Britons with severe heartburn risk are offered an easy, non-scalpable treatment on the NHS.
The new 60-minute operation tightens the valve at the entrance to the stomach to prevent acid leaking out after eating – the main cause of heartburn symptoms such as chest pain and burning in the throat.
It will be given to patients with Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition that occurs when digestive acid damages the lining the oesophagus – the food pipe between the throat and stomach – which triggers pre-cancerous changes in affected tissue and even cancer itself.
Heartburn is a problem that can be treated with traditional methods. However, the tissue may not be removed.
Britons with severe heartburn risk are offered an alternative to surgery on the NHS. (stock image)
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) is now open to NHS leaders. This procedure stops most acid reflux symptoms permanently. Three years after the procedure was first tried, nearly 9 out 10 patients still have no symptoms of heartburn.
Rehan Haidry is a consultant gastroenterologist at University College London Hospital. He was the first UK doctor to perform the procedure.
It reduces the chance of you getting cancer and makes your life more enjoyable. This is an important step for NHS patients.
A fifth of Britons are affected by chronic heartburn. It is also known as gastrooesophageal or reflux disease. This condition is usually caused by stress, overeating and smoking. Barrett’s Oesophagus will eventually develop in 15% of those who don’t get treatment.
The new 60-minute operation tightens the valve at the entrance to the stomach to prevent acid leaking out after eating – the main cause of heartburn symptoms such as chest pain and burning in the throat
The drugs used to treat acid reflux are called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They are intended to prevent the stomach from producing excessive acid, but they are often ineffective.
Dr Haidry stated that there are people who have been using PPIs for years and don’t know how to control their condition. These people still enjoy Rennie. [heartburn]Take one tablet every evening.
Radiofrequency ablation is where the tube is passed down into the patient’s throat. The damaged tissue will then be burned. Dr Haidry stated that radiofrequency ablation does not fix acid reflux.
Traditionally, keyhole surgery was the next step. The surgeon makes several incisions on the abdomen, then ties the stomach to the bottom of the mouth. This stops acid from rising and tightens the valve.
Rehan Haidry (consultant gastroenterologist, University College London Hospital) said that this was a significant step for NHS patients.
Side-effects can include difficulty swallowing, excessive burping, and bloating. An additional third of PPI-treated patients need to continue using them.
There are fewer side effects and no need to make incisions with the new method. Instead doctors used an EsophyX to insert a small surgical sewing tool into the patient’s throat. They then made 20 small stitches at the base of the oesophagus.
This opens a new valve, and lowers acidic flow.
The operation is done under general anaesthetic and can be completed in under an hour – and patients do not even need to stay in hospital overnight.
Rachel Furse (57), a patient from St Austell, Cornwall who had suffered from GORD for over 30 years, was one of the beneficiaries of TIF.
She stated that she had been through many endoscopies as well as colonoscopies over the years and has seen numerous doctors and consultants both privately and publicly. I had been prescribed all the PPI medications they offered.
“Nothing worked and I kept getting up at night with acid reflux. I felt constantly gassy and in pain.
Rachel runs a business that sells products for the healthcare industry. Her symptoms have worsened over recent years, until she saw a doctor in 2020. She was diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus.
Rachel reported that she has seen a significant reduction in her GORD, despite experiencing side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea and pain after surgery. “I feel amazing and so happy I had it. This procedure has made a huge difference in my life.
“I now wake up without stomach pains and can fall asleep normally.”