We’re Fired Up About Easing Your Heartburn
Norman Regional Hospital has a team of skilled surgeons who offer surgical treatment options for people suffering with heartburn or GERD. One option offered at Norman Regional is the LINX Reflux Management System. It is the only FDA-approved treatment that stops reflux at its source. Another option is an endoscopic procedure called TIF, or transoral incisionless fundoplication and the Nissen fundoplication. Talk to your physician about the best option for you.
Understand Your Options
Lifestyle changes
- Avoid spicy, fatty or fried foods
- Go to bed on an empty stomach
Medication
- Antacids – neutralize stomach acid (Maalox, Rolaids, Tums)
- H2 blockers – reduce production of stomach acid (Pepcid, Zantac)
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications – for short-term use (usually two weeks)
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – halt the production of stomach acid (Prevacid, Prilosec)
Surgery
Surgery fixes the mechanical issue that causes GERD; it can be good for people with moderate or severe reflux, those who are concerned about long-term use of medication or those with esophagus damage.
- LINX Reflux Management System
This is the only FDA-approved treatment that stops reflux at its source – a weak lower esophageal sphincter muscle. It involves a small, flexible band of magnets enclosed in titanium beads, which are connected by small titanium wires. This is implanted around the weak sphincter just above the stomach in a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. The magnetic attraction between the beads helps to close the weak esophageal sphincter, while swallowing forces it open to allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach. A LINX surgery typically takes less than one hour, and patients generally go home the same day.
Results from a clinical study showed that after treatment with the LINX system:
- 100 percent of patients eliminated severe regurgitation
- 98 percent eliminated daily sleep disruption due to heartburn
- 92 percent achieved freedom from daily GERD medicine
- 92 percent achieved significant symptom improvement
- TIF procedure (transoral incisionless fundoplication)
The surgeon uses an endoscope to access the esophagus and stomach, reduce the hiatal hernia and restore the natural anatomy. Benefits include:
- Fewer side effects
- Lower complication rates
- Minimal invasiveness
- Faster recovery
- Less pain
- Shorter hospital stay
- Nissen fundoplication
Performed laparoscopically, this procedure involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach (fundus) around the lower end of the esophagus to reinforce a weak lower esophageal sphincter muscle.