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A Surgical Option for Acid Reflux
Those with acid reflux know that the problem is one that will stay with them for life. Caused by a lack of strength of the lower esophageal sphincter, acid reflux causes harmful fluids to rise from the stomach into the esophagus, causing corrosive damage due to the stomach acid found in the liquid. In addition to the possibility of developing serious health conditions such as erosive esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer, patients afflicted with acid reflux have to deal with the agony of heartburn on a daily basis.
However, all of that may change. A new surgical procedure is finding its way into clinics across the nation that may help to snuff out acid reflux for those who undergo the surgery. Known as the Plicator procedure, this treatment option requires a mere twenty minutes and is an outpatient procedure. Does it sound too good to be true? Here is a simple explanation of what exactly happens when one undergoes a Plicator procedure.
- The Plicator, which is a small electronic device, is placed on the end of an endoscopy tube. Endoscopies are a simple procedure performed by doctors in which a tube is lowered into the digestive tract via the mouth while the patient is in a state of conscious sedation.
- The Plicator travels through the digestive tract until it reaches the stomach. Once the Plicator is firmly in place in the stomach, it is maneuvered so that it can grab the tissue that is located in between the stomach and the esophagus. The Plicator then closes its arms, causing it to crimp the tissue. A single suture is placed to secure the fold that was made by the Plicator.
- As a result, the area between the stomach and the esophagus now has a much tighter opening. This can aid the lower esophageal sphincter in being able to successfully open and close the passageway between the stomach and the esophagus.
That is all there is to it! People who undergo the procedure generally experience no ill effects, and can often return to regular levels of activity the following day. Research studies were conducted at several institutes to help determine the efficiency of the procedure when it comes to relieving heartburn. The studies showed that the need for prescription heartburn medications was eliminated in 70 percent of all patients who underwent the procedure! In addition, 80 percent of all patients undergoing the surgery saw a lessened amount of reflux post-procedure. After undergoing the surgery, patients are often advised to follow a diet of soft foods for a few days while the suture sets.
The effects of the surgery can be seen almost suddenly; within a few days of the surgery, most people are able to wean themselves off their heartburn medications. People who have the surgery performed commonly experience sore throats or abdominal pain after the procedure, but these problems usually clear up within a few days. For more information regarding the Plicator procedure, you can visit http://www.ndosurgical.com/patient_portal/plicator_procedure.htm
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