SRM Prime Hospital Installs Tamil Nadu’s First EndoFLIP Sensor System for Accurate Diagnosis and Precision Treatment of Esophageal Disorders

Chennai : SRM Prime Hospital becomes Tamil Nadu’s First hospital to install the EndoFLIP system, a first-of-its-kind sensor-based technology that enables doctors to more accurately diagnose and treat esophageal (food pipe) disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), achalasia cardia, and other swallowing disorders.

Currently, only a handful of centres in India have access to the EndoFLIP system. The technology provides objective, real-time data on the function, opening, and flexibility of the esophagus and the valve between the food pipe and stomach, enabling doctors to make more informed treatment decisions and perform complex esophageal procedures with greater precision and confidence.

GERD is a condition in which stomach contents flow back into the food pipe, while achalasia cardia is a rare disorder in which the valve at the lower end of the food pipe fails to relax, preventing food from entering the stomach. Doctors use endoscopy to rule out cancer and structural blockages while diagnosing these disorders. However, while endoscopy allows visualisation of the inner lining of the food pipe, it does not assess valve function. The EndoFLIP system now complements endoscopy by measuring the size, shape, and distensibility of the valve in real time.

Similarly, to treat severe forms of esophageal disorders, surgeons perform procedures such as fundoplication, which prevents acid reflux by wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower end of the food pipe to strengthen the valve, and Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM), a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that relieves swallowing difficulties by cutting the abnormally tight muscle at the lower end of the esophagus, allowing food and liquids to pass more easily into the stomach. Traditionally, surgeons have relied on tactile feedback and visual assessment to determine whether the repair is optimal. If it is too loose, reflux symptoms may persist; if it is too tight, patients may develop difficulty swallowing. However, the EndoFLIP system provides objective, real-time measurements during the procedure.

In his comments, Dr. S Arulprakash, Clinical Lead & Senior Gastroenterologist, 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. By enhancing the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment, the system has the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce complications, and set new standards in the management of esophageal disorders.”

Mr. P. Siva, CEO, SRM Prime Hospital, commented, “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. As one of the few centres in the country to offer this technology, we are proud to further strengthen our capabilities in the diagnosis and treatment of complex esophageal disorders. We remain focused on combining advanced technology, clinical expertise, and compassionate care to provide the best possible experience and outcomes for our patients.”