GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Treatment In Coimbatore
Are you struggling with persistent acidity, heartburn, or sour burps? You may be suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). If you’re looking for effective and lasting GERD treatment in Coimbatore, consult Dr. K. Balu, one of the most trusted and experienced GI surgeons in the region.
With over 20 years of expertise in treating gastrointestinal diseases, Dr. K. Balu, a leading Acid Reflux Specialist in Coimbatore, offers accurate diagnosis and advanced surgical treatment for GERD and related complications. He treats patients from Thudiyalur, Gandhipuram, Podanur, Selvapuram, Kalapatti, Singanallur, Madukkarai, and other parts of Tamil Nadu at PSG Super Speciality Hospitals, Peelamedu, and Sun Speciality Clinic, Coimbatore.
What is GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)?
GERD is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid or bile frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This acid reflux irritates the oesophageal lining and can cause burning sensation, discomfort, and serious long-term complications if left untreated.
In India, GERD affects approximately 20-30% of the population, making it one of the most common digestive conditions. Although “heartburn” is often used to describe various digestive problems, in medical terms, it is actually a symptom of GERD.
Common Symptoms of GERD:
Primary Symptoms:
- Heartburn: A harsh burning sensation in the chest, beginning behind the breastbone and moving upward to the neck and throat
- Regurgitation: Sour or bitter fluid coming back into the mouth
- Chest pain: Discomfort that may be mistaken for heart-related pain
Other Symptoms May Include:
- Chronic cough or wheezing
- Sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty or pain while swallowing (dysphagia)
- Feeling of a lump in the throat
- Vomiting or nausea
- Bad breath
- Dental erosion due to acid exposure
Many people describe it as feeling like food is coming back into the mouth, leaving an uncomfortable acid or bitter taste.
What Causes GERD? Risk Factors to Know:
Several factors can contribute to the development of GERD:
- Weak lower oesophageal sphincter (LES): The valve between the stomach and oesophagus doesn’t close properly
- Hiatal hernia: Part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm
- Obesity and excess weight: Puts pressure on the abdomen
- Poor dietary habits: Consuming trigger foods like spicy, fried, or acidic foods
- Smoking and alcohol consumption: Weakens the LES
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure on the stomach
- Certain medications: Including some blood pressure drugs and painkillers
- Lying down immediately after eating
- Eating large meals or eating late at night
When Should You Seek Complete Diagnostic Evaluation?
If you frequently suffer from acidity or heartburn symptoms more than twice a week, or if over-the-counter medications don’t provide relief, it’s time for a complete diagnosis. Dr. K. Balu emphasises that proper diagnosis is essential for effective, long-term treatment.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Methods:
- Upper GI Endoscopy: An important procedure that helps visualise any damage caused by acid, such as inflammation or irritation of the oesophageal lining (oesophagitis). If findings are abnormal, a biopsy (small tissue sample) may be taken from the oesophagus lining for further examination.
- 24-Hour pH Monitoring: This test measures the acid levels in your oesophagus over 24 hours to determine how often and for how long acid reflux occurs.
- Oesophageal Manometry: This test involves inserting a small, flexible tube through the nose into the oesophagus and stomach to measure the pressure and function of the oesophageal muscles and the LES.
- Barium Swallow X-ray (Upper GI X-ray): You’re given a chalky liquid to drink while X-rays are taken to outline the anatomy of your digestive tract and identify any structural abnormalities.
After a thorough diagnosis, Dr. K. Balu prepares a detailed, personalised treatment plan based on the severity of your condition.
Comprehensive GERD Treatment Options in Coimbatore:
1. Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications
Diet and lifestyle changes are an integral part of GERD treatment. Dr. K. Balu puts significant emphasis on these modifications to achieve excellent long-term outcomes:
Dietary Changes:
- Avoid trigger foods: spicy, fried, citrus, tomato-based, chocolate, caffeine, and carbonated drinks
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones
- Avoid eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime
- Stay hydrated with water throughout the day
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Weight reduction: Being overweight worsens symptoms; weight loss significantly improves GERD
- Stop smoking: Cigarette smoking weakens the LES and increases acid production
- Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol relaxes the LES
- Elevate the head of your bed: Raise it on 6-inch blocks or use a specially designed wedge to allow gravity to minimise reflux (don’t use regular pillows as they increase stomach pressure)
- Wear loose-fitting clothes: Tight clothing around the abdomen can trigger reflux
- Manage stress: Anxiety and stress can worsen GERD symptoms
2. Medical Management
For milder forms of GERD, treatment with medications along with diet and lifestyle changes is often sufficient.
Common Medications Include:
- Antacids: For immediate relief of symptoms
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce stomach acid production
- H2 Blockers: Decrease acid production
- Prokinetics: Help strengthen the LES and promote faster stomach emptying
Most patients with mild to moderate GERD respond well to medical management.
3. Surgical Treatment – Laparoscopic Fundoplication
For patients with severe GERD or those suffering for a long time without relief from medications, surgery offers a superior, long-term solution. Dr. K. Balu specialises in Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery (Nissen Fundoplication), a minimally invasive procedure.
How It Works: The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower oesophagus to strengthen the valve (LES) and prevent acid reflux. The surgery also involves:
- Reducing hiatal hernia if present
- Reconstructing the oesophageal hiatus
- Reinforcing the lower oesophageal sphincter
Benefits of Laparoscopic Approach:
- Reduced postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stay (usually 1-2 days)
- Faster return to normal activities
- Smaller scars and improved cosmetic results
- Long-term relief with fewer complications
- High success rate
Studies show that the vast majority of patients who undergo this procedure are either symptom-free or experience significant improvement in their GERD symptoms.
4. Psychological Evaluation and Support
GERD and chronic acid reflux are commonly associated with anxiety and psychological disturbances, especially in patients who have been suffering for a long time. Dr. K. Balu recognises the importance of addressing the mental health component alongside physical treatment, offering thorough psychological evaluation and support when needed.
When is GERD Surgery Necessary?
Dr. K. Balu may recommend laparoscopic fundoplication surgery when:
- Symptoms are not relieved through medications and lifestyle changes
- You require long-term medication with potential side effects
- You have developed complications like oesophagitis, strictures, or Barrett’s oesophagus
- You have a large hiatal hernia
- You want a permanent solution to avoid lifelong medication
- You experience severe regurgitation, especially during sleep
Why Dr. K. Balu is the Best Choice for GERD Treatment in Coimbatore
Dr. K. Balu is among the very few surgical gastroenterologists in Coimbatore who routinely performs laparoscopic fundoplication with consistently high success rates. His expertise in GI surgery ensures that GERD patients receive evidence-based, minimally invasive treatment with faster recovery and sustained relief.
Why Choose Us?
Specialist in GI and Acid Reflux Surgery:
Expert in diagnosing and treating GERD surgically when medication proves ineffective, with a patient-centred approach.
20+ Years of Surgical Experience:
Trusted by thousands of patients across Tamil Nadu for managing complex gastrointestinal conditions with proven outcomes.
Minimally Invasive Techniques:
Uses advanced laparoscopic approach for GERD surgery, significantly reducing pain, hospital stay, and recovery time while improving cosmetic results.
Complete Pre and Post-Treatment Guidance:
Provides complete guidance including nutritional advice, lifestyle tips, dietary counselling, and personalised care plans for long-term relief and prevention.
Trusted by Families Across Tamil Nadu:
Patients from Thudiyalur, Kalapatti, Podanur, Gandhipuram, Singanallur, Madukkarai, Selvapuram, and nearby towns consistently choose Dr. K. Balu for his compassionate and effective care.
Facilities at Leading Hospitals:
Available at both PSG Super Speciality Hospitals, Peelamedu and Sun Speciality Clinic, Coimbatore, equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical facilities.
Accurate Diagnosis with Modern Technology:
Utilises advanced diagnostic tools including high-definition endoscopy, pH monitoring, manometry, and imaging for precise evaluation.
Transparent and Ethical Medical Practice:
Provides clear, honest explanations of all treatment options, surgical procedures, expected outcomes, and associated costs without any hidden charges.
High Patient Satisfaction and Safety Standards:
Focuses on quick recovery, minimal complications, and long-term benefits with strict adherence to safety protocols and international standards.
Personalised Follow-Up and Long-Term Management:
Offers continuous support even after surgery with regular follow-ups, monitoring, and maintenance care to ensure sustained relief from GERD.
Expected Results After Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery:
Research and clinical studies have demonstrated that the vast majority of patients who undergo laparoscopic fundoplication surgery experience:
- Complete elimination of heartburn and reflux symptoms
- Significant improvement in quality of life
- Ability to eat normally without restrictions
- Reduced or eliminated need for medications
- Prevention of long-term complications
- High satisfaction rates (over 90% in most studies)
Recovery is typically smooth, with most patients returning to normal activities within 2-3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – GERD Treatment in Coimbatore:
Yes, GERD is highly treatable. While lifestyle changes and medications help manage symptoms in most patients, laparoscopic surgery offers a permanent, long-term solution for severe or medication-resistant cases.
Surgery is recommended when medications don’t provide adequate relief, you require long-term medication with side effects, you have developed complications, or you want a permanent solution. Dr. K. Balu evaluates each patient individually to determine the best treatment approach.
Most patients are discharged within 1-2 days after laparoscopic fundoplication. You can return to light activities within a week and resume normal activities within 2-3 weeks. Complete recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Most patients do not require long-term acid-suppressing medications after successful surgery. However, you may need short-term medication during the initial recovery period. Dr. K. Balu provides personalised guidance based on your progress.
Yes, untreated GERD can lead to serious complications including oesophagitis, ulcers, strictures, Barrett’s oesophagus (a precancerous condition), and in rare cases, oesophageal cancer. It can also cause respiratory problems and dental damage. Early treatment prevents these complications.
Laparoscopic fundoplication has a high success rate with long-lasting results. When performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. K. Balu, recurrence rates are very low. Following post-operative dietary and lifestyle guidelines further ensures lasting relief.
Consult Dr. K. Balu for Expert GERD Treatment in Coimbatore:
If you’re experiencing frequent acidity, heartburn, or other symptoms of GERD, don’t wait for complications to develop. Consult Dr. K. Balu, the most experienced and trusted gastro surgeon in Coimbatore, for comprehensive evaluation and treatment.
Dr. K. Balu offers long-lasting solutions for GERD with expert care, advanced surgical options, and compassionate patient support. Whether you need medical management or minimally invasive surgery, you’ll receive world-class treatment delivered with personalised attention.
Treatment Locations:
PSG Super Speciality Hospitals Peelamedu, Coimbatore
Sun Speciality Clinic Coimbatore
For appointments or more information about GERD treatment options, reach out to us today. Take the first step towards a life free from heartburn and acid reflux.