New Incision-Less Procedure for REFLUX – Experts Consider it to Be Gold Standard for REFLUX

CHICAGO, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ —

    What:        A Chicago woman will be among the first in the country to
                 undergo a new incision-less, endoscopic procedure that could
                 get rid of Gastrointestinal Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
                 forever.  The procedure, called TIF, is performed
                 transorally, through the mouth.  After navigating an
                 endoscope through the body, the doctor uses a device to
                 create a secure fold between the stomach and the esophagus
                 stopping the flow of acids into the esophagus.  Recent
                 studies show that the procedure is as effective as surgery
                 but without the long hospital stay and risk of complications.
                 In addition, TIF can reduce patients' dependency on daily
                 medication by 79 percent or more.

    Who:         Arun Ohri, M.D., of GI Solutions and a leading authority in
                 Gastrointestinal Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), will be
                 one of the first  to use a new, incision-free procedure for
                 GERD patients, will perform the incision-free surgery using
                 the new technology.  .

    When:        1 p.m. Wednesday, October 28

    Where:       Resurrection Medical Center, 7435 West Talcott, Chicago

    Background:  An estimated 60 million Americans are diagnosed with chronic
                 GERD, painful heartburn caused when stomach acid breaks
                 through what is supposed to be a one-way valve -- the lower
                 esophageal sphincter (LES) -- and reverses into the esophagus.
                 GERD increases risk of cancer of the esophagus and can cause
                 damage due to inhalation of stomach acid. While many patients
                 are prescribed daily medications for treatment, they are
                 sometimes ineffective. In addition, new research indicates
                 that continued drug therapy may cause calcium depletion,
                 contributing to osteoporosis.

                 GERD has long been associated with obesity. Recent studies
                 also show that reflux sufferers are more prone to have sleep
                 deprivation. Anthony DiMarina Jr., lead author of a study on
                 sleep medication reported in the September issue of Clinical
                 Gastroenterology and Hepatology says, "As many as 15 percent
                 to 30 percent of patients with disturbed sleep may have
                 undiagnosed GERD."

SOURCE GI Solutions