Gerd Procedure

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a persistent digestive condition characterized by the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (food pipe), leading to irritation & discomfort.

Symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation of food, gas, belching, bloating, nausea and a sour taste in the mouth.

Treatment of GERD depends on the primary cause and may be:

• Lifestyle modification – healthy diet, stress reduction, reduction of smoking or alcohol etc
• Medical management – pills such as antacids, PPIs, reflux meds may help
• Surgical intervention – if the cause is a lax stomach inlet valve what’s referred to as a Hernia – patients may only benefit for a surgical or non-surgical procedure like GERDX

GERDX Procedure: An Innovative Endoscopic Solution for GERD

1. When Should Someone Consider GERDX?

If you’ve been dealing with heartburn, acid regurgitation, or difficulty swallowing despite trying lifestyle changes and/or medications, GERDX minimally invasive procedure is one solution considered as GERD surgery or acid reflux surgery. It is a more definitive solution.

2. What is the Issue or Diagnosis for GERDX Procedure Patients?

• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): This is a condition where stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, or a sour taste in your mouth. It happens because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle or inlet valve that acts as a barrier between the stomach and esophagus, isn’t working properly.
• Hiatal Hernia: This is when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm (the muscle separating the chest and abdomen), sometimes contributing to GERD symptoms. GERDX is ideal for people with a small hiatal hernia (less than 3 cm) as this can be a cause of reflux.

3. How Does GERDX Fix the Acid Reflux Problem Long-term?

GERDX is like a "repair" to the muscle between your stomach and esophagus. Here's how it works:

• The procedure tightens the gastroesophageal junction (the spot where the esophagus and stomach meet), which stops stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
• Think of it like tightening the door on a refrigerator: when it closes properly, nothing leaks out. GERDX helps “close” that door to acid reflux.

4. How is GERDX Conducted?

The GERDX procedure resembles a standard endoscopy and is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation. The procedure involves the following steps:

Preparation and Anesthesia:

• Patient should be 8 hours fasting
• Triage will be done at arrival
• Patient will be gowned, followed by lying on the theatre bed and administration of sedative via an IV line
• A flexible endoscope is then introduced through the mouth and into the stomach
• The Applicator, which is connected to the endoscope, carries out the plication

Endoscopic Full-Thickness Plication (eFTP): a full-thickness fold in the stomach wall. This fold tightens the gastroesophageal junction (inlet valve to the stomach), effectively preventing acid from spilling up from the stomach to the esophagus. A tiny suture is put to maintain the fold & complete the process.

5. How Long Does the GERD X Procedure Take and What Can You Expect?

• Time: The procedure takes about 45 minutes.
• Sedation: You will be given either general anesthesia or deep sedation, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure.
• Recovery: Most patients go home the same day and can resume normal activities quickly with little downtime.

6. Side Effects and Recovery:

• Side Effects: There are minimal side effects, but some people might experience sore throat or mild discomfort after the procedure.
• Relief: Most patients start feeling relief within days and experience long-lasting results. GERDX has about a 90% success rate in relieving symptoms of GERD.

Surgical Acid Reflux Surgery or Fundoplication VS GERDX Minimally Invasive Procedure

Surgical Fundoplication: The traditional surgical approach, which involves wrapping the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus via open or laparoscopic surgery.

Drawbacks of fundoplication: Invasive nature, long recovery times, and potential side effects like difficulty swallowing or bloating.

GERDX minimally invasive procedure considered a good alternative to conventional open surgery is done via endoscopy under sedation.

Benefits of GERDX compared to conventional surgical approach:

• Minimally Invasive: No large incisions are required, reducing the risk of infection and complications.
• Short Recovery Time: Patients often return to normal activities within a few days.
• Effectiveness: Provides long-term relief for many patients who do not respond to medications or lifestyle changes.
• No Permanent Changes to Anatomy: Unlike traditional surgery, GERD-X does not permanently alter the anatomy of the esophagus or stomach.