Gleneagles Hospital Chennai Successfully Treats Two Rare Food-Pipe Disorders through Advanced Endoscopy

Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, a part of the Fortis Healthcare Network, has successfully treated two elderly patients with rare and complex swallowing disorders through advanced endoscopic procedures, including a D-POEM for an Epiphrenic Diverticulum, which the hospital says is the first such procedure performed by a doctor in Tamil Nadu.

In a significant case, a 73-year-old woman from Jayankondam, Ariyalur District, who had struggled to swallow food and liquids for nearly three years, was successfully treated for Achalasia complicated by a large Epiphrenic Diverticulum using Diverticular Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (D-POEM). According to Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, Dr. B. Mahadevan is the first doctor in Tamil Nadu to perform D-POEM for an Epiphrenic Diverticulum.

The patient’s condition had worsened considerably over the preceding two months, with difficulty tolerating even liquids, frequent vomiting and significant weight loss. Investigations confirmed Achalasia with a large Epiphrenic Diverticulum, making the case particularly complex. She also had multiple medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease and a previous cardiac stent.

On March 30, 2026, Dr. B. Mahadevan and his team performed D-POEM, an advanced endoscopic procedure performed entirely through the mouth. The technique enabled the team to address the abnormal muscular tightness as well as the diverticulum without an external surgical incision.

The patient recovered well following the procedure and was discharged after three days. At her one-month follow-up, she reported marked improvement in swallowing. Repeat investigations showed near-normal swallowing function, while endoscopy confirmed a healthy, well-healed oesophagus with no ongoing swallowing disorder.

A second complex case treated through advanced endoscopy

In another case, a 75-year-old man from Belgium, who has been living in India, had lived with Zenker’s Diverticulum for nearly 10 years and was successfully treated using Z-POEM with modified Septotomy.

For years, he had experienced regurgitation of undigested food, coughing and a persistent gurgling sensation in his throat, with symptoms becoming increasingly disruptive to his sleep and eating. He had also lost 5 kg over the preceding six months.

Evaluation at Gleneagles Hospital Chennai identified a large 5-cm Zenker’s Diverticulum containing retained food residue. On July 7, 2025, Dr. Mahadevan and his team performed Z-POEM with modified Septotomy through an endoscopic approach, without an external incision.

At his one-month follow-up, the diverticulum had opened and flattened, restoring normal food passage. The patient reported complete relief from regurgitation, nighttime disturbances and the gurgling sensation.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. B. Mahadevan, Senior Consultant Gastroenterology, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, said:

“Both cases were clinically challenging, but advanced endoscopic techniques allowed us to treat these conditions without external surgery. D-POEM was particularly valuable in addressing the complex Achalasia and Epiphrenic Diverticulum in the first patient.”

Dr. S. Niranjani, Chief Operating Officer & Hospital Head, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, said:

“Long-standing swallowing disorders can significantly affect nutrition and quality of life. These cases demonstrate the value of advanced, minimally invasive treatment for complex conditions.”

Mr. R. Y. Bharath Kanth Reddy, Chief Executive Officer, Chennai & Hyderabad Cluster, Gleneagles Hospitals, said:

“These cases reflect our commitment to advanced minimally invasive care and specialised endoscopic treatment for complex conditions.”