Surgical Treatment For Acid Reflux Using Endoscopy
Very recently, endoscopic techniques for the treatment of GERD have been developed. The advantage of Endoscopy is not requiring surgery and it can be performed without hospitalization. Since these endoscopic techniques are new, however, it is not yet clear how effective they are or for how long they will be effective. More studies with endoscopic treatments are necessary. There are major three type of Endoscopy for Acid Reflux :
Type 1 : One type of endoscopic treatment involves suturing (stitching) the area of the lower esophageal sphincter, which essentially tightens the sphincter.
Type 2 : A second type involves the application of radio-frequency waves to the lower part of the esophagus just above the sphincter. The waves cause damage to the tissue beneath the esophageal lining and a scar (fibrosis) forms. The scar shrinks and pulling on the surrounding tissue, thereby tightening the sphincter and the area above it.
Type 3 : A third type of endoscopic treatment involves the injection of material into the esophageal wall in the area of the LES. This increases the pressure in the LES and prevents reflux.
Prevention Of Transient LES Relaxation
Transient LES relaxations appear to be the most common way in which acid reflux occurs. Although there are available drugs that prevent relaxations, they have too many side effects to be useful. Much attention is being directed at the development of drugs that prevent these relaxations without accompanying side effects.