Are you feeling difficulty swallowing food or water, sensing like it’s hard to get down your throat? You might be dealing with achalasia cardia, a rare esophageal complaint. Dr. Arun Nair specializes in expert achalasia cardia treatment in Thrissur where he has specialized in treating Esophageal disorder, with 14+ experience in this field has treated more than 10000+ surgeries related to this Esophageal motility disorder and other complaints. Dr. Arun S. Nair specializes in esophagectomy, the surgical removal of part or all of the esophagus. His expertise covers complex esophageal conditions, including achalasia and gastroesophageal reflux disease( GERD), presently he is practicing at Elixir Clinic, Thrissur, Kerala, and other well-known hospitals like Daya General Hospital, Sun Medical and Research Centre, and Gregorios Medical Mission Multi-Speciality Hospital. On this Page, Dr. Arun S Nair is Explaining about the Achalasia Cardia Disease.
Achalasia cardia is a rare complaint of the esophagus, the pipe that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter( LES) fails to relax properly, causing difficulty in swallowing, regurgitation of food, and sometimes casket pain. This condition can lead to significant discomfort and nutritive issues if left untreated.
Symptoms of achalasia cardia can vary but often include:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) for both solids and liquids
- Regurgitation of undigested food
- Chest pain, which may increase after eating
- Weight loss due to difficulty in eating
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Persistent cough, especially at night
- The sensation of food being stuck in the chest
If you are expecting any of these symptoms it is important to consult an achalasia-cardia specialist, Dr.Arun Nair also a laparoscopic surgeon in Thrissur to manage this and get effective treatment
- Patient history: Dr. Nair will talk over the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and any former treatments they may have experienced for their symptoms.
- Physical examination: Dr. Arun Nair will perform a physical examination to assess the patient’s overall health and look for any signs that may suggest achalasia cardia.
- Barium swallow test: This imaging test involves swallowing a barium solution that fleeces the esophagus and allows for X-ray visualization of the esophagus. This can help identify any blockages or abnormalities in the esophagus that may be reflective of achalasia cardia.
- Esophageal manometry: This test measures the muscle condensation in the esophagus and how well the lower esophageal sphincter( LES) is performing. Patients with achalasia cardia usually have weak or missing peristalsis( muscle condensation) in their esophagus and a dysfunctional LES.
- Endoscopy: Dr. Nair may perform an upper endoscopy to directly visualize the inside of the esophagus and look for any abnormalities or confirmation of achalasia cardia, similar to a narrowing of the lower esophagus or pooling of food.
- CT scan or MRI: In some cases, Dr. Arun Nair may order imaging tests like a CT checkup or MRI to further estimate the esophagus and surrounding structures for any signs of achalasia cardia.
Once a diagnosis of achalasia cardia is verified, Dr. Arun S. Nair a famed gastro surgeon in Thrissur, will work with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan to manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life.
In addition to treating achalasia cardia, Dr. Arun Nair is a famed expert in esophageal cancer surgery in Thrissur. With expansive experience and technical training from leading medical institutions worldwide, Dr. Nair offers advanced treatment options acclimatized to each patient’s needs
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Medications: Dr.Arun Nair an achalasia cardia specialist in Thrissur, may prescribe muscle relaxants, nitrates, or calcium channel blockers to temporarily relax the lower esophageal sphincter.
Surgical Treatments:
- Pneumatic Dilation: A minimally invasive procedure involving the affectation of a balloon inside the lesser esophageal sphincter to widen it, giving relief from symptoms under sedation.
- Heller Myotomy: Nair performs this minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure to cut the muscles at the lower esophageal sphincter, smoothing the easier passage of food into the stomach and offering long-term relief.
- Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy( POEM): An advanced endoscopic method where Dr. Nair uses a scope to perform a myotomy internally, avoiding external incisions. This state-of-the-art treatment is known for quicker recovery times.
- Robotic Surgery: Nair utilizes cutting-edge robotic technology to deliver precise and minimally invasive surgical options for treating achalasia cardia in Thrissur. Robotic surgery ensures lower discomfort and quick recovery for patients.
- Expertise: Dr. Arun S. Nair is a highly expert gastroenterologist and gastrointestinal surgeon in Thrissur, Kerala, specializing in achalasia-cardia treatment. With extensive experience in gastrointestinal diseases, Dr. Nair has successfully treated many cases of achalasia cardia using advanced surgical and nonsurgical ways.
- Comprehensive Care: Dr. Nair offers individualized treatment plans acclimatized to each patient’s requirements, using advanced surgical and non-surgical methods.
- Advanced Options: As a recognized expert in achalasia cardia, Dr. Arun Nair offers the most advancements in treatment options. These include both non-surgical approaches similar to medications and curvaceous dilation, as well as advanced surgical ways like Heller myotomy and robotic-assisted surgery for precise and minimally invasive interventions.
- Patient-Centric Approach: Dr.Arun Nair prioritizes patient well-being with clear communication and collaborative decision-making.
- Facilities: His practice in Thrissur ensures access to modern facilities and comfortable care environments.
- Clinic Location: Located at 1ST FLOOR, ZABS FORT, Civil Lines Rd, P.O, West Fort, Poothole, Thrissur, Kerala 680004
Dr . Arun Nair suggests surgical options like Heller myotomy or non-surgical options like pneumatic dilation are common treatments. The choice depends on the patient’s condition and preference.
Costs can vary widely depending on the treatment type, location, and healthcare provider. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider or hospital for specific cost estimates.
In severe cases, untreated achalasia can lead to complications such as esophageal dilation, weight loss, and aspiration pneumonia, according to Dr. Arun Nair. Regular medical care is essential to manage and prevent these risks.
Yes, many patients experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life after treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical.
Achalasia itself is not cancerous. However, according to Dr. Arun Nair, there is a slightly increased risk of esophageal cancer in people with long-standing achalasia. Regular monitoring and appropriate medical management are recommended to mitigate this risk.
Recurrence is possible but uncommon after successful surgical treatment like Heller myotomy. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor for any recurrence of symptoms.