Esophageal Disorder Diagnosis Advances as SRM Prime Hospital Brings EndoFLIP to Tamil Nadu

Dr. S. Arulprakash, Clinical Lead and Senior Gastroenterologist at SRM Prime Hospital, said EndoFLIP helps doctors measure esophageal valve function in real time for precise treatment.

SRM Prime Hospital in Chennai has installed the EndoFLIP sensor system, becoming the first hospital in Tamil Nadu to introduce the technology for diagnosing and treating esophageal disorders.
The system helps doctors assess conditions affecting the food pipe, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, achalasia cardia and other swallowing disorders. These conditions can cause acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, chest discomfort and nutritional concerns.

EndoFLIP provides real time information on the function, opening and flexibility of the esophagus and the valve between the food pipe and stomach. The hospital said only a limited number of centres in India currently have access to the technology.
GERD occurs when stomach contents flow back into the food pipe. Achalasia cardia is a rare disorder in which the valve at the lower end of the food pipe does not relax properly, making it difficult for food to enter the stomach.

Doctors use endoscopy to check for cancer and structural blockages while evaluating such conditions. While endoscopy helps visualise the inner lining of the food pipe, it does not assess valve function. EndoFLIP complements endoscopy by measuring the size, shape and distensibility of the valve in real time.
The technology can also support procedures used to treat severe esophageal disorders. These include fundoplication, which helps prevent acid reflux by reinforcing the valve between the food pipe and stomach, and Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy, a minimally invasive procedure used to improve swallowing in patients with achalasia cardia.

Traditionally, doctors depended on tactile feedback and visual assessment during such procedures. If the repair is too loose, reflux may continue. If it is too tight, patients may face difficulty swallowing. EndoFLIP provides objective measurements during treatment to help guide correction.
Dr. S. Arulprakash, Clinical Lead and Senior Gastroenterologist at SRM Prime Hospital, said, “EndoFLIP is a miniature high-tech sensor that allows us to accurately measure the opening and flexibility of the valve between the esophagus and stomach in real time. By using EndoFLIP during procedures, we can determine the optimal degree of correction with scientific precision. For the first time, doctors can rely on objective, quantifiable data rather than subjective judgment, ensuring that treatment is tailored to each patient’s anatomy.”

He added that the system can improve diagnostic accuracy, support treatment precision, reduce complications and help set new standards in esophageal disorder care.
P. Siva, CEO of SRM Prime Hospital, said the introduction of the EndoFLIP system reflects the hospital’s focus on advanced medical technology, clinical outcomes and patient safety.
“At SRM Prime Hospital, our mission is to continuously bring the most advanced medical technologies to our patients and ensure they have access to world-class healthcare close to home. The introduction of the EndoFLIP system reflects our commitment to investing in innovations that enhance clinical outcomes, improve patient safety, and support our specialists in delivering the highest standards of care,” he said

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