🏥 Expert Oesophageal Surgeon — Ahmedabad

Esophagus Surgery
in Ahmedabad

Comprehensive oesophageal surgical care — laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia, anti-reflux surgery for GERD, hiatal hernia repair, oesophageal stricture management, and oesophagectomy — by Dr. Hamikchandra Patel at Shaleen Multi Speciality Hospital, Sola.

Book a Consultation 📞 Call: 95120 39041
15+Years Surgical Experience
FellowshipSurgical Gastroenterology
MASMinimal Access Surgery
ShaleenMulti Speciality Hospital

Understanding Oesophageal Disease

When Does the Oesophagus Need Surgical Treatment?

The oesophagus — a muscular tube approximately 25cm long — transports food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Oesophageal disorders range from functional problems (achalasia, GERD) to structural conditions (strictures, diverticula) and malignant disease (oesophageal cancer). Many oesophageal conditions cause swallowing difficulty (dysphagia), heartburn, regurgitation, or chest pain that significantly impairs quality of life.

Surgical intervention is required when oesophageal conditions do not respond to medications or endoscopic treatment, when there is malignancy, or when complications such as Barrett's oesophagus, stricture, or severe reflux disease require definitive repair. Dr. Hamikchandra Patel specialises in minimally invasive oesophageal surgery — prioritising laparoscopic approaches that minimise pain, reduce hospital stay, and accelerate recovery.

If you experience difficulty swallowing, persistent heartburn that does not respond to medications, regurgitation of food, unexplained chest pain, or weight loss — a specialist evaluation is essential.

Key Symptoms Requiring Oesophageal Evaluation

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing — solids first, then liquids), progressive weight loss, regurgitation of undigested food, chest pain not related to the heart, chronic heartburn unresponsive to PPIs, hoarseness or chronic cough, and vomiting of blood (haematemesis).

Endoscopy — Essential for Diagnosis

Upper GI endoscopy is the cornerstone of oesophageal diagnosis — providing direct visualisation of the oesophageal lining, identifying strictures, tumours, Barrett's changes, and oesophagitis. Biopsy and oesophageal manometry further define the condition and guide treatment planning.

Laparoscopic Surgery for Most Conditions

The majority of oesophageal surgical conditions — hiatal hernia, achalasia, GERD, Zenker's diverticulum — can be addressed laparoscopically, avoiding large chest or abdominal incisions and enabling rapid recovery.

Oesophageal Conditions We Treat

Oesophageal Disorders Managed at Dr. Gastro

Dr. Hamikchandra Patel provides expert surgical management for the full range of oesophageal conditions — from common to complex.

Achalasia Cardia

A motility disorder where the lower oesophageal sphincter fails to relax during swallowing, causing progressive dysphagia. Treated with laparoscopic Heller myotomy — incising the sphincter muscle to restore swallowing — combined with a partial fundoplication to prevent GERD.

  • Progressive difficulty swallowing solids then liquids
  • Regurgitation of undigested food, especially at night
  • Chest pain and fullness after meals
  • Gradual weight loss over months

Hiatal Hernia & GERD

When the stomach herniates through the diaphragm into the chest (hiatal hernia), it contributes to gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) — stomach acid damaging the oesophageal lining. Laparoscopic fundoplication and hiatal hernia repair restore the anatomical anti-reflux barrier permanently.

  • Chronic heartburn — especially lying down
  • Acid regurgitation into mouth or throat
  • Dysphagia from oesophagitis or stricture
  • Respiratory symptoms: cough, asthma, laryngitis

Oesophageal Stricture

Narrowing of the oesophagus from chronic GERD-related scarring, caustic ingestion, or post-radiation. Endoscopic dilatation provides relief; recurrent or refractory strictures may require surgical correction or oesophageal replacement.

  • Progressive difficulty swallowing — solids before liquids
  • Food impaction requiring emergency endoscopy
  • Weight loss and nutritional compromise
  • Regurgitation immediately after swallowing

Oesophageal Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma (mid-oesophagus) and adenocarcinoma (lower oesophagus, associated with Barrett's) are the two main types. Oesophagectomy — resection of the oesophagus with gastric pull-up or colonic interposition — is the primary surgical treatment for resectable cancers.

  • Progressive dysphagia — solid foods first
  • Unexplained significant weight loss
  • Chest or back pain in advanced cases
  • Hoarseness or chronic cough

Treatment Procedures

Oesophageal Surgical Procedures at Dr. Gastro

⭐ Laparoscopic

Heller Myotomy

Laparoscopic division of the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle for achalasia. Combined with partial fundoplication to prevent post-operative GERD. Highly effective — over 90% of patients achieve lasting symptomatic relief. Same-day or 1-night hospital stay.

  • Minimally invasive — 4–5 small incisions
  • 90%+ success rate for achalasia
  • Combined anti-reflux procedure
  • Return to normal eating within 2–3 days
Anti-Reflux

Laparoscopic Fundoplication

The upper stomach (fundus) is wrapped around the lower oesophagus to recreate and reinforce the anti-reflux barrier. Nissen (360°) or Toupet (270°) fundoplication depending on oesophageal motility. Definitive surgical cure for GERD and hiatal hernia.

  • Eliminates lifelong PPI medication need
  • Simultaneous hiatal hernia repair
  • Laparoscopic — short recovery
  • Durable long-term anti-reflux results
Oncological

Oesophagectomy

Surgical resection of the oesophagus for cancer — performed via minimally invasive thoracoscopic-laparoscopic approach where feasible. The stomach is reconstructed as a neo-oesophagus (gastric pull-up). Multidisciplinary treatment including neoadjuvant therapy is coordinated with oncology.

  • Only curative option for resectable cancer
  • Minimally invasive approach where suitable
  • Multidisciplinary oncology coordination
  • Comprehensive post-operative nutrition support

Surgical Journey

Your Oesophageal Surgery — Step by Step

1

Diagnostic Workup

Upper endoscopy (with biopsy if needed), oesophageal manometry, 24-hour pH monitoring, barium swallow, and CT scan provide a complete picture of the oesophageal condition and guide surgical planning.

2

Pre-Operative Preparation

Nutritional optimisation (especially for dysphagia patients), cardiac and lung function assessment, and multidisciplinary discussion for cancer cases. Specific dietary preparation as instructed for your procedure.

3

Laparoscopic or Open Surgery

The planned procedure is performed under general anaesthesia — laparoscopic for most benign conditions; minimal invasive thoraco-laparoscopic for selected oesophagectomy cases. Intraoperative endoscopy assists in confirming completeness of the procedure.

4

Post-Operative Diet Progression

Most patients begin with liquids and progress to soft and then normal foods over 2–4 weeks. Post-fundoplication dietary guidance includes avoiding carbonated drinks and large meals initially. Oesophagectomy patients follow a more structured dietary rehabilitation.

5

Follow-Up & Surveillance

Follow-up endoscopy at 6–12 weeks confirms surgical success. For Barrett's oesophagus or cancer cases, regular surveillance endoscopy is scheduled. Long-term symptom assessment ensures durable surgical outcomes.

Recovery After Oesophageal Surgery

  • Laparoscopic myotomy / fundoplication: 1–2 day hospital stay
  • Liquid diet for first 48–72 hours post-operatively
  • Soft foods from Day 3–5; normal diet by 2–4 weeks
  • Return to desk work in 5–7 days
  • Avoid carbonated drinks for 4–6 weeks after fundoplication
  • Oesophagectomy: 7–10 day hospital stay with staged diet progression

When to Seek Urgent Review

  • Inability to swallow fluids after Day 2 post-operatively
  • High fever or chest pain suggesting leak
  • Persistent vomiting or regurgitation
  • Significant bloating unable to pass gas (post-fundoplication)
  • Wound redness, discharge, or increasing pain
  • Any new neurological symptoms

Patient Questions

FAQs — Esophagus Surgery in Ahmedabad

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy provides long-lasting relief from achalasia in over 90% of patients. Some patients develop GERD after the myotomy — which is why a partial fundoplication is added simultaneously. A small percentage of patients may need further treatment years later, but the majority achieve durable, excellent swallowing function.
Yes — laparoscopic fundoplication provides a durable surgical cure for GERD in appropriately selected patients. After successful fundoplication, the majority of patients no longer require daily PPI medication. The procedure restores the anatomical anti-reflux barrier that is absent or compromised in GERD patients.
Barrett's oesophagus is a precancerous change in the oesophageal lining caused by chronic acid exposure from GERD. It requires endoscopic surveillance every 1–3 years. For high-grade dysplasia or early cancer in Barrett's, endoscopic treatments (EMR, RFA) or surgery may be needed. Fundoplication may reduce further acid exposure but does not reverse existing Barrett's changes.
For the first 4–6 weeks: avoid carbonated drinks (causes gas and bloating), avoid large meals (eat smaller frequent meals), chew food thoroughly, and avoid very hard or dry foods. Most patients return to a normal varied diet after 6 weeks with only the restriction on avoiding overeating or eating very close to bedtime.
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) has many causes — oesophageal stricture, achalasia, GERD-related damage, oesophageal tumours, and neurological conditions. Any progressively worsening swallowing difficulty, especially accompanied by weight loss, warrants urgent specialist evaluation — ideally within 2 weeks. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes, particularly for oesophageal cancer.

Consult Dr. Hamikchandra Patel Today

📞 95120 39041  |  82380 92233

Expert gastrointestinal and laparoscopic surgery at Shaleen Multi Speciality Hospital, Sola, Ahmedabad. Transparent consultation, honest advice, and patient-centred care always.

Book a Consultation 📞 Call: 95120 39041

Esophageal Disorders

Esophagus disorders are a group of ailments that alter how the esophagus functions. The esophagus, often known as the food pipe, is a digestive organ that transports food from the mouth to the stomach. For the best esophagus surgery in Ahmedabad, consult our expert surgeons who provide advanced treatments for optimal care and recovery. Trust us for the best esophagus surgery in Ahmedabad and ensure your health is in good hands.

 
 

Types of Esophagus Disorders

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is classified into two types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. In general, smoking, radiation, and HPV infection all raise the chance of squamous cell carcinoma, whereas acid reflux and smoking both increases the risk of adenocarcinoma.

Foreign Body Impaction In Esophagus

Foreign bodies in the upper esophagus are more accurately localized by the patient. However, impactions in the mid or lower esophagus may be described as a vague discomfort, ache, or chest pain. Other symptoms include hypersalivation, retrosternal fullness, regurgitation, gagging, choking, hiccups, and retching.

Esophageal Ulcers

An esophageal ulcer is a distinct break in the margin of the esophageal mucosa. This mucosal damage to the esophagus is often caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or from severe sustained esophagitis from other causes.

Esophageal Candidiasis

Candidiasis in the mouth and throat is also called thrush or oropharyngeal candidiasis. Candidiasis in the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat to the stomach) is called esophageal candidiasis or Candida esophagitis. Esophageal candidiasis is one of the most common infections in people living with HIV/AIDS.

Plummer Vinson Syndrome

(PLUH-mer-VIN-sun SIN-drome) A disorder marked by anemia caused by iron deficiency, and a web-like growth of membranes in the throat that makes swallowing difficult. Having Plummer-Vinson syndrome may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Esophageal Stricture

An esophageal stricture refers to the abnormal narrowing of the esophageal lumen; it often presents as dysphagia, commonly described by patients as difficulty swallowing. It is a serious sequela to many different disease processes and underlying etiologies. Its recognition and management should be prompt.