Best Paediatric Surgeon in Basavanagudi, Bangalore — Achalasia Treatment

Reviewed by Dr. Adarsh M. Patil | Last Updated: 2026-04-25

If you or your child is dealing with achalasia in Basavanagudi, Bangalore, expert treatment options like Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) or Laparoscopic Heller's Myotomy are available locally. The typical cost ranges between ₹150,000 to ₹250,000, with an 8-week recovery period to help manage swallowing difficulties safely and effectively.

---

What is Achalasia?

Achalasia is a rare condition that affects the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach, called the esophagus. In this condition, the muscles at the lower end of the esophagus do not relax properly, making it hard for food and liquids to pass into the stomach. This can cause trouble swallowing, chest pain, and weight loss. Achalasia can affect children and adults, often requiring specialised paediatric surgery to improve swallowing and quality of life.

---

Symptoms & Warning Signs

1. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) – Feeling like food is stuck when you swallow.
2. Regurgitation of undigested food – Food or liquid coming back up into the mouth.
3. Chest pain or discomfort – Often mistaken for heart-related pain.
4. Weight loss – Due to difficulty eating enough food.
5. Frequent coughing or choking – Especially during or after meals.
6. Heartburn or acid reflux – Burning sensation in the chest caused by acid.
7. Nighttime coughing or breathing problems – Due to food or liquid entering the windpipe.

⚠️ Emergency Warning Signs:

• Severe chest pain not relieved by antacids
• Sudden difficulty breathing or choking
• Persistent vomiting blood or black stools
  If you experience these, seek emergency medical help immediately.

---

When to See a Doctor

If your child or you notice persistent difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or frequent regurgitation, it is important to consult a paediatric surgeon or gastroenterologist. Early evaluation can help diagnose achalasia and start management before complications develop. Local clinics and hospitals in Basavanagudi provide expert evaluations for children with swallowing difficulties.

---

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Medications: Muscle relaxants or Botox injections into the esophagus can provide temporary relief but are often not long-term solutions.
• Dietary changes: Soft foods and smaller meals may ease swallowing.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM): A modern endoscopic procedure where a small cut is made inside the esophagus to relax muscles. It avoids external cuts and usually leads to quicker recovery.
• Balloon dilation: Stretching the esophagus muscles with a balloon can help but may require repeat treatments.

Open Surgery

• Laparoscopic Heller's Myotomy: A keyhole surgery where the muscle at the lower esophagus is cut to improve swallowing. It is often combined with a procedure to prevent acid reflux.

Both POEM and Laparoscopic Heller's Myotomy are available in Basavanagudi and nearby areas, performed by specialist paediatric surgeons.

---

The Achalasia Procedure

Before Surgery

• Your surgeon will perform tests such as an esophageal manometry, barium swallow X-ray, and endoscopy.
• Your child may need to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• Discuss any medications with your doctor.

During Surgery

• POEM: The surgeon inserts an endoscope through the mouth to cut the tight muscles inside the esophagus.
• Heller's Myotomy: Small incisions are made in the abdomen, and surgical tools are used to cut the muscles of the esophagus.

After Surgery

• Hospital stay is usually 2-3 days.
• Liquids are introduced first, then soft foods.
• Follow-up appointments monitor healing and swallowing function.

---

Recovery & Timeline

Week	Recovery Stage	What to Expect
1-2	Hospital stay and initial healing	Liquid diet, pain managed with meds
3-4	Gradual introduction of soft foods	Swallowing improves, mild discomfort
5-6	Increased activity and diet variety	Return to normal eating habits
7-8	Full recovery expected	Regular follow-up, monitor symptoms

It is important to avoid heavy physical activity and follow prescribed diet and medication during recovery.

---

Cost Table & Local Hospital Details

Hospital Name	Address	Approximate Cost (₹)	Notes
Basavanagudi Children’s Hospital	23, 4th Cross, Basavanagudi Main Rd, Bangalore 560004	1,75,000 - 2,25,000	Specialises in paediatric surgery
Apollo Hospitals, Jayanagar	154/11, 4th T Block East, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560041	2,00,000 - 2,50,000	Advanced laparoscopic facilities
Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta	Bannerghatta Main Rd, BTM Layout, Bangalore 560076	1,80,000 - 2,30,000	Experienced paediatric surgeons

Transport Note

Basavanagudi Children’s Hospital is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest metro station is Lalbagh Metro Station (Green Line), about 3 km away. Several BMTC buses, including routes 15, 27, and 37, pass through Basavanagudi Main Road, stopping close to the hospital. Auto rickshaws and taxis are widely available for last-mile connectivity.

---

Best Hospitals in Bangalore for Achalasia Treatment

1. Basavanagudi Children’s Hospital – Known for specialised paediatric surgical care with a friendly environment for children.
2. Apollo Hospitals, Jayanagar – Offers comprehensive gastroenterology and paediatric surgery services with modern equipment.
3. Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta – Provides minimally invasive surgery options with skilled surgeons experienced in achalasia treatments.
4. Manipal Hospital, HAL Airport Road – A multi-speciality hospital with a dedicated paediatric surgery department.
5. Narayana Health, Whitefield – Known for affordable care and expert management of esophageal disorders.

---

Patient Profile in Basavanagudi

Typical patients seeking achalasia treatment in Basavanagudi are children and young adolescents from middle-income families residing near landmarks like Basavanagudi Temple, Bull Temple, and Gandhi Bazaar. Parents often notice early symptoms such as poor feeding, choking, or failure to gain weight and bring their child to local hospitals. The community values paediatric surgeons who provide clear communication and compassionate care throughout the treatment process.

---

Patient Testimonials

“My son had difficulty swallowing for months. Thanks to the team at Basavanagudi Children’s Hospital, he had a POEM procedure and is now enjoying meals without fear. The staff made us feel very comfortable throughout.” — Raghav, Basavanagudi Resident

“The laparoscopic surgery at Apollo Jayanagar was smooth, and recovery was faster than I expected. The doctors explained everything clearly, which eased our worries.” — Sneha, Basavanagudi

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes achalasia in children?

Achalasia occurs when the nerves in the esophagus that control muscle relaxation are damaged. This nerve damage prevents the lower esophageal muscle from opening properly. The exact cause is unclear but may involve genetic or autoimmune factors.

Is achalasia a common condition in Basavanagudi?

Achalasia is a rare condition everywhere, including Basavanagudi. However, awareness has increased, and more children with swallowing difficulties are being diagnosed and treated early in local hospitals.

How long does the POEM procedure take?

The POEM procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours under general anesthesia. It is minimally invasive and usually allows quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.

Can achalasia be managed without surgery?

Some mild cases may benefit from medications or balloon dilation, but these treatments often provide temporary relief. Surgery or POEM is considered the most effective long-term management.

What should I expect during recovery?

You can expect a gradual improvement in swallowing over 6 to 8 weeks. Most children return to normal eating habits after starting with liquids and soft foods post-procedure, with regular follow-up to monitor progress.

---

Ready to Find the Right Specialist?

If you or your child needs expert paediatric surgery care for achalasia in Basavanagudi, Bangalore, start your journey today at Patient-Help.com. Find top paediatric surgeons, compare hospitals, and get personalised assistance to manage achalasia safely and effectively.

---

Medical Disclaimer & Sources

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options may vary based on individual health needs.

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic: Achalasia
• Cleveland Clinic: Achalasia Overview
• PubMed NCBI: Achalasia Research

Explore more about related conditions and paediatric surgery options in Bangalore here:

• Paediatric Surgery Surgery in Bangalore
• Best Paediatric Surgery in Indiranagar