Video#60 – Doctors Using Endoscopic Treatment for GERD

GERD affects millions of Americans and now a surgical solution may be available that is less invasive than traditional methods.
Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acids enter the esophagus causing irritation and heartburn. Everyone experiences occasional heartburn, but when it occurs more than twice a week or begins affecting your daily life, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the problem.
GERD treatment
Traditional treatments for GERD include over the counter and prescription strength antacids as well as medications to strengthen the esophageal sphincter to help block acid from going into the esophagus. However, the effectiveness of these medications are limited and the side effects make them inappropriate for some sufferers. Surgical procedures are available, but these carry serious risks and may require lengthy recovery. Physicians are working on the development of a new endoscopic procedure for GERD.
“These endoscopic techniques are very similar to a TOGA weight loss surgery procedure,” describes Dr. Gregg Kai Nishi of the Khalili Center for Bariatric Care in Beverly Hills. “The surgeon will go down and remodel the stomach to prevent heartburn and reflux.” Preventing the backward flow of acid helps patients lead fuller, more comfortable lives.

Dr. Nishi says there may be some advantages to having an endoscopic procedure over a traditional surgery. “There are different things you have to look at with these procedures. One thing I can say is that if you have an endoscopic procedure, you are not subject to the traditional risks and complications of abdominal or laparoscopic surgery, so no wound infections, no incision hernias and no injuries from the instruments going into your abdomen.”
It is important to note though that endoscopic procedures carry another set of their own risks. “As you are performing this operation down the mouth and the esophagus, you now run the risk of injuring that area. So far the trials that have been performed indicate that it seems to be extremely safe,” says Dr. Nishi.
So rather than suffer any longer, talk to your physician about the possibilities of GERD and look at your treatment options. Relief may be closer than you think.
[Source: Amercian Heatlh and Beauty]
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