GERD & Acid Reflux Surgery in Delhi
Updated: 12 hours ago
Medically reviewed by Dr Saurabh Bansal, MBBS, DNB (Surgery), FNB (Minimal Access Surgery), FALS (Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery), trained in robotic surgery (Intuitive), Fellowship in Colorectal Surgery (Taiwan). Delhi Medical Council (DMC) Reg. No. 37887. GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon at THE CLINICS, Hauz Khas & Green Park, New Delhi; GERD (reflux) surgery and hiatus hernia are core areas of his practice, alongside colorectal and hernia surgery. Visiting surgeon at Apollo, Apollo Spectra and National Heart Institute. Last updated: 18 October 2026
In short: GERD surgery (laparoscopic fundoplication) is considered when reflux is confirmed on tests and symptoms, especially regurgitation, continue despite correctly taken medicines, or when there is a significant hiatus hernia or a complication. It is keyhole surgery under general anaesthesia that repairs any hiatus hernia and rebuilds the valve at the lower end of the food pipe. Most people go home after a short stay and return to desk work in about one to two weeks, following a soft diet for a few weeks.
Occasional acidity after a heavy meal is common. Heartburn or regurgitation that returns week after week, disturbs your sleep or keeps you on tablets for years is different. That may be gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Most people with GERD do well with lifestyle changes and medicines. For selected patients, laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery can treat the underlying cause. GERD and hiatus hernia surgery are core areas of Dr Saurabh Bansal's practice at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas and THE CLINICS, Green Park.
What is GERD?
At the lower end of the food pipe (oesophagus) is a ring of muscle, the lower oesophageal sphincter. Supported by the diaphragm around it, this sphincter acts as a one-way valve, letting food into the stomach and keeping acid out of the food pipe. In GERD, this barrier is weak or relaxes at the wrong times, so stomach acid, and sometimes bile, flows back up repeatedly.
Excess weight, large or late meals, smoking, alcohol, pregnancy and a hiatus hernia can all make reflux worse.
Symptoms of GERD
Typical symptoms
heartburn: a burning feeling rising behind the breastbone
regurgitation of sour fluid or food into the mouth or throat
symptoms worse after meals, when bending or when lying down
night-time reflux that disturbs sleep
Atypical (extra-oesophageal) symptoms
chronic cough, especially at night
hoarseness or frequent throat clearing
a feeling of a lump in the throat
worsening asthma
chest discomfort that is not heart-related (always rule out heart causes first)
dental erosion
See a doctor promptly if you have difficulty or pain when swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, black stools, or anaemia. These need evaluation, usually with an endoscopy, before reflux is assumed to be the cause.
Untreated, long-standing GERD can lead to inflammation (oesophagitis), narrowing (stricture) or Barrett's oesophagus, a change in the lining that needs monitoring.
When medicines aren't enough
Treatment usually starts with lifestyle measures, such as smaller meals, not eating within a few hours of bedtime, raising the head of the bed, weight management and stopping smoking, along with acid-reducing medicines such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Many patients do well with this.
A surgical opinion is worth considering if:
symptoms continue despite correctly taken medication (right dose and timing)
regurgitation is the main problem: medicines reduce acid but do not stop the backflow itself
you need high doses long term, have side effects, or would prefer not to take tablets indefinitely
there is a significant hiatus hernia
reflux has caused complications such as severe oesophagitis or stricture
atypical symptoms such as cough or hoarseness are proven to be reflux-related on testing
Tests before reflux surgery
Surgery works best when reflux is confirmed objectively. Not every case of "acidity" is GERD. Before recommending an operation, Dr Bansal typically arranges:
Upper GI endoscopy: a camera examination of the food pipe, stomach and duodenum to look for inflammation, Barrett's oesophagus, narrowing and a hiatus hernia. Upper GI endoscopy at THE CLINICS.
pH or pH-impedance monitoring: a 24-hour (or longer, wireless) measurement of how much acid and non-acid reflux reaches the food pipe and whether it matches your symptoms. It is usually done off acid medicines.
Oesophageal manometry: measures the pressure and squeezing pattern of the food pipe. It helps exclude conditions such as achalasia that can mimic reflux, and guides the choice of wrap.
Barium swallow or CT scan: used in some patients to show the size and type of a hiatus hernia.
GERD and hiatus hernia
A hiatus hernia, where part of the stomach slides up through the diaphragm into the chest, separates the sphincter from the diaphragm and weakens the anti-reflux barrier. Many people with significant GERD have a hiatus hernia, and fixing it is usually part of reflux surgery. For the types of hiatus hernia, the symptoms of large hernias and their specific treatment, see our dedicated hiatus hernia page.
Laparoscopic fundoplication explained
Fundoplication is the most established anti-reflux operation. It is performed laparoscopically (keyhole) under general anaesthesia through a few small cuts.
Hiatus repair: any hiatus hernia is reduced, so the stomach is returned to the abdomen, and the widened opening in the diaphragm is narrowed with stitches (cruroplasty).
The wrap: the upper part of the stomach (the fundus) is wrapped around the lower food pipe to rebuild a valve that lets food down but resists reflux.
Nissen vs Toupet
Nissen fundoplication: a full 360° wrap. It provides strong reflux control, but early swallowing difficulty and gas-bloat can be more noticeable.
Toupet fundoplication: a partial (about 270°) wrap from behind. It may cause fewer side effects such as swallowing difficulty and bloating, and is often preferred when oesophageal squeezing is weaker.
The choice depends on your test results, especially manometry, your anatomy and your symptoms. Dr Bansal will explain which wrap he recommends for you and why. Learn more about our approach to laparoscopic surgery.
Other options, in brief
Magnetic sphincter augmentation: a ring of magnetic beads placed around the lower food pipe. It is available in limited centres and suits selected patients.
Endoscopic anti-reflux procedures: performed through the mouth without incisions. They may suit a narrow group of patients with small or no hiatus hernia; long-term evidence is still evolving.
Gastric bypass: for people with significant obesity and GERD, weight-loss surgery may treat reflux more effectively than a wrap.
Who is a good candidate?
Patients tend to do best when:
reflux is confirmed on pH testing or by clear endoscopic findings
typical symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation) have responded at least partly to PPIs
regurgitation or a hiatus hernia is a major part of the problem
they are fit for a general anaesthetic
Surgery is less likely to help when tests do not confirm reflux, when there is a major motility disorder of the food pipe, or when symptoms are mainly due to another cause such as functional heartburn or a slow-emptying stomach.
Recovery and diet
Hospital stay: usually short, often one or two nights, depending on your recovery.
First days: walking is encouraged. Shoulder-tip pain from the gas is common and passes.
Return to work: many people return to desk work in about one to two weeks, while heavy lifting usually waits several weeks, as your surgeon advises.
Swallowing: some tightness when swallowing is expected for the first few weeks while swelling settles.
Staged diet: you will usually start with liquids, then move to soft, moist foods such as dal, khichdi, curd, soft idli, mashed vegetables and porridge for a few weeks before returning to a normal diet. Eat small meals slowly, chew well, and avoid fizzy drinks, dry bread or roti, and large chunks of meat early on. Your team will give you a written plan.
Risks, stated honestly
Fundoplication is a well-established operation, but it is not risk-free, and outcomes vary.
Early swallowing difficulty: common and usually temporary. Occasionally it persists and needs stretching (dilatation) or revision.
Gas-bloat, more flatulence, and reduced ability to burp or vomit
Wrap loosening, slipping or hernia recurrence: this can bring symptoms back. Some patients restart medicines in later years, and a few need repeat surgery.
Rare surgical complications: bleeding, infection, injury to the food pipe, stomach or spleen, air around the lung, and anaesthesia-related risks
Conversion to open surgery: occasionally needed for safety
Dr Bansal discusses your personal benefits and risks before you decide.
About the reviewing surgeon
Reflux and hiatus hernia are core areas of his practice. He is a GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon at THE CLINICS, Hauz Khas & Green Park, New Delhi (DMC Reg. No. 37887).
Test first, operate only when indicated. Endoscopy, pH study and manometry guide whether surgery is right for you and which wrap suits you.
Training in minimal-access and robotic surgery: FNB (Minimal Access Surgery), FALS (Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery), and training in robotic surgery (Intuitive).
Continuity of care: consultation and follow-up at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas (his main clinic) and THE CLINICS, Green Park, with surgery at Apollo, Apollo Spectra or National Heart Institute.
Clear explanations of non-surgical options, expected recovery and the possibility of needing medicines later.
Frequently asked questions
Is GERD surgery permanent?
Fundoplication gives long-lasting control for many patients, but it is not guaranteed to be permanent. The wrap can loosen or the hernia can recur over time, and some people need medicines again later.
Will I be able to stop my acid medicines after surgery?
Many patients are able to stop or reduce reflux medicines after successful surgery, but not everyone. Your surgeon will review this at follow-up.
What is the difference between Nissen and Toupet fundoplication?
A Nissen is a full 360° wrap around the food pipe. A Toupet is a partial wrap of about 270°. The choice depends mainly on your oesophageal function on manometry and your symptoms.
Which tests do I need before reflux surgery?
Usually an upper GI endoscopy, pH or pH-impedance monitoring, and oesophageal manometry. Some patients also need a barium swallow or CT scan.
Can GERD cause a chronic cough or hoarse voice?
Yes. Reflux can cause night-time cough, hoarseness, throat clearing or a lump-in-the-throat feeling. These symptoms also have other causes, so testing is important before surgery.
Will I be able to burp or vomit after a fundoplication?
Many people find burping and vomiting harder after the operation, particularly after a full Nissen wrap. This is a known effect and is discussed before surgery.
How long is recovery after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery?
Most people go home after a short stay, return to desk work in about one to two weeks, and follow a soft diet for a few weeks. Heavy lifting usually waits several weeks.
Is a hiatus hernia repaired at the same time?
Yes. If you have a hiatus hernia, it is usually repaired during the same operation, before the wrap is created.
Is reflux surgery covered by health insurance?
Medically necessary anti-reflux surgery is generally covered, but waiting periods, room-rent limits and sub-limits vary by policy. Insurance facilities available; please call the clinic to check your insurance cover.
When is surgery needed for GERD?
Surgery is considered when reflux is confirmed on tests and symptoms, especially regurgitation, continue despite correctly taken medicines, when long-term tablets are not wanted or not tolerated, or when there is a significant hiatus hernia or a complication such as severe oesophagitis or narrowing.
What affects the cost of GERD surgery?
The cost depends on the hospital and room category, the tests needed beforehand (such as endoscopy, pH study and manometry), the type of operation, the length of stay and your insurance cover. You will receive a personalised estimate after consultation; please call the clinic to check your insurance cover; insurance facilities available.
Book a reflux consultation in Hauz Khas or Green Park
If heartburn, regurgitation or a reflux-related cough is affecting your life despite medicines, book a consultation. Bring any endoscopy reports and a list of the medicines you have tried.
THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas (main clinic): H2, Hauz Khas, opposite Neeli Masjid, New Delhi 110016. Dr Bansal's consultation hours: 9 am to 6 pm
THE CLINICS, Green Park: G32, Ground Floor, Green Park Extension, New Delhi 110016. Dr Bansal's consultation hours: 6 pm to 8 pm
Phone: +91 83683 75734 (main) | +91 92173 81353 | Landline: 011-49407607
Email: drsaurabhatindia@gmail.com | Book online
Other specialist doctors also consult at both clinics, so please call to confirm your appointment time with Dr Bansal.
Medical disclaimer: This page is general information, not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Suitability for surgery, outcomes and recovery vary between individuals. Chest pain should always be assessed urgently to rule out heart problems. This article was drafted with AI assistance and medically reviewed by Dr Saurabh Bansal (DMC Reg. No. 37887).
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