Gleneagles Hospital Chennai Achieves Tamil Nadu First with Advanced Endoscopic Treatment for Rare Swallowing Disorders

Chennai, August 20, 2026: Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, part of the Fortis Healthcare Network, has successfully treated two elderly patients with rare and complex swallowing disorders using advanced, minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. In a significant achievement, the hospital reported that Dr. B. Mahadevan, Senior Consultant Gastroenterology is the first doctor in Tamil Nadu to perform Diverticular Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (D-POEM) for an Epiphrenic Diverticulum. 

(R to L) Dr. S. Niranjani, Chief Operating Officer & Hospital Head; Dr. B. Mahadevan, Senior Consultant Gastroenterology; 75 year old Male Patient; 73 year old Female patient 

The first case involved a 73-year-old woman from Jayankondam, Ariyalur District, who had struggled with difficulty swallowing food and liquids for nearly three years. Her condition worsened over two months, with vomiting, inability to tolerate even liquids and significant weight loss. Investigations revealed Achalasia complicated by a large Epiphrenic Diverticulum. 

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Despite multiple medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease and a previous cardiac stent, she underwent D-POEM on March 30, 2026. Performed entirely through the mouth without an external incision, the procedure addressed both the abnormal muscular tightness and the diverticulum. 

She recovered well and was discharged after three days. At one-month follow-up, her swallowing had markedly improved, with investigations showing near-normal swallowing function and a healthy, well-healed oesophagus. 

In another complex case, a 75-year-old man from Belgium, living in India, was treated for a 5-cm Zenker’s Diverticulum that had troubled him for nearly a decade. He experienced regurgitation of undigested food, coughing, throat gurgling, sleep disturbances and a 5-kg weight loss. On July 7, 2025, Dr. Mahadevan and his team performed Z-POEM with modified Septotomy through an endoscopic approach. 

At follow-up, the diverticulum had flattened and normal food passage was restored, with complete relief from his symptoms. Dr. Mahadevan said the advanced techniques enabled treatment of both challenging conditions without external surgery. 

Dr. S. Niranjani, Chief Operating Officer & Hospital Head, highlighted the impact of long-standing swallowing disorders on nutrition and quality of life, while R. Y. Bharath Kanth Reddy, CEO, Chennai & Hyderabad Cluster, said the cases reflect the hospital’s commitment to specialised, minimally invasive care. These procedures demonstrate how advanced endoscopy can offer effective treatment and faster recovery for complex swallowing disorders.

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