CHRONIC DIGESTIVE DISORDER
Acid Reflux / GERD
A condition in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the food pipe — causing heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, throat irritation, and long-term damage if left untreated.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Acid Reflux / GERD
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder in which stomach contents — particularly acid — flow back into the oesophagus due to weakening of the lower oesophageal sphincter or a hiatal hernia. Common symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, sour taste in the mouth, chronic cough, throat irritation, and disturbed sleep. Long-standing GERD can lead to oesophagitis, strictures, ulcers, and Barrett's oesophagus, which is a precancerous change. Most patients respond well to lifestyle changes and acid-suppressing medications, but those with severe disease, large hiatal hernia, complications, or dependence on long-term medication may benefit from surgery. Modern anti-reflux procedures are minimally invasive and highly effective. Dr. Tejasree Vengala offers complete GERD care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Weakening of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES)
- Hiatal hernia stretching the gastro-oesophageal junction
- Obesity and increased intra-abdominal pressure
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Spicy, fatty, fried foods, caffeine and alcohol
- Smoking and certain medications worsening reflux
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Non-erosive (NERD) or Erosive (EE) — based on endoscopy findings.
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication, Hiatal Hernia Repair, Toupet, TIF, LINX.
Severe symptoms, complications, large hiatal hernia, or long-term medication dependence.
Most patients resume routine activities within 1–2 weeks of laparoscopic surgery.
Endoscopy, 24-hour pH study and oesophageal manometry guide accurate planning.
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication
Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication — the gold-standard surgery for severe or refractory GERD. The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower oesophagus to strengthen the natural valve, providing long-term, effective relief from acid reflux through a minimally invasive keyhole approach.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Tejasree reviews symptoms, endoscopy reports, 24-hour pH study and oesophageal manometry to plan the most appropriate anti-reflux procedure.
- 2
Treatment Planning
Lifestyle measures and medications are optimised first. Surgery is planned for patients with severe disease, complications, or long-term medication dependence.
- 3
Procedure
Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is performed under general anaesthesia through 4–5 small incisions, usually completed within 90–120 minutes.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Hospital stay is typically 1–2 days. A graded soft diet is followed for a few weeks, with gradual return to normal eating and routine activities.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication
Gold-standard 360° wrap of the upper stomach around the lower oesophagus — provides strong, durable control of reflux.
Hiatal Hernia Repair
Surgical correction of the hiatal hernia, returning the stomach to its normal position and tightening the diaphragmatic opening — often combined with fundoplication.
Toupet Fundoplication
A 270° partial wrap that controls reflux while reducing the risk of swallowing difficulty — preferred in patients with weak oesophageal motility.
TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication)
Endoscopic anti-reflux procedure done through the mouth without any external cuts — suitable for select patients with mild to moderate GERD.
LINX Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation
A small ring of magnetic beads is placed around the lower oesophagus to support the sphincter — a modern, minimally invasive option for select patients.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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