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 keyhole anti-reflux surgery when symptoms persist.
Difficulty swallowing, weight loss, black stools, vomiting blood
| Definition | Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus |
| Who | Common in adults; obesity & hiatus hernia raise risk |
| See a surgeon | Symptoms persisting despite 8–12 weeks of medication |
| Urgency flags | 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, key-hole solution.
How we treat GERD & Acidity (Acid Reflux)
Acidity (Reflux / GERD)
Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication) for persistent acidity and reflux that does not settle with medicines.
View treatment → Robotic Anti-Reflux & Hiatus Hernia Surgery
Robot-assisted fundoplication and hiatus-hernia repair for severe acid reflux (GERD) — the fine, magnified control of the robot is ideal for accurate, lasting reflux correction deep at the diaphragm.
View treatment →Documented cases from our practice
View full case library →Visiting consultations near you
Meet Dr. Avinash Tank across Gujarat & Rajasthan — simple cases managed locally, advanced surgery at Dwarika Hospital, Ahmedabad.
Super-specialist GI, bariatric & cancer surgeon. SGPGIMS (India's premier GI centre) + advanced training in Japan & South Korea. Read full profile →
Last reviewed: June 2026Frequently asked questions
Lifestyle and medicines control most cases; for persistent reflux, keyhole 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.
Cost depends on technique, hospital and complexity, so ask for a personalised estimate. Choose an MCh-qualified surgical gastroenterologist with high case volumes — Dr. Avinash Tank has performed 10,000+ GI & bariatric surgeries at Dwarika Hospital, Ahmedabad.
शुरुआत में जीवनशैली में बदलाव और दवाइयों से एसिडिटी नियंत्रित होती है। यदि लक्षण दवा के बावजूद बने रहें, तो लैप्रोस्कोपिक एंटी-रिफ्लक्स सर्जरी एक स्थायी समाधान है।
Zyadatar cases medicine aur lifestyle change se control ho jaate hain. Agar symptoms medicine ke baad bhi bane rahein, toh keyhole anti-reflux surgery ek lasting solution hai.
Doctor-written articles on GERD & Acidity (Acid Reflux)
Case Library
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