In a groundbreaking medical achievement, a team led by Dr. Megraj Ingle, Director and Senior Consultant of Gastroenterology, successfully treated a 61-year-old man suffering from a rare and complex swallowing disorder, Achalasia. The patient, who had endured severe swallowing difficulties for two years, experienced significant relief and an improvement in his overall health thanks to an innovative treatment approach.
As per the press release, two years ago, Mr. Suhas R. Mungaker, a Mumbai resident, began experiencing hiccups while eating, which he initially dismissed as normal. Over time, he started feeling as though food was getting stuck in his throat, requiring him to drink water to ease the sensation. While the symptoms temporarily subsided, they eventually worsened, leading to heartburn after meals, particularly during the summer. He resorted to antacids to manage the discomfort. Concerned about his condition, Mr. Mungaker’s wife consulted their family doctor, who referred him to Dr. Megraj Ingle for specialized care.
Dr. Ingle explained, “When the patient arrived, he was struggling to eat, experiencing weight loss and chest pain. Diagnostic evaluations, including an endoscopy, revealed that he had Achalasia, a rare condition where the esophagus cannot effectively move food and liquids into the stomach. The endoscopy showed a narrowing near the stomach, and the esophagus appeared constricted in a shape resembling a bird’s beak. This condition, caused by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, is uncommon, affecting roughly one in a million people. Despite its rarity, we treat 10-20 cases annually. In this instance, surgery was not required.”
Dr. Ingle further detailed, “A barium swallow study confirmed that the esophagus was holding food due to muscle hypertrophy and narrowing near the stomach. We performed a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, creating a tunnel between the esophageal wall layers and cutting the lower esophageal muscle. This allowed the patient to resume normal swallowing. Remarkably, he was able to eat properly the same day he was discharged.”
Dr. Bipin Chevale, CEO of Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, highlighted the hospital’s commitment to excellence: “At Gleneagles Hospitals, our cutting-edge technology and advanced diagnostic tools enable us to address even the rarest swallowing disorders with precision. Combined with the expertise of our medical team, we ensure that patients receive innovative and effective treatments for complex conditions.”