Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. defines the disease, popularly known as reflux, literally ‘gastroesophageal reflux’, as the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Dr. Hakan Demirci: “Reflux, one of the most common digestive system diseases today; “It is generally seen with symptoms such as bitter water and food residues coming back into the mouth, burning in the esophagus and bad breath, which significantly reduce the quality of life of patients,” he said.
“IMMUNITY MAY DEVELOP AGAINST STOMACH MEDICATIONS OVER THE YEARS”
Prof. Dr. Demirci said, “Most reflux patients have to constantly think about what to eat and go on a long-term diet. They also use pills, called stomach protectors, which suppress the secretion of stomach acid, and antacid syrups or tablets for a long time. So much so that the group of patients who use bottles of anti-acid syrup, cannot go anywhere without syrup, and cannot imagine a life without a stomach protector is quite large. A significant portion of reflux patients fail to benefit from stomach medications or develop immunity to such medications over the years. Nowadays, in long-term use of such drugs; “It is known that side effects such as osteoporosis, susceptibility to infections, vitamin deficiencies and dementia occur,” he said.
“THE STOMACH VALVE IS BEING RESHAPED”
While the easiest and most preferred treatment option for reflux disease is medication, using medication for life can cause patients to get bored of this situation. On the other hand, drug therapy may not be effective in every patient, and side effects of drugs may occur with long-term use.
Stating that endoscopic reflux treatments have been developed instead of surgery for patients who have looseness in the valve between the stomach and esophagus and who use stomach acid suppressant drugs for a long time. Dr. Demirci said, “Anti-reflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) treatment, which is one of the anti-reflux endoscopic treatment methods; It is an option performed with state-of-the-art devices and does not involve a long recovery period or major complications after the procedure. During ARMA treatment, the patient is placed on his back on a stretcher and anesthesia is applied. The aim of this method is to reduce or prevent the opening of the gastroesophageal tract. For this purpose, the gastric valve between the stomach and esophagus is reshaped by endoscopic means. While the ulcer and wound caused by the procedure are healing, the scar effect in this area causes the valve to get stuck. “With a procedure of approximately 30 minutes, reflux complaints and constant medication use that have been going on for years can end,” he said.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE, PATIENTS CONTINUE THEIR DAILY LIFE
Emphasizing that the patient could be discharged from the hospital on the same day without any incision or surgery scars in ARMA treatment, Prof. Dr. Demirci said, “Since it is not a surgery, there is no need for a large preparation process beforehand. In this procedure performed under anesthesia, the patient is required to fast for at least 6 hours. “Since it is a day treatment, patients can continue their daily lives after the procedure is completed,” he said.
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