GERD & Acid Reflux Treatment in Chennai at Marina’s Clinic

Patients looking for GERD treatment in Chennai can consult Dr. Preethi Mrinalini K, MBBS, MS (General Surgery), FMBS, FIAGES, at Marina’s Clinic for personalised evaluation and treatment backed by more than 12 years of surgical experience. 

As Chief Consultant Surgeon at Marina’s Clinic and a Consultant Surgeon at Apollo Main Hospitals, Greams Road, she focuses on accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment for patients with reflux problems.

Occasional heartburn after a heavy meal is common. But when acid reflux keeps coming back, affects your daily life, or causes ongoing discomfort, it may be more than a simple acidity problem.

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition where stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the food pipe. It causes symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and irritation.
For most patients, acid reflux treatment in Chennai begins with lifestyle changes and medication. Surgery is considered only for selected cases where symptoms remain uncontrolled, reflux is severe, or conditions like a hiatal hernia are involved.

Why Choose Marina’s Clinic for GERD Treatment in Chennai?

Managing GERD is not only about reducing symptoms temporarily. The right treatment begins with understanding why reflux is happening and choosing an approach that provides long-term relief.
At Marina’s Clinic, Dr. Preethi evaluates each patient’s symptoms, diagnosis reports, and treatment history before suggesting the next step.

12+ Years of Surgical Experience

Dr. Preethi Mrinalini K has more than 12 years of surgical experience, with expertise in General Surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery, and Minimal Access Surgery.
Her approach focuses on finding the cause of reflux and recommending treatment based on the patient’s specific condition.

Laparoscopic Fundoplication for GERD

For selected patients who do not respond well to medication, Marina’s Clinic offers laparoscopic fundoplication.
This minimally invasive procedure helps strengthen the valve between the stomach and food pipe, reducing acid reflux symptoms.

Diagnosis Before Surgery Is Suggested

Surgery is not the first step for most GERD patients.
Before considering GERD surgery in Chennai, Dr. Preethi confirms the diagnosis, understands symptom severity, and evaluates whether surgery is actually beneficial.

GERD and Hiatal Hernia Management

A hiatal hernia can contribute to reflux symptoms by affecting the stomach-food pipe junction.
When GERD and hiatal hernia occur together, both conditions can be evaluated as part of the same treatment plan.

Specialist Surgical Care From Consultation to Recovery

Dr. Preethi also serves as a Consultant Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, providing continuity of care from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.

What Is GERD?

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the food pipe frequently.
Occasional acid reflux can happen to anyone. However, when reflux becomes frequent, causes discomfort, or starts affecting the food pipe lining, it may be considered GERD.
The difference between occasional heartburn and GERD usually depends on how often symptoms occur and how much they affect everyday life.

GERD and Acid Reflux Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Heartburn or a burning sensation in chest, especially after meals or while lying down
• Regurgitation, where acid or food comes back into the throat
• A sour taste in mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or feeling like food is stuck
• Chronic cough, throat irritation, or voice changes
• Chest discomfort that may sometimes feel similar to heart-related symptoms

If chest pain is sudden, severe, or associated with breathing difficulty, urgent medical evaluation is important before assuming it is only reflux.

What Causes GERD?

GERD develops when the valve between the stomach and food pipe does not close properly, allowing acid to move upward.
Common contributing factors include:

• Hiatal hernia
• Excess pressure on the stomach due to obesity
• Pregnancy-related changes
• Smoking and alcohol
• Certain foods that trigger reflux
• Eating large meals or lying down soon after eating

People with chronic acid reflux often notice that certain foods or habits worsen their symptoms. Identifying these triggers can help improve symptom control.

Complications of Long-Term GERD

Most GERD cases can be managed effectively. However, untreated long-term reflux may sometimes lead to complications.
These may include:

Esophagitis

Repeated acid exposure can cause inflammation of the food pipe lining, known as esophagitis.

Barrett’s Esophagus

Long-term acid exposure may cause changes in the lining of the food pipe called Barrett’s esophagus, which requires monitoring.

Difficulty Swallowing

Ongoing irritation can sometimes lead to narrowing of the food pipe and make swallowing difficult.
This is why persistent chronic acid reflux treatment should focus on managing the underlying cause, not only temporary symptom relief.

How We Diagnose GERD at Marina’s Clinic

GERD diagnosis usually begins with understanding your symptoms and medical history.
For many patients, symptoms alone may provide enough information to start treatment.
When further evaluation is needed, tests may include:

Endoscopy for GERD

An endoscopy for GERD allows doctors to examine the food pipe and stomach for inflammation, hiatal hernia, or changes linked to long-term reflux.

pH Monitoring

pH monitoring measures acid exposure in the food pipe and helps confirm reflux when diagnosis is unclear or before surgery.

GERD Treatment Options at Marina’s Clinic

Medical Treatment

For most patients, treatment starts with lifestyle changes and medication.
Proton pump inhibitors are commonly used medicines that reduce acid production and allow the food pipe to heal.
Lifestyle changes such as weight management, smaller meals, and avoiding lying down immediately after eating can also help.

GERD Surgery: Laparoscopic Fundoplication

For patients whose symptoms are not controlled despite medication, GERD surgery in Chennai may be considered.
Laparoscopic fundoplication involves strengthening the valve between the stomach and food pipe to reduce reflux.
It is generally recommended only after proper evaluation and is not the first treatment option for everyone.

Recovery After Fundoplication

Since fundoplication is performed laparoscopically, recovery is usually easier compared with traditional open surgery.
Most patients gradually return to normal activities after a short recovery period.
Some patients may experience temporary swallowing difficulty or fullness in the initial weeks as the body adjusts after surgery.

GERD Treatment FAQs

1. What is the GERD treatment cost in Chennai?

The GERD treatment cost in Chennai depends on whether treatment involves medication, investigations, or surgery. The cost of acid reflux treatment cost in Chennai varies based on the treatment approach and individual patient requirements.

2. Do I need surgery for acid reflux?

Most patients do not require surgery. Surgery may be considered when symptoms continue despite medication, complications develop, or a patient has a condition like a hiatal hernia.

3. Is GERD the same as a hiatal hernia?

No. A hiatal hernia can contribute to GERD, but they are different conditions. Not everyone with GERD has a hiatal hernia.

4. Who is the right doctor for GERD treatment?

A GERD specialist in Chennai or GERD doctor in Chennai should have experience in diagnosing reflux conditions and offering both medical and surgical treatment options when needed.

5. Can lifestyle changes control acid reflux?

For mild reflux, lifestyle changes can significantly improve symptoms. However, patients with persistent reflux may require medication or further evaluation.

Quick Summary

• GERD occurs when acid repeatedly flows back into the food pipe
• Common symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, sour taste in mouth, and difficulty swallowing
• Long-term reflux may sometimes lead to esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus
• Most patients improve with medication and lifestyle changes
• Selected patients may benefit from laparoscopic fundoplication
• Marina’s Clinic provides personalised GERD treatment in Chennai based on individual needs

Book a GERD Consultation

If you experience frequent heartburn, regurgitation, burning sensation in chest, or difficulty swallowing, early evaluation can help identify the right treatment.
Consult Dr. Preethi Mrinalini K at Marina’s Clinic for personalised GERD treatment in Chennai and expert guidance for managing acid reflux.