Pot Blair, June 30: Mr. J Murgan, 30 years old had been suffering with a diagnosis of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) and large Hiatus Hernia for the last 10 – 15 years. He had taken consultation with various specialists including chest and T.B., Psychiatrist and was on treatment for Asthma and Chronic Lung Disease but his symptoms never got relieved.
Murgan was later admitted with pain in upper abdomen, breathing difficulty and difficulty in swallowing in the month of March 2023 in the Department of Minimal Access and General Surgery of ANIIMS/ G.B. Pant Hospital. He was investigated with upper GI endoscopy, Barium Swallow USG Abdomen and Chest X-ray. He was found to have large Hiatus Hernia with GERD and oesophagitis gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD) which occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach (esophagus).
Acid reflex happens when the lower esophageal sphineter doesn’t tighten or close properly. This allows digestive juices and other contents form the stomach to rise up into the esophagus. This is more likely to happen in a patient with Hiatus Hernia. This is when a part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm toward the chest area. If the diaphragm is compromised, it can increase the likelihood that the lower esophageal lsphincter can’t do its job correctly.
After a thorough investigation, Murgan was prepared preoperatively and he was taken up for a Major Surgery namely Laproscopic Nissen’s Fundoplication on 05th April 2023. A team of Superspecialists led by Dr. Saji Varghese and Anaesthestist Dr. Narayan and team performed the surgery through key hole which lasted for 1 ½ - 2 hours and the patient was discharged in stable condition.
Postoperatively the patient was followed up for the last two months and his symptoms of breathing difficulty, difficulty in swallowing and frequent salivation and throat clearance have completely resolved. The patient is also off from previous drugs he was taking.
It is pertinent to mention here that patients with GERD will have varied clinical symptoms and are treated initially with drugs. If the symptoms do not resolve, it is treated with surgery. Such surgeries are frequently performed in at G.B. Pant Hospital. People of these Islands can take its benefits instead of opting to go to the mainland for treatment.