Incisionless Surgery for Heartburn

Manatee Memorial Hospital is the first facility in the region to offer an innovative procedure to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the root cause of frequent heartburn. The EsophyXTM Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure requires no cutting into the abdomen and has a shorter recovery period than traditional surgery.

"EsophyX is the first truly minimally invasive way to address the root causes of GERD," says Jose Erbella, MD, a general surgeon at Manatee Memorial who performs the procedure with his partner, general surgeon Gary Bunch, MD. "Patients experience less pain and heal more quickly, and most see their heartburn disappear for good."

What Is GERD?
GERD occurs when the one-way valve between the esophagus and stomach loosens and stops functioning properly, allowing stomach contents to "reflux" back into the esophagus. Heartburn is GERD's most common symptom, but others include:

Gary Bunch, MD, FACS Bradenton Surgical Group 200 3rd Ave. West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-744-2700

• Inflammation and/or ulceration of the esophagus
• Hoarseness or sore throat or excessive need to clear the throat
• Burning in the mouth or throat
• Frequent swallowing
• Persistent cough
• Dental erosions or therapy-resistant gum disease or inflammation
• Intolerance of certain foods, including garlic, onions and chocolate

How Is It Treated?
"If you've already been diagnosed with GERD, chances are you've had an endoscopic exam of your esophagus and upper stomach," Dr. Erbella says. "This procedure is very similar — only this time, we're actually correcting the problem."

Jose Erbella, MD, FACS Bradenton Surgical Group 200 3rd Ave. West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-744-2700

The EsophyX device fits over an endoscope, which the surgeon inserts into the mouth and down to the junction between the stomach and esophagus. It is then used to pull folds of stomach tissue gently and suture them together, recreating the valve. The entire procedure takes place under general anesthesia, lasts less than an hour and requires only one night in the hospital. That is in sharp contrast to traditional laparoscopic GERD surgery, which requires multiple small incisions and a longer recovery period.

"Patients generally feel fine by the next day," Dr. Erbella says. "They're usually on a special soft diet for about four weeks, but after that, they can eat normally. Best of all, research shows that most patients can stop or at least reduce their daily heartburn medications.

Ease Your Heartburn
For more information about the EsophyXTM Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure, please call 941-744-2700

206 Second Street East, Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-5111 FAX: 941-745-6862