAE nationals who have held an Indian e-Visa or regular visa before may be eligible for visa on arrival; check the official portal first.
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Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders complete the online e-Arrival card within 72 hours before arrival (boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app).
THE CLINICS MISC Hauz Khas is licensed by DGHS Delhi under the Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act and registered with FRRO, so we can issue a visa invitation letter for an Indian medical visa once your treatment is planned. Visa decisions are made by the Government of India; we cannot promise approval. More detail: International patients.
Risks and when to seek urgent help
Your surgeon explains the expected benefits, risks and side effects before you decide. Temporary bloating or slow swallowing is common in the first weeks. A hiatus hernia can come back, especially if it was large; the risk depends on the size of the hernia, your weight, coughing and straining.
Severe chest or upper abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, inability to swallow even liquids, or vomiting blood needs urgent care, wherever you are. Chest pain can also come from the heart.
Your surgeon
Dr Saurabh Bansal, GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon, DMC Reg. No. 37887, 18 years in practice. MBBS, DNB Surgery, FNB (Minimal Access Surgery), FALS, International Clinical Fellowship in Colorectal Surgery, CMUH, Taichung, Taiwan. He presented his modified laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication technique for GERD and hiatus hernia at ELSA 2025, Singapore, and performs upper GI endoscopy. Founder and Director, THE CLINICS MISC. View profile
Robotic surgery is not offered at THE CLINICS; the operation is laparoscopic.
Cost and insurance
Cost is an estimate after examination. Insurance facilities available. Our team helps with the paperwork. The estimate depends on the size of the hernia, the tests needed and the length of stay. All major credit cards are accepted.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have hiatus hernia surgery in Delhi if I live in the UK, Australia or the UAE?
Yes. Send your endoscopy and other reports on WhatsApp (+91 9217381353) for a video consultation with Dr Saurabh Bansal (DMC 37887). If surgery suits you, it is done laparoscopically at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas.
Which technique is used?
The hernia is repaired laparoscopically, the opening in the diaphragm is narrowed with stitches, and a modified Toupet (partial posterior) fundoplication with a retro-gastric approach is done in the same operation. Mesh is generally not used for hiatus hernia.
How long should I stay in Delhi?
Admission is usually for one day. If you are recovering well, you can usually fly back 4 to 5 days after surgery; your surgeon decides at the review. Add extra days before surgery if manometry or pH studies are done after arrival.
Which reports should I send before travelling?
Your upper GI endoscopy report, any manometry, pH study, CT or barium swallow reports, your current medicines and doses, and notes from any previous operation.
Can manometry and pH tests be done before I travel?
Often, yes, if they are available where you live; your surgeon reviews the results. In Delhi these tests are done at nearby hospital facilities.
What should I eat on the flight home?
You follow a liquid to soft diet for about 2 weeks after surgery, so choose soft food or liquids for the journey and eat small amounts slowly. Your surgeon gives you a written diet plan.
Can a hiatus hernia come back after surgery?
Yes, especially if it was large. The risk depends on the size of the hernia, your weight, coughing and straining. Your surgeon explains your own risk before surgery.
What follow-up is there after I return home?
Follow-up can often be done by phone or video; depending on your case, it may be included or charged from the second visit, and we tell you in advance. Your discharge summary, operation notes and reports are shared digitally for your doctor at home.
Related pages
Start with your reports
WhatsApp your reports to +91 9217381353 (or call +91 8448830013). OPD Mon–Sat, 9 am–9 pm IST.
WhatsApp us · Book a consultation · Call +91 9217381353 / +91 8448830013
Cost is an estimate after examination. Insurance facilities available. Our team helps with the paperwork.
THE CLINICS MISC: H2, Hauz Khas, opposite Neeli Masjid, New Delhi 110016. OPD Mon–Sat 9 am–9 pm. Round-the-clock nursing care for admitted patients.
This page is general information and does not replace a consultation.
THE CLINICS has no emergency department. In an emergency go to the nearest hospital or call 112.
Content prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by THE CLINICS medical team.