Achalasia Cardia
Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Advanced Surgical Treatment
Comprehensive Esophageal Care in Thane – By Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
What Is Achalasia Cardia?
Achalasia cardia is a rare but serious swallowing disorder in which the food pipe (esophagus) fails to push food into the stomach due to improper relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
Over time, food collects in the esophagus, leading to progressive difficulty in swallowing and chest discomfort.
What Causes Achalasia Cardia?
✔ Damage to esophageal nerves
✔ Degeneration of nerve cells controlling swallowing
✔ Autoimmune causes
✔ Viral infections (suspected)
✔ Idiopathic (cause unknown in most cases)
Common Symptoms of Achalasia Cardia
✔ Difficulty swallowing solids and liquids
✔ Feeling of food stuck in chest
✔ Regurgitation of undigested food
✔ Chest pain or pressure
✔ Chronic cough, especially at night
✔ Weight loss
✔ Heartburn-like symptoms not relieved by medication
Red Flags You Should Not Ignore
✔ Progressive worsening of swallowing difficulty
✔ Night-time choking or coughing
✔ Recurrent chest infections
✔ Unexplained weight loss
✔ Persistent chest pain
Who Is at Risk?
✔ Adults aged 25–60 years
✔ Patients with autoimmune disorders
✔ Family history of esophageal diseases
✔ Long-standing untreated reflux-like symptoms
How Is Achalasia Diagnosed?
✔ Barium swallow test (bird-beak appearance)
✔ Esophageal manometry (gold standard)
✔ Upper GI endoscopy
✔ CT scan (to rule out malignancy)
Treatment Options for Achalasia Cardia
Achalasia cannot be cured permanently, but symptoms can be effectively controlled with proper treatment.
Non-Surgical Treatment
✔ Medications to relax esophageal muscles
✔ Endoscopic balloon dilatation
✔ Botox injections (temporary relief)
Surgical Treatment – Definitive Management
Laparoscopic Heller’s Myotomy
✔ Minimally invasive surgery
✔ Cutting tight LES muscle fibers
✔ Immediate symptom relief
✔ Faster recovery
✔ Long-term results
✔ Often combined with anti-reflux procedure
Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery
✔ Small incisions
✔ Minimal pain
✔ Short hospital stay
✔ Early return to normal diet
✔ Excellent swallowing improvement
Post-Treatment Recovery & Care
✔ Gradual diet progression
✔ Avoid heavy meals initially
✔ Long-term follow-up
✔ Lifestyle modifications
Possible Complications If Untreated
✔ Severe malnutrition
✔ Esophageal dilation (mega-esophagus)
✔ Aspiration pneumonia
✔ Increased risk of esophageal cancer
Can Achalasia Be Managed Long-Term?
✔ Yes, with timely diagnosis
✔ Proper surgical intervention
✔ Regular monitoring
✔ Diet and lifestyle changes
Most patients experience dramatic improvement in quality of life after treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bhanushali?
✔ Expertise in advanced laparoscopic GI surgery
✔ Evidence-based treatment protocols
✔ Personalized patient care
✔ Modern surgical facilities
Aayush Multispeciality Hospital – Full Address
📍 1st Floor, Marigold Apartment
Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi,
Thane West – 400602,
Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7
Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic – Full Address
📍 Shop No. 4, Laxmi Krupa Building
Edulji Road, Charai,
Thane West – 400602,
Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6
