Innovative Procedure Makes Heartburn Medication A Thing of The Past

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Introduces Non-Surgical Procedure to Treat Acid Reflux

Patients with acid reflux can now benefit from an innovative non-surgical procedure to reduce their symptoms newly available at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, an integral part of Mubadala Health. 

Affecting around 20% of adults , gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux is a condition in which acid-containing contents of the stomach regularly leak back into the esophagus causing bothersome symptoms. Caused by weakness in the valve between the stomach and the esophagus that prevents it from closing properly, it can result in a range of symptoms from a sour taste in the mouth to difficulty swallowing, vomiting and severe pain in the chest. 

“We can all experience sporadic acid reflux a few times in our lives. However, in a much smaller subset of people, the symptoms can be persistent causing severe discomfort that really affects a person’s quality of life. In many cases, the symptoms can be somewhat controlled with watching what we eat, but for many others a lifelong combination of medications and lifestyle modifications will be necessary. These symptoms can be very upsetting and change their lives dramatically,” says Dr. John Rodriguez, the Digestive Disease Institute’s department chair of general surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Chronic acid reflux can often be managed with medication to reduce symptoms. However, for many patients worried about side effects or hesitant to rely on daily medication, surgery was previously the only other option available. The introduction of transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Digestive Disease Institute means patients can now opt for a third approach to reduce their symptoms.

During the minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure, doctors approach the valve between the stomach and the esophagus through the mouth and use a specialized device to restore and support the valve’s function. They do this by creating a ring of tissue around the valve and anchoring it in place with small, extra strong fasteners. By approaching the valve through the mouth, no incisions are needed, and the procedure is done with no need for a hospital admission. Even though the approach is non-surgical, research shows the procedure can be as effective as more invasive surgery. 

“This new and innovative procedure is a fantastic option to bridge the gap between daily medication and surgery. It offers patients an effective and minimally invasive way to reduce their acid reflux symptoms as well as surgery would, but without the associated complexity or recovery time. For the vast majority of patients, it also means they no longer need to rely on medication and can live free of the sometimes debilitating symptoms they once experienced,” concludes Dr. Rodriguez. 

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Digestive Disease Institute offers patients a specialized acid reflux clinic designed to provide a one-stop shop for the diagnosis, management and treatment of acid reflux and associated conditions. Patients can benefit from a full suite of medical, surgical and other approaches to manage their condition as well as specialist dietary advice to match their individual needs from the clinic’s dieticians.

For more information or to book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 8 CCAD (2223) visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi app.