Incisionless surgery treats heartburn

Dr. Laurence Gibson

WAUKEGAN — Surgery without an incision is now a possibility for those diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease. People suffering from reflux — heartburn — can now get back to living with the help of the new Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure offered at Vista Health System.

Dr. Laurence Gibson will conduct question-and-answer seminars about the condition and the surgery at 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at Vista Medical Center East, 1324 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan; and at 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at Vista Surgery Center, 1050 Red Oak Lane, Lindenhurst.

“The TIF procedure with the EsophyX device can significantly improve quality of life for patients,” said Dr. Gibson, a board-certified surgeon.

“GERD is an anatomical problem which needs an anatomical solution. Reflux medications like PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) can help relieve a patient’s heartburn symptoms but do not solve underlying anatomical problems or prevent further disease progression,” he said.

“Even on PPIs, many patients are still unable to eat the foods they want or have to sleep sitting up to reduce nighttime reflux. In addition recent studies have shown that long-term use of PPIs can lead to inadequate absorption of minerals such as calcium and can result in bone fractures. After the EsophyX TIF procedure, clinical trials show that most patients can eat and drink foods they avoided for many years. Reflux no longer impacts their life like it previously did.”

EsophyX is based on established principles of surgical repair of the antireflux barrier, but it is performed transorally (through the mouth).

The EsophyX TIF procedure reduces hiatal hernia and creates a valve between the stomach and esophagus, restoring the natural, physiological anatomy to prevent gastroesophageal reflux. Because the procedure is incisionless, there is reduced pain, reduced recovery and no visible scar.

The EsophyX TIF procedure represents the next step in the evolution of surgery. Laparoscopic procedures typically reduce skin incisions from open surgery to three-to-five port holes. However, laparoscopy still involves the same internal incisions and organ dissection as open surgery. EsophyX TIF requires neither internal incisions nor dissection. EsophyX also allows for early intervention.

With millions of Americans diagnosed with GERD and not fully satisfied with their treatment options, EsophyX offers an excellent alternative.

“We are very excited to offer our patients the incredible benefits of a surgical procedure without incisions,” said Dr. Gibson said.