GERD- Gastroesophageal reflux disease.  This is a disease most commonly known by its symptom of heartburn.  The presentation is usually one of heartburn or indigestion, but can present itself as a chronic cough, hoarseness, chest pain and difficulty swallowing.

Although traditionally the disease is treated medically, there are surgical alternatives to this problem.  These are usually recommended when medications are not working anymore or the dose is constantly being increased.  Also when there are complications due to the reflux like esophagitis, cost of medication is not affordable, side effects of the medication are too great to tolerate or take ( see this site for side effects of PPI http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/do-ppis-have-long-term-side-effects.shtml)

Procedures available

ACTUAL REFLUX SEMINAR you can click and watch it! (this a power point presentation of a seminar that I offer at Methodist Willowbrook every other month)  Next seminar is July 12, 2012, then sept and on!

TIF-Transoral Incision-less Fundoplication

NISSEN – This is a fundoplication or wrap around the esophagus

Will expand on this information as I build on the site.  Stay tuned, or call, email me if you have more questions, or want to know more about this now.