Heartburn
Most people have suffered from heartburn or acid reflux at some point. Heartburn is the most common symptom of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a condition caused by the reflux of stomach’s contents in the esophagus, causing bothersome symptoms and complications.
GERD results from a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which means a valve in the esophagus does not close correctly. Normally the LES acts like a one-way valve, permitting liquid and food to pass through the stomach, but preventing stomach contents from traveling back into the esophagus. The reflux of acidic stomach contents can cause various uncomfortable symptoms.
LINX
The LINX® System is a small, flexible band of magnets enclosed in titanium beads. The system is laparoscopically implanted around the weak valve of the esophagus, just above the stomach. The procedure takes about an hour, and patients are placed under general anesthesia. Because the LINX® system does not require any stomach alteration, most patients are eating after surgery and go home the same day.
BARRX Procedure
Barrett’s esophagus is a pre-cancerous condition affecting the lining of the esophagus, the swallowing tube that carries foods and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Barrett’s esophagus develops from GERD. In some patients with GERD, the normal esophagus cells are damaged and over time become intestinal tissue. Tulsa Heartburn & Reflux Center offers two treatments for Barrett’s Esophagus: endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and Barrx radiofrequency esophageal ablation (RFA).