Cure acid reflux using new technology

By Raymond Harper

Cure acid reflux with EsophyX treatment

Research on a new method of treating acid reflux disease could change the way doctors tackle the condition for many patients who have been on a lifetime drug taking regime. To actually cure acid reflux is a big ask but may be achieved with new medical advances.

The new technology is a device called EsophyX, created by the company Endogastric Solutions Inc. The device enables gastroenterologists to perform a procedure called endoluminal fundoplication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Normally the contents of the stomach are kept in the stomach by a valve between the stomach and the esophagus but on occasion’s acidic juices from the stomach pass into the esophagus which is when we get heartburn. In people with GERD this happens more frequently and is severe enough to impact on daily life and can cause damage to the esophagus. You need to cure acid reflux quickly

Stomach acid

The stomach lining is such that the stomach acid it creates does not burn, but when it escapes to the esophagus it is a different matter. The esophagus is not protected from the stomach acid and the lining can get inflamed and damaged.  Once it begins it is usually life long, but can be alleviated with the correct treatment. Usually taking acid reflux medication is all that is needed but if you stop taking the medication the symptoms will come back quickly.

Also prolonged acid reflux can lead to other complications of the esophagus, one such problem is called Barrett,s esophagus a precancerous condition where the cells that line the esophagus change. This precancerous condition can soon lead to cancer. People with Barrett’s esophagus usually need maximum treatment for GERD and if the condition is suspected endoscopy and biopsies should be done to confirm the condition.

The main cause of acid reflux disease is a defective valve between the stomach and the esophagus. This valve is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and works like a type of non return valve. It is a special ring of muscle which contracts to close off the opening between the esophagus and the stomach but opens to let contents into the stomach when we swallow.

Acid reflux causes

There are several abnormalities of the LES which can lead to acid reflux. The first is abnormally weak contractions of the ring of muscle (LES) which can reduce the ability of preventing stomach acid refluxing. The second is abnormal relaxation of the muscle called transient LES relaxations. These relaxations also allow reflux to occur.

Another problem that affects the LES is a hiatal hernia. This is when part of the stomach is damaged and protrudes through the diaphragm preventing the LES from operating correctly. Any combination of these problems with the Les can lead to GERD occurring.

Studies have shown that heartburn caused by acid reflux disease is one of the fastest growing health problems in the western society. It is not properly know why the increase is so great but modern lifestyles and diets are thought to be the biggest cause.

There is a range of treatment for tackling the problem ranging from over the counter antacids to prescription drugs called histamine antagonists and the more recent and better proton pump inhibitors however they do not cure acid reflux but do treat the symptoms. There are also many natural cures, which are all used to neutralize or suppress stomach acid. Taking drugs for acid reflux disease is for life, treating the symptoms but not treating the actual cause. Also in some cases the amount of acid reflux medication required for satisfactory treatment is so great that it is unreasonable for long term treatment. For that a more effective and permanent solution to cure acid reflux is needed.

Surgical treatment to cure acid reflux

Surgical treatment has long been known to be an effective and permanent treatment for GERD.

The procedure to prevent acid reflux is commonly known as Nissen Fundoplication. The process involves pulling any hiatus hernia below the diaphragm and stitching it in place. The opening through which the esophagus passes into the diaphragm is also tightened, and finally part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus forming an artificial valve. The operation is performed by a long open incision on the abdomen; however the operation is invasive and incisions are needed both on the inside and outside of the stomach area.

Newer developments called laparoscopy was devised to alleviate the necessity for large incisions. This involved opening five small holes in the abdomen where a viewing device and surgical instruments are passed through the puncture marks in the abdomen. This procedure avoids the need for major incisions but is still invasive surgery.

Surgery is very effective in relieving and treating the complications of GERD and over 80% of patients have very good or excellent relief from acid reflux. However there are some problems with surgery in that if it is too tight it can cause gas bloating syndrome where gas is trapped causing pain and cramps. Other problems include difficult or painful swallowing and also the inability to burp or throw up.

There is however newer and more effective ways on the market. The newest procedure for treating GERD is endoluminal fundoplication where no surgery or internal incisions are required and no permanently implanted objects are used.

New developments for the treatment of GERD

The new device EsophyX is a pioneering technology which uses endoscopy techniques entering through the mouth to deliver fasteners in the stomach to create a new valve at the correct angle to the esophagus. The new valve is a 3cm to 5 cm flap formed from stomach tissue and stitched into place preventing the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. The procedure also reduces any hiatal hernia that may be present.

The technique is usually done under local anaesthetic involves no incisions and does not have the same issues and adverse effects seen in normal Nissen Fundoplication. There is no hospitalization and the procedure only takes about 30 minutes.

This procedure gets to the route cause of GERD, by restoring the lower esophageal sphincter patients can become drug free and lead a normal life.

Preliminary results show that 92% of patients no longer had to take drugs after 3 months and more than 80% of patients had taken no acid reflux medication after 10 months.

As the EsophyX procedure matures the company intend to accomplish what Laparoscopic Nissen failed to do, deliver mainstream treatment to the general market that can actually cure acid reflux.