Heartburn Treatment Options
All of our Heartburn Center locations offer surgical and non-surgical treatment options so that you can decide which treatment would best suit your lifestyle.
Surgical Heartburn Treatment Options
With the Heartburn Treatment Center you are provided with the best GERD surgical treatment options that are available. The surgical procedures are effective, minimally invasive and they include the new LINX Reflux Management System as well as an option for the long-term management of GERD.
LINX Reflux Management System
A new state of the art surgical GERD treatment is available and it is called the LINX Reflux Management System. Our Heartburn Treatment Center was selected as one of the only initial centers, nationally, to offer this surgical GERD option.
The LINX Reflux Management System consists of a small implantable device that is a small bracelet composed of titanium magnets which are connected by a wire. This device is placed around the esophagus, where it meets the stomach. The LINX does not compress the esophagus in anyway but is also able to “augment” the defective lower esophageal sphincter. The magnets in the LINX are created to separate, temporarily expanding the esophagus so as to allow food to pass through, while then coming back together afterwards. Its ability to close up after the food passes, is what makes this device effective in preventing acid reflux.
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication
Your next best option in acid reflux and GERD treatment is Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication. This treatment, also referred to as “Nissen”, is performed under general anesthesia. In this, a slender scope is passed through several, very small, incisions. The Nissen works by restoring the function of your damaged valve (LES) that is the direct cause of acid reflux. During the procedure, part of the stomach is wrapped, very loosely, around the lower esophagus at the location of the LES. Endoscopic Procedures
Other Surgical Treatment Options
There are 2 other surgical GERD treatment procedures that are performed through the mouth. These procedures are done without any incisions, which is their benefit in choosing GERD and heartburn treatment options. These procedures can be referred to as TIF (Esophyx) and Stretta.
Surgery is an alternative to medicines in the management of GERD. The Heartburn Treatment Center will assist in the understanding of each option and work with you such that a very informed decision can be made.
Non-Surgical Heartburn Treatment Options
Your most simple non-surgical, acid reflux, GERD and heartburn treatment, option is modifying your lifestyle. While these are suitable options for heartburn treatment, our Center does have patients who have a more advanced disease in which these modifications may not help. However, losing weight, eating small meals, not eating before bedtime, elevation of the head of the bed and others can make a real difference in the severity of acid reflux symptoms. Our staff understands and works with our patients on utilizing these changes, and we also have a dietitian on staff to help you to better adjust your lifestyle.
Generally most patients need more than just a lifestyle change, and medications are required. These medications work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach which results in reduction or even elimination of reflux symptoms. Many of these medications are available over the counter, while some must be prescribed by a physician.
Unfortunately, these non-surgical medications have implications that patients are not always informed of. Even though your symptoms may improve, the reflux is not stopped or reduced, it is just temporarily masked.
Today, make that decision to contact Dr. Nilesh Patel to learn more about our surgical and non-surgical acid reflux and GERD treatment options. Register for your initial FREE Evaluation at one of Heartburn treatment Centers, or contact us via email.