Surgery May Soon Be An Option For Acid Reflux

January 11, 2012 5:50 PM

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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — People suffering from the worst cases of acid reflux may no longer need a pill to help ease their pain. Doctors say a new surgical option could soon be available.

The United States Food and Drug Administration met Wednesday to discuss this experimental device.

Surgeons say it works by placing a ring of magnetic beads around the top of the stomach. They prevent acid from coming back into the esophagus, which causes heartburn.

Doctors say the 15-minute procedure helps almost instantly.

“Most of the pain is gone within a few days after the surgery,” said Dr. John Lipham of the Keck Medical Center of USC. “Patients seem to get back on to a regular diet quicker than they did with conventional surgery.”

The device is still in clinical trials and isn’t yet available to the public.

Lisa

This is not new. I heard this option pitched at a confernce meeting several years ago. (I work in this field of study) It has it’s draw-backs like everything. Its not a quick fix.
Mn. Joe

My brother, my dad and myself all drink an ounce or so of vinigar , when needed, for Acid Reflux. When needed meaning, some times we’ll get by for months at a time.
We get it pounded in our heads that to feel better we need to take this, or this, kind of drug. I’ve been having a lot less problems after I started going back to natural remedies. There is a need for Drugs but not to the extent that we are led to believe.
Steve

Will insurance companies pay for the surgery, I doubt it. I suffer from Acid Reflux for years! And I mean years. For some time my insurance company did pay for prescription drugs but they stopped. I now take OTC and pop about 4 pills a day to manage but stil have problems. I’ve changed lifestyle, diet and still suffer. So the big quesiton will your insurance company pay for it. I doubt it will.