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Lifestyle Modifications, Losing Weight Relieves Heartburn Symptoms
Incisionless procedure provides long-term relief for chronic heartburn
TEMPE, Ariz. – (Nov. 22, 2011) – People suffering from GERD, a painful gastroesophageal reflux disease that causes daily heartburn, know all too well the feeling of a sore throat, sour taste and burning sensation. In fact, daily heartburn is a condition that affects more than 15 million adults, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.
Simple lifestyle changes — such as losing weight, changing one’s diet, quitting smoking or abstaining from alcohol — have provided some relief to those suffering from heartburn. Recent studies have concluded that a decrease of five to 10 percent of excess weight can result in fewer heartburn episodes. Reflux medications, such as PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), also provide some relief from heartburn symptoms.
However, for many people suffering from GERD, lifestyle modifications and medications may not be enough to provide a complete resolution of their symptoms.
“GERD is an anatomical problem that needs an anatomical solution,” said Tanja Gunsberger, D.O., a board-certified surgeon on the medical staff at Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital.
Until recently, GERD sufferers faced either a lifetime of painful symptoms or the risks of invasive surgery. Now there is a new option. The new Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) procedure, using the innovative EsophyX® device is performed completely without surgical incisions.
In a healthy patient, there is a natural valve between the esophagus and the stomach that forms a physical barrier, which prevents stomach fluids from backwashing, or “refluxing”, up into the esophagus. In a patient with chronic GERD, this valve is dysfunctional. The TIF procedure reconstructs the valve between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent reflux. The procedure is based on established principles of surgical repair of the antireflux barrier used in conventional laparoscopic surgery, except that it is “surgery from within”, performed transorally (through the mouth). Because the procedure involves no surgical incisions, there is reduced pain, reduced recovery time and no visible scar. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days.
“The TIF procedure can significantly improve the quality of life for our patients,” added Dr. Gunsberger.
For more information about the TIF procedure, visit tempestlukeshospital.com, or contact Tempe Surgical Specialists in Tempe, Ariz., at 480-557-0282.
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