Individuals suffering from severe, chronic heartburn or acid reflux that does not respond to medication now have a new surgical treatment option, which does not require any incisions. EsophyX is the latest treatment for safely and effectively treating chronic gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Allegan General Hospital was the first hospital in West Michigan to offer this new procedure called EsophyX and is now one of seven surgical training centers in the county for this procedure.
This surgical procedure is performed through the mouth and reconstructs the barrier between the stomach and esophagus to prevent stomach fluids from refluxing up into the esophagus. The procedure typically takes less than one hour and requires an overnight stay at the hospital.
Two year clinical study results show that 79% of patients have completely stopped taking their heartburn medications after having the procedure. Clinical trials also show most patients can eat and drink foods they avoided for many years and can sleep lying flat. Reflux no longer impacts their life like it previously did.
Informational Seminars
For more information on this procedure, please plan to attend an upcoming informational session given by surgeon Dr. David Dargis on EsophyX. Please call AGH's Community Events Line at 686-4231 to register or click on the date below to register online.
Tuesday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GERD?
If you have heartburn twice a week or more, you may have GERD. Heartburn is the most common symptom, but you may also experience:
· Regurgitation
· Intolerance of certain foods
· Sleep disruption (unable to sleep lying down)
· Hoarseness or sore throat
· Frequent swallowing
· Asthma or asthma-like symptoms
· Pain or discomfort in the chest
· Bloating
· Persistent cough
· Burning in the mouth or throat
· Dental erosions or therapy-resistant gum disease or inflammation
How is GERD treated?
In addition to dietary controls, medications like non-prescription antacids, PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) and H2 blockers help prevent the acceleration of GERD. Over time, these medications may lose their effectiveness requiring increased dosage, increasing cost and the increasing risk of long term side effects. Invasive surgical procedures such as the Nissen Fundoplication have long been known to be effective therapy for GERD. The risk of adverse events and the invasive nature of these procedures have made them lose popularity in recent years. The EsophyX TIF procedure offers a minutely invasive surgical solution for the treatment of GERD, a clinically proven procedure without incisions.
What can a patient expect from EsophyX TIF?
The EsophyX TIF procedure is performed safely, quickly, comfortably, with no incisions and with minimal downtime. While under anesthesia the flexible EsophyX device will be gently lowered through the mouth into the stomach under the visualization of an endoscope “video” placed down the shaft of the device. Once inside the stomach, the surgeon will manipulate the device to create a tight sealing valve and hold it in place with suture-like fasteners.
What can the patient expect after the procedure?
Most patients can return to work the next day or within a few days following their EsophyX TIF procedure. Patients will likely experience some manageable discomfort in their chest, nose, throat and stomach for the first few days to a week. Patients will be asked to restrict physical activity for the first week and will be given dietary guidelines to help maximize their success while their new antireflux valve heals.
Is EsophyX TIF safe?
EsophyX TIF has been proven safe in use in hundreds of procedures worldwide. The EsophyX TIF procedure is expected to be safer than traditional surgery which often involves incisions in the skin for access to the organs, and cutting around the organs to free the desired area for suturing. With EsophyX TIF, there are no incisions inside on the organs or outside on the skin. | 
Step 1: The EsophyX device and the endoscope
are gently inserted through the mouth.
Step 2: The device forms and fastens tissue folds to
create a valve, recreating natural anatomy.
Step 3: The EsophyX device pulls and fastens a
tissue fold. This step is repeated multiple times
to reconstruct a robust, tight valve that prevents
the reflux of stomach contents up into the esophagus,
resulting in the effective elimination of GERD.
Patient Testimonials
“I had the Esophyx procedure in
November ’09 at AGH and am delighted
with the results. Dr. Dargis was
very informative and answered all
the questions that I had before and
after my procedure. I would recommend this procedure
to anyone seeking relief
from acid reflux and heartburn.”
Tom (Gobles)
“Before the surgery I was very
limited. I watched what I ate and
couldn’t eat anything too late at night. Plus I was taking
nine pills every day to
help alleviate symptoms. Now I’m
medication free and enjoying
spaghetti, chocolate ice cream and
coffee whenever I want– without any
reflux symptoms.”
Donna (Allegan) |