Non-Surgical Reflux Treatment

Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Internal Diseases and Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Cengiz Pata explained as follows: "The method for treatment of reflux without surgery does not cause any incisions on the patients' skin. We enter through the oral tract with a special endoscope. The procedure is performed in the endoscopy room under general anesthesia. It takes about 60-90 minutes. The patient does not feel pain."

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a disease that affects almost 25 percent of society. It often manifests itself with complaints such as burning in the throat and chest, and bitter water coming to the mouth. The main disorder that constitutes the disease is the escape of stomach acid into the esophagus due to the loosening of the structure (sphincter) consisting of tightened muscles between the esophagus and stomach.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic disease. The use of acid-suppressing medications usually provides relief. But in many patients, complaints recur once the drug therapy is discontinued.

Why Should the Endoscopic Method be Applied?

The permanent treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is to make the loose sphincter functional by narrowing and strengthening it. Here, this system uses endoscopic suturing to strengthen the sphincter. No incisions are formed on the skin. By entering through the oral tract with a special endoscope, firm stomach tissue is sutured to the loose area at the lower end of the esophagus with a suture material that we can call a medical staple. Thus, acid leakage is prevented.

To Whom Is it Applied?

Candidates for treatment are patients over 18 years of age who have sphincter looseness under 3 cm (without hiatal hernia) and need to take medication constantly.

How is Endoscopic Treatment Performed?

The procedure is performed in the endoscopy room under general anesthesia. It takes about 60-90 minutes. The patient should receive a liquid diet after the procedure, and they should eat soft foods until recovery. In a few days, they can switch to a normal diet, return to normal life. Since anesthesia is used during the procedure, the patient does not feel pain. Afterward, they may have slight abdominal or throat pain for 2-3 days.