Getting Rid of GERD -- Research Summary

BACKGROUND: GERD stands for Gastroesophageal reflux disease. When you swallow, the lower esophageal sphincter — a circular band of muscle around the bottom part of your esophagus — relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach. Then it closes again. However, if this valve relaxes abnormally or weakens, GERD can occur, causing frequent heartburn and disrupting your daily life. Over time, the inflammation can erode the esophagus, causing complications such as bleeding or breathing problems. When signs and symptoms occur at least twice each week or interfere with your daily life, doctors call it GERD. Conditions that can increase your risk of GERD include obesity, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, smoking, dry mouth, asthma, diabetes, delayed stomach emptying, connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. (http://www.mayoclinic.com/)

SYMPTOMS: GERD signs and symptoms include: a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), sometimes spreading to the throat, along with a sour taste in your mouth; chest pain; difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); dry cough; hoarseness or sore throat; regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux); or sensation of a lump in the throat. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, especially when accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as shortness of breath or jaw or arm pain. These may be signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience severe or frequent GERD symptoms. If you take over-the-counter medications for heartburn more than twice per week, see your doctor. (http://www.mayoclinic.com/)

TRANSORAL INCISION-LESS ANTI-REFLUX SURGERY:

The procedure, using the EsophyX device, is closely based on the well-established principles of conventional anti-reflux surgery and delivers similar results. The main differences between TIF and conventional surgery are:

Incisionless Approach: Conventional antireflux surgery involves accessing the anatomy via 3 to 5 abdominal incisions. TIF does not require any incisions and is performed through the patient’s mouth.
No Dissection: Laparoscopic surgery requires the surgeon to dissect, or cut around, relative anatomy which can increase the risk of complications and adhesions as well as recovery time.
Hiatal Hernia Repair: The TIF procedure is best suited for patients with hiatal hernia less than 2 cm.
Strong Safety Profile: To date, over 10,245 procedures have been performed with fewer adverse events and complications than conventional anti-reflux surgery

Due to the unique approach of the procedure, patients typically experience less discomfort, faster recovery and fewer adverse effects. Results to date are comparable to those of conventional anti-reflux surgery. (http://www.gerdhelp.com/) MORE

Getting Rid of GERD -- Research Summary | Medical News and Health Information

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Erica Evans
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
(301) 423-3799

Erica.Evans@cshs.org

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Getting Rid of GERD -- Dotcor's In Depth Interview | Medical News and Health Information