Difficulty swallowing, weight loss, black stools, vomiting blood
GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) is the backflow of stomach acid into the food pipe, causing heartburn, regurgitation and chest discomfort. It is treated first with lifestyle changes and medicines, and with laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery when symptoms persist.
Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus
Common in adults; obesity & hiatus hernia raise risk
Symptoms persisting despite 8–12 weeks of medication
Difficulty swallowing, weight loss, black stools, vomiting blood
What is GERD?
GERD happens when the valve between the food pipe and stomach weakens, letting acid flow back up. Occasional reflux is normal; frequent reflux that affects daily life is GERD. A hiatus hernia and obesity are common contributors.
Symptoms & causes
Typical symptoms are heartburn, sour regurgitation, chest discomfort and a chronic cough or throat irritation. Causes include a weak lower esophageal sphincter, hiatus hernia, obesity, smoking and certain foods.
Diagnosis
Most cases are diagnosed clinically. A gastroscopy checks for inflammation, ulcers or a hiatus hernia, and rules out other causes. Where needed, pH-monitoring and manometry confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment options
First-line treatment is lifestyle change plus acid-suppressing medication. When symptoms persist, recur off medication, or a large hiatus hernia is present, laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication) offers a durable, laparoscopic solution.
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How we treat GERD & Acidity (Acid Reflux)
Recommended treatment
Acidity (Reflux / GERD)
Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication) for persistent acidity and reflux that does not settle with medicines.
View treatment details →Cashless insurance accepted at our network hospitals, with EMI options available. Every patient gets a written, transparent estimate before any procedure — no surprises.
Dr. Avinash Tank, MBBS · MS (General Surgery) · MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology, SGPGIMS)
SGPGIMS (India's premier GI centre) + advanced training in Japan & South Korea. Super-specialist gastrointestinal, bariatric & cancer surgeon treating GERD & Acidity (Acid Reflux) at Dwarika Hospital — Gastro, Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgery Center.
Proof, not promises
Long-standing reflux from a large hiatus hernia fixed by laparoscopic surgery — off daily acid medication.
Read the full case →
DWARIKA HOSPITALVerified Patient Story
Verified
"After years of acidity, the laparoscopic surgery finally fixed it. Honest advice, no pressure, excellent result."
More on GERD & Acidity (Acid Reflux)
Case LibraryLarge Hiatus Hernia with GERD Successfully Treated by Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplicatio
BlogLifestyle Modifications for Preventing Acidity, Reflux, GERD
Health TipsCoffee & Acidity: Causes, Effects, and Tips for Enjoying Your Brew
Frequently asked questions
Lifestyle and medicines control most cases; for persistent reflux, laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery offers a long-term cure by repairing the valve mechanism.
Surgery is considered when symptoms persist despite medication, return whenever medicines stop, or when a significant hiatus hernia is present.
Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is a well-established, minimally invasive procedure with a quick recovery in experienced hands.
Long-standing untreated reflux can change the esophageal lining (Barrett's) and slightly raise cancer risk, which is why persistent symptoms should be assessed.
Super-specialist GI, bariatric & cancer surgeon. SGPGIMS (India's premier GI centre) + advanced training in Japan & South Korea. Read full profile →
Last reviewed: July 2026