While **Gastro-Esophageal Surgeries** are complex surgical procedures performed by specialized surgical teams, a gastroenterologist like Dr. Neeraj Dhar plays a fundamental and indispensable role in the comprehensive care of patients requiring these interventions. From initial diagnosis and pre-operative assessment to critical post-operative management and long-term surveillance, Dr. Dhar provides the specialized medical and endoscopic expertise vital for optimal outcomes in Faridabad.

Understanding Gastro-Esophageal Surgeries:

These surgeries address a range of serious conditions affecting the esophagus (food pipe) and stomach. They are typically considered when medical treatments and less invasive procedures are insufficient. Common types of gastro-esophageal surgeries include:

• **Fundoplication (e.g., Nissen Fundoplication):** To treat severe, chronic acid reflux (GERD) by wrapping part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to reinforce the anti-reflux barrier.
• **Hiatal Hernia Repair:** To correct a condition where part of the stomach pushes up through an opening in the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
• **Esophagectomy:** Removal of part or all of the esophagus, primarily for esophageal cancer, followed by reconstruction using a portion of the stomach or intestine.
• **Gastrectomy (Partial or Total):** Removal of part or all of the stomach, typically for stomach cancer, severe bleeding ulcers, or other serious conditions.
• **Myotomy (e.g., Heller Myotomy):** Surgical cutting of the muscle fibers in the lower esophageal sphincter to relieve swallowing difficulties caused by achalasia. (Note: Dr. Dhar offers the less invasive endoscopic POEM procedure for achalasia).

Dr. Neeraj Dhar's Vital Role in Surgical Care Pathway:

Dr. Dhar's expertise as a leading gastroenterologist is crucial at various stages of a patient's journey through gastro-esophageal surgery:

1. Pre-operative Diagnosis and Assessment:

• **Accurate Diagnosis:** Utilizing advanced diagnostic tools like **Upper GI Endoscopy**, **Esophageal Manometry**, and **pH studies**, Dr. Dhar precisely diagnoses conditions such as severe GERD, achalasia, Barrett's esophagus, or identifies suspicious lesions that may indicate cancer. This detailed assessment guides the surgical team in planning the most appropriate intervention.
• **Pre-surgical Endoscopy:** A crucial step before many gastro-esophageal surgeries. Dr. Dhar performs pre-operative endoscopy to map the anatomy, rule out any active inflammation, ulcers, or H. pylori infection that could complicate surgery, and ensure the patient is optimally prepared.
• **Medical Optimization:** He manages any co-existing gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, liver issues) to ensure the patient is in the best possible health before undergoing major surgery.

2. Post-operative Management and Endoscopic Interventions:

Following gastro-esophageal surgery, patients require specialized care to manage recovery and potential complications. Dr. Dhar's endoscopic skills are invaluable in addressing these challenges:

• **Monitoring for Complications:** Close surveillance for issues like anastomotic leaks (where surgical connections don't heal properly), bleeding, or infection.
• **Endoscopic Management of Strictures:** A common post-surgical complication is the narrowing (stricture) at the surgical site, leading to difficulty swallowing. Dr. Dhar expertly performs **endoscopic dilations** using balloons or bougies to widen these strictures and restore normal swallowing function.
• **Management of Reflux Symptoms:** While surgery aims to resolve reflux, some patients may still experience symptoms. Dr. Dhar provides ongoing medical management and endoscopic assessment to optimize post-surgical GERD control.
• **Nutritional Support:** Assisting with dietary progression and managing nutritional deficiencies that can arise, especially after procedures involving stomach resection.
• **Surveillance Endoscopy:** For patients who have undergone surgery for conditions like esophageal cancer or Barrett's esophagus, Dr. Dhar provides critical long-term endoscopic surveillance to detect recurrence or new issues early.

3. Multidisciplinary Collaboration:

Dr. Neeraj Dhar works in close collaboration with the surgical team, radiologists, oncologists, dietitians, and other specialists. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive holistic, coordinated, and highly specialized care throughout their treatment journey.

For individuals facing complex gastro-esophageal conditions requiring surgical consideration, or those experiencing post-surgical gastrointestinal issues, Dr. Neeraj Dhar's extensive expertise as a gastroenterologist ensures a continuity of high-quality care, leveraging advanced endoscopic techniques to optimize recovery and long-term health outcomes in Faridabad.