Surgeons Offering New Procedure for Acid Reflux, GERD
There is a new procedure known as EsophyX TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundaplication) that can repair the valve between the esophagus and stomach and effectively stop GERD. There were two other alternatives to stop GERD. One is laparoscopic surgical repair, which can be invasive and may be associated with side effects such as gas bloat and difficulty swallowing. The other alternative is an older procedure, which is even more invasive, Nissen Fundoplication. Recovery time is longer and more side effects are possible such as difficulty in emesis. It is the most effective procedure but involves making an incision across the patient's abdomen.
Boston Medical Center (BMC) is the only place that offers this new procedure to treat GERD. Using the EsophyX TIF procedure, surgeons are able to pass surgical instruments through a patients mouth and tighten or repair the weakened valve without making any incision to the skin. Miguel Burch MD, Co-Director of Esophageal and Acid Reflux Disorder, Center of Digestive Disorders at BMC, explained how significant this new procedure is when he said, "Compared to laparoscopic or traditional surgery, patient's treated via endoscope have required less anesthesia and experienced less complication rates, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery, reduced patient discomfort, and no need for incisions. Patients are typically able to return home and to normal activities the day following the procedure."
Complications of untreated GERD are well documented and can affect the quality of life. Some complications include esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and in a small percentage of patients, esophageal cancer can develop. According to the BMC surgeons, because of the complications of treating GERD, less than 1 percent of patients with GERD currently choose to have invasive surgical therapy to treat their condition.
This article is very interesting to me because I was diagnosed with GERD and I had Nissen Fundoplication. Because I had Nissen Fundoplication, I had a longer hospital stay and longer recovery period, but it treated my GERD. I know this procedure will make a difference especially in the complications after the procedure. I am fascinated by how much progress they have made in treating GERD and that there are now three successful procedures to treat GERD.
The article can be accessed at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026103846.htm
Boston Medical Center (BMC) is the only place that offers this new procedure to treat GERD. Using the EsophyX TIF procedure, surgeons are able to pass surgical instruments through a patients mouth and tighten or repair the weakened valve without making any incision to the skin. Miguel Burch MD, Co-Director of Esophageal and Acid Reflux Disorder, Center of Digestive Disorders at BMC, explained how significant this new procedure is when he said, "Compared to laparoscopic or traditional surgery, patient's treated via endoscope have required less anesthesia and experienced less complication rates, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery, reduced patient discomfort, and no need for incisions. Patients are typically able to return home and to normal activities the day following the procedure."
Complications of untreated GERD are well documented and can affect the quality of life. Some complications include esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and in a small percentage of patients, esophageal cancer can develop. According to the BMC surgeons, because of the complications of treating GERD, less than 1 percent of patients with GERD currently choose to have invasive surgical therapy to treat their condition.
This article is very interesting to me because I was diagnosed with GERD and I had Nissen Fundoplication. Because I had Nissen Fundoplication, I had a longer hospital stay and longer recovery period, but it treated my GERD. I know this procedure will make a difference especially in the complications after the procedure. I am fascinated by how much progress they have made in treating GERD and that there are now three successful procedures to treat GERD.
The article can be accessed at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026103846.htm
posted by K at 12:22 PM
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