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SURGERY REDEFINED

GERD and Acid Reflux Treatment in South Delhi

Treatment options for acid reflux, heartburn and GERD at THE CLINICS — from medicines and lifestyle changes to laparoscopic fundoplication.

Diagram of acid reflux from the stomach into th oesohagus in GERD

Image: BruceBlaus (Blausen Medical), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

GI & laparoscopic surgeon · 18 years in practice · Founder & Director, THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas

✓ Medically reviewed by Dr Saurabh Bansal (DMC 37887)

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Overview

GERD and acid reflux care at THE CLINICS, South Delhi. Treatment options range from medicines and lifestyle changes to laparoscopic fundoplication at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas.

  • Surgery is under general anaesthesia

  • Discharge the same day or the next day

  • Many patients return to work in 2–3 days

  • A hiatus hernia can be repaired in the same operation

What is GERD?

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a long-term condition in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus), causing irritation, heartburn and damage to its lining.

  • It is common in India and is one of the GI conditions often treated at THE CLINICS

  • When medicines do not control GERD, or when a hiatal hernia is the underlying cause, laparoscopic fundoplication may help reduce dependence on acid-suppressing tablets

Causes and risk factors

Several factors can contribute to GERD. Your surgeon reviews which ones apply in your case.

  • Weak lower oesophageal sphincter (LES): the valve between the food pipe and stomach does not close properly, so acid leaks up

  • Hiatal hernia: part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and disrupts the anti-reflux mechanism

  • Obesity and lifestyle: excess weight raises abdominal pressure and pushes acid up into the oesophagus

  • Diet and habits: spicy food, late meals, alcohol, smoking and lying down after eating can all trigger GERD

Signs and symptoms

Many people live with GERD symptoms for years, assuming it is “normal acidity”. If you have any of these regularly, an evaluation at THE CLINICS is advised.

  • Heartburn: a burning feeling in the chest after eating

  • Acid or bitter taste in the mouth (regurgitation)

  • Chest discomfort after meals

  • Long-standing cough, hoarse voice or throat clearing

  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

  • Waking at night due to acid or coughing

Important: New chest pain should always be checked by a doctor, as it is not always due to acid.

When to see a surgeon

GERD surgery is considered in specific situations. A consultation helps decide whether medicines, further tests or surgery are suitable.

  • Symptoms continue despite medicines

  • A hiatal hernia is present

  • You wish to discuss alternatives to long-term tablets

  • Already on acid tablets for months or years — THE CLINICS can assess whether surgery is suitable for you

Diagnosis

Tests confirm GERD and assess its severity before any surgery is advised.

  • Upper GI endoscopy is done by Dr Saurabh Bansal at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas

  • Some patients also need oesophageal manometry or pH monitoring at nearby hospital facilities

  • Bring any existing endoscopy reports, pH study results or medication records to your first visit

Hiatus hernia and acid reflux

Diagram of a hiatus hernia, with part of the stomach pushed up through the diaphragm

Image: BruceBlaus (Blausen Medical), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Part of the stomach can push up through the diaphragm (hiatus hernia), which may allow acid to flow back into the oesophagus.​

Treatment options

THE CLINICS offers medicine-based management and surgical correction for GERD. All surgery is performed at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas.

Medicines and lifestyle

For mild to moderate GERD, lifestyle changes are combined with acid-reducing medicines (PPIs). These help control symptoms but usually need long-term use.

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole and pantoprazole

  • H2 blockers and antacids for symptom relief

  • Dietary and lifestyle guidance

Endoscopy

Upper GI endoscopy confirms GERD and assesses severity. It is done at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas. Manometry or pH studies, when needed, are arranged at nearby hospital facilities.

Surgery

Laparoscopic fundoplication is considered when symptoms continue despite medicines, when a hiatal hernia is present, or when patients wish to discuss alternatives to long-term tablets.

Medicines vs endoscopy vs surgery

Medicines & lifestyle

Main aim: Control symptoms while medicines are taken

Typical use: Mild to moderate GERD; first-line care

Daily tablets: Usually needed long term

Hiatal hernia: Not treated by medicines

Recovery notes: Lifestyle changes help but may not resolve GERD alone

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Endoscopy and tests

Main aim: Confirm GERD and assess severity before advising surgery

Typical use: Upper GI endoscopy at THE CLINICS MISC; some patients also need manometry or pH monitoring at nearby hospital facilities

Hiatal hernia: Helps assess the condition

Anaesthesia / stay: Endoscopy as advised by your surgeon

Laparoscopic fundoplication

Main aim: Address the valve problem; repair a hiatal hernia when present

Typical use: Symptoms continue despite medicines, hiatal hernia present, or wish to discuss alternatives to long-term tablets

Daily tablets: Many patients can reduce or stop acid-suppressing medicines after surgery

Hiatal hernia: Can be repaired in the same keyhole operation

Anaesthesia / stay: General anaesthesia; 1–2 hours; discharge same day or next day

Recovery notes: Liquid to soft diet ~2 weeks; many return to work in 2–3 days; normal diet often by 4–6 weeks

Not sure which treatment fits you?

Share your symptoms and reports with our surgeon to plan the next step.

Original illustration of a laparoscopic operating theatre for keyhole GERD and hiatus hernia surgery at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas, South Delhi

Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is performed through small incisions under general anaesthesia at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas.

Laparoscopic fundoplication at THE CLINICS

Laparoscopic fundoplication is a widely used surgical treatment for GERD. The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower oesophagus to strengthen the anti-reflux valve and help prevent acid reflux.

Procedure

  • At THE CLINICS, Dr Saurabh Bansal performs a modified Toupet (partial posterior) fundoplication with a retro-gastric approach

  • Done through 4–5 small keyhole incisions (0.5–1 cm), with no large incisions

  • Generally without mesh

  • A Nissen fundoplication is a full 360° wrap; a Toupet is a 270° partial wrap behind the oesophagus

  • Your surgeon explains the procedure, expected benefits and side effects before you decide

Hiatus hernia repair in the same surgery

When GERD is caused by a hiatal hernia, THE CLINICS performs a combined laparoscopic repair: the hiatal hernia is corrected and a fundoplication is done in a single surgery.

  • Hernia reduction and fundoplication together

  • A single surgery and one recovery

  • Mesh is generally not used for hiatus hernia

Travelling from abroad? See GERD and hiatus hernia surgery in Delhi for NRIs.

Anaesthesia

  • Always under general anaesthesia

  • Typical duration: 1 to 2 hours at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas

Hospital stay

  • Discharge the same day or the next day

Recovery and diet

  • Liquid to soft diet for about 2 weeks

  • Gradual return to solid food; a normal diet is usually reached within 4–6 weeks

  • Many patients return to work in 2–3 days

  • Full recovery: about 2 to 3 weeks

  • Many patients are able to reduce or stop acid-suppressing medicines after surgery; your surgeon will discuss what to expect in your case

Risks and possible side effects

Your surgeon explains the risks before you decide. Points already discussed on this page include:

  • Some people have temporary difficulty swallowing or bloating after surgery

  • Long-term PPI use has possible risks, such as lower vitamin B12 levels and bone loss, which your doctor can discuss

Cost and insurance

Cost is an estimate after examination.

Insurance facilities available.

Lifestyle and diet tips

Lifestyle changes help control GERD symptoms but may not resolve the condition on their own. THE CLINICS gives dietary guidance alongside treatment.

Helpful habits

  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals

  • Stay upright for 2–3 hours after eating

  • Raise the head end of your bed by 6–8 inches

  • Maintain a healthy body weight

  • Wear loose-fitting clothing

  • Eat dinner at least 3 hours before sleeping

Triggers to avoid

  • Spicy, oily and fried foods

  • Tea, coffee and carbonated drinks

  • Alcohol and smoking

  • Citrus fruits and tomato-based foods

  • Chocolate and peppermint

  • Lying down immediately after meals

Talk through your GERD options

Bring any endoscopy reports, pH study results or medication records to your first visit.

Frequently asked questions

THE CLINICS has no emergency department; in an emergency go to the nearest hospital or call 112.

Dr Saurabh Bansal

GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon

DMC 37887 · 18 years in practice · Upper GI endoscopy

Founder and Director, THE CLINICS MISC. Performs a modified Toupet (partial posterior) fundoplication with a retro-gastric approach for GERD and hiatus hernia.

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