Specialized Treatment

ARMA (Acid Reflux)
Anti-Reflux Mucosal Ablation (ARMA) for Chronic Reflux

ARMA (Anti-Reflux Mucosal Ablation) is an endoscopic procedure for patients with chronic acid reflux (GERD). Unlike traditional surgery that requires external cuts and long recovery, ARMA is a scarless, 30-minute procedure that uses targeted energy to tighten the natural valve between your esophagus and stomach. Some patients are able to reduce or stop daily PPI medication, and recovery times vary. Your doctor will advise whether it suits you.

In short: ARMA (Anti-Reflux Mucosal Ablation) is a scarless, daytime endoscopic procedure for chronic GERD (acid reflux). It tightens the esophageal valve without implants or incisions. Some patients can reduce daily acid medicine. A gastroenterologist decides whether it suits you.

When to seek help immediately:

  • Daily heartburn that interrupts your sleep
  • Regurgitation of acid or food into the mouth
  • Persistent dry cough or hoarseness in the morning
  • Increasing dependency on antacids or PPIs
  • Chest pain that mimics heart issues (after cardiac clearance)
Call Specialist
ARMA (Acid Reflux)
Evidence-Based Care
Same-Day Discharge
Clinical Overview

The Future of GERD Treatment

ARMA is a breakthrough endoscopic treatment for patients suffering from persistent acid reflux (GERD) who are tired of daily medications or want to avoid invasive surgery.

By using targeted ablation to tighten the natural valve between the esophagus and stomach, ARMA restores the body’s barrier against acid reflux through a simple outpatient procedure.

Ideal Candidate

Patients with daily heartburn, regurgitation, or those whose symptoms are not well-controlled by PPI medications.

Symptoms Targeted by ARMA

Common indicators that you may require this treatment

Severe Heartburn

Daily burning sensation in the chest or throat.

Chronic Regurgitation

Stomach acid or food coming back into the mouth.

Medication Dependency

Unable to stop taking PPIs without severe symptoms.

Sleep Interruption

Reflux keeping you awake or causing nighttime coughing.

What to Expect with ARMA

A structured path from diagnosis to recovery

1

Confirmative pH Study

A 24-hour test to definitively link your symptoms to acid backflow.

2

Endoscopic Mapping

Identifying the exact area of the esophageal valve that needs tightening.

3

Ablation Treatment

Applying precise energy to trigger natural healing and valve strengthening.

4

Rapid Recovery

Short observation period and a transition back to solid foods without reflux.

Benefits of ARMA

How this treatment works and who it may suit

Scarless

No external incisions or laparoscopy involved.

Quick Discharge

Usually performed as a day-care procedure.

Fewer Medications

Significant reduction or total elimination of daily PPIs.

Dr. Shruti Sagar - Consultant Gastroenterologist
10+Years of
Experience
About Dr. Shruti Sagar

Meet Dr. Shruti Sagar –
Gastroenterology Specialist

Dr. Shruti Sagar is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with training in advanced therapeutic endoscopy. Currently associated with Yashoda Hospitals, she also consults at Krisara Gastro.

10+Years of Experience
DMQualification
ERCPArea of practice
EUSArea of practice

Areas of Clinical Practice:

Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
Anti-Reflux Mucosal Ablation (ARMA)
Third Space Endoscopy (POEM, ESD)
Complex IBD Management

Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical transparency for your peace of mind

How long does the ARMA effect last?
ARMA provides long-term relief, with many patients staying off medications for years.
Is there any downtime?
Recovery is very fast; most patients return to light work within 2-3 days.
Can I eat normally after ARMA?
You will follow a soft diet for about 2 weeks, after which you can enjoy most foods without reflux.
Will I still need my PPI tablets?
Most patients successfully taper off and eventually stop their reflux medications entirely.
Are there any side effects?
Temporary sore throat or mild chest discomfort is normal for 24-48 hours.
How does ARMA differ from Nissen fundoplication?
ARMA is an endoscopic procedure with no external cuts. Nissen fundoplication is a surgical operation. Your doctor will explain the possible risks and benefits of each for your case.

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ARMA (Acid Reflux)Specialist: Dr. Shruti Sagar