Achalasia cardia is a rare but serious swallowing disorder that affects the food pipe. Many patients suffer silently for years due to delayed diagnosis. Difficulty in swallowing, chest discomfort, and repeated vomiting can affect daily life and nutrition.
If you are looking for Achalasia Cardia Treatment in Chennai, expert care is essential. Under the guidance of the Best GI Surgeon in Chennai, advanced treatment options—especially robotic surgery—offer excellent long-term results, faster recovery, and minimal discomfort.
Dr. Pinak Dasgupta, with over 21 years of surgical experience, provides advanced treatment for achalasia cardia using robotic Heller’s myotomy and minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques at GEM Hospital, Chennai. He has performed 5000+ successful minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, including complex gastrointestinal and oesophageal procedures, with consistently high success rates.
Recognised as one of the Best leading Robotic Surgeon in Chennai, Dr. Pinak Dasgupta is known for his precision-based robotic surgery, which allows accurate muscle division, reduced complications, minimal blood loss, and quicker recovery. His expertise in DaVinci robotic surgery ensures better swallowing outcomes and long-term relief for achalasia patients.
An award-winning surgeon, Dr. Pinak Dasgupta, has received the Award for Excellence in Hernia Surgery, the IAGES Shining Star Award, and multiple Best Video Awards at national and international conferences for advanced robotic procedures.
What is Achalasia Cardia?
Achalasia Cardia is a disorder of the food pipe, also called the oesophagus. In this condition, the lower end of the oesophagus does not relax properly. Because of this, food and liquids cannot pass easily into the stomach.Normally, muscles of the oesophagus push food down smoothly. A valve called the lower oesophageal sphincter opens to allow food into the stomach. In achalasia, this valve stays tight. Over time, food collects in the oesophagus. This causes discomfort and difficulty in swallowing.
Achalasia is a chronic condition. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, patients can live a normal and healthy life.
Causes of Achalasia Cardia:
The exact cause of achalasia is not always known. However, doctors believe it occurs due to nerve damage in the oesophagus.
Some possible causes include:
- Degeneration of nerve cells controlling swallowing
- Autoimmune conditions
- Viral infections affecting nerves
- Genetic factors in rare cases
Achalasia is not caused by diet or lifestyle. It can affect both men and women. It usually appears between the ages of 25 and 60.
Symptoms of Achalasia Cardia:
Symptoms develop slowly and may worsen over time. Many patients ignore early signs, thinking it is acidity or indigestion.
Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty in swallowing food and liquids
- Regurgitation of undigested food
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Feeling of food stuck in the chest
- Weight loss
- Coughing or choking at night
- Heartburn-like symptoms
If these symptoms persist, it is important to consult a Best GI Surgeon in Chennai without delay.
How to Diagnose Achalasia Cardia?
Proper diagnosis is essential for successful treatment. Dr. Pinak Dasgupta uses advanced diagnostic tools at GEM Hospital, Chennai.
Common tests include:
- Barium Swallow Test:- A special X-ray taken after drinking a contrast liquid. It shows narrowing at the lower oesophagus.
- Upper GI Endoscopy:- A flexible camera is used to examine the oesophagus and stomach. It helps rule out other conditions.
- Oesophageal Manometry:- This test measures muscle pressure and movement in the oesophagus. It is the gold standard for diagnosing achalasia.
Accurate diagnosis helps decide the best treatment option for each patient.
Treatment Options for Achalasia Cardia:
Achalasia cannot be cured permanently, but symptoms can be controlled effectively. The goal of treatment is to relax the lower oesophageal sphincter and allow easy passage of food.
- Medications: Medicines may help in early or mild cases. However, their effect is limited and temporary.
- Balloon Dilatation: A balloon is inserted and inflated to stretch the tight muscle. Relief may not be permanent and repeat procedures may be required.
- Botulinum Toxin Injection: Botox injections relax the muscle. This option is usually reserved for elderly or high-risk patients.
- Robotic Heller’s Myotomy – The Gold Standard: Robotic surgery is the most effective and long-term solution for achalasia. Dr. Pinak Dasgupta specialises in robotic Heller’s myotomy, offering world-class Achalasia Cardia Treatment in Chennai.
Benefits of robotic surgery include:- High precision and better control
- Minimal blood loss
- Smaller incisions
- Less pain after surgery
- Faster recovery
- Short hospital stay
- Excellent long-term results
Robotic surgery allows the surgeon to cut the tight muscle accurately while protecting surrounding structures. This ensures better swallowing and long-lasting relief.
Why Choose Dr. Pinak Dasgupta for Achalasia Cardia Treatment?
Choosing the right surgeon plays a major role in the success of achalasia cardia treatment. This condition requires precision, experience, and advanced surgical skills. Dr. Pinak Dasgupta is widely trusted for robotic GI surgeries across South India.
He combines years of experience with modern technology to deliver safe and long-lasting results for patients suffering from achalasia cardia.
- Expertise and Experience:- Dr. Pinak Dasgupta brings over 21 years of rich surgical experience in treating complex gastrointestinal conditions. He has successfully performed thousands of laparoscopic and robotic procedures with excellent outcomes. He is an Intuitive Da Vinci Robotic Certified Console Surgeon, trained to handle advanced robotic surgeries with high precision. His strong academic background includes training from premier institutes such as AIIMS New Delhi, KEM Hospital Mumbai, and GEM Hospital. This extensive training allows him to manage even complicated achalasia cases with confidence and care.
- Advanced Robotic Surgical Skills:- Robotic surgery demands accuracy and deep anatomical understanding. Dr. Pinak Dasgupta is known for his ambidextrous surgical skills, which enhance control during delicate procedures like Heller’s myotomy.As a leading Robotic Surgeon in Chennai, he uses robotic technology to reduce pain, minimise blood loss, and speed up recovery. Patients benefit from smaller incisions and better long-term swallowing improvement.
- Awards and Recognition:- Dr. Pinak Dasgupta’s work has received national and international recognition. These awards reflect his dedication to surgical excellence and innovation.He has received the Award for Excellence in Hernia Surgery and the prestigious IAGES Shining Star Award. He has also won multiple Best Video Awards at major surgical conferences in India and abroad. In 2024, he was recognised among the Top 10 Most Promising Colorectal Surgeons of India, further strengthening his reputation as one of the Best GI Surgeons in Chennai.
- Patient-Centred Care:- Dr. Pinak Dasgupta believes in treating patients, not just conditions. Every patient undergoes a detailed evaluation before treatment. Clear explanations are provided about the condition, treatment options, and recovery process. He follows honest and transparent communication, helping patients make informed decisions. Treatment plans are customised based on individual needs, age, and health status.
- World-Class Infrastructure at GEM Hospital:- All procedures are performed at GEM Hospital, Chennai, which is equipped with advanced robotic systems and modern operation theatres. The hospital provides complete GI care under one roof, ensuring safety and comfort. The dedicated medical team ensures close monitoring before and after surgery, leading to smooth recovery and excellent outcomes.Patients searching for the Best GI Surgeon in Chennai and a highly experienced Robotic Surgeon in Chennai can confidently choose Dr. Pinak Dasgupta for safe, advanced, and effective achalasia cardia treatment. To book an appointment with Dr. Pinak Dasgupta, patients can call 8811091676 for expert care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
Yes. If untreated, it can lead to severe weight loss, aspiration, and oesophageal damage. Early treatment gives excellent results.
Yes. Robotic surgery is very safe when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Pinak Dasgupta.
Most patients resume normal activities within 1–2 weeks. Swallowing improves gradually over a few weeks.
Dr. Pinak Dasgupta is considered one of the best doctors for Achalasia Cardia Treatment in Chennai. He is a highly experienced Robotic and GI Surgeon with over 21 years of expertise and advanced training in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.