DRMC Offers New Procedure for Acid Reflux
By: Charlotte Ames
Updated: August 23, 2012
A hospital in our region now offers a surgical procedure for people with severe heartburn. A doctor at DuBois Regional Medical Center performs an operation that's designed to keep acid in the stomach from refluxing back up into the esophagus. The procedure involves wrapping part of the stomach around the lower end of the esophagus to create a valve to prevent the reflux.
Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr Daniel Wholley, who performs the operation, says it's a good option for people who have a hiatal hernia or whose acid reflux isn't controlled by medication.
"It always gets a bad rap because it's surgery, so everybody thinks it's this major thing where we're cutting them from stem to stern. It's actually done laparascopically with a little incision and it's very well tolerated by people," he said.
Dr Wholley says after the procedure, patients spend one night in the hospital and then eat a soft diet for about a month. He says 70% to 80% of patients have no heartburn symptoms, after the procedure.
Long term use of acid reflux drugs called proton pump inhibitors is linked to a higher risk of thinning bones and hip fracture.
Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr Daniel Wholley, who performs the operation, says it's a good option for people who have a hiatal hernia or whose acid reflux isn't controlled by medication.
"It always gets a bad rap because it's surgery, so everybody thinks it's this major thing where we're cutting them from stem to stern. It's actually done laparascopically with a little incision and it's very well tolerated by people," he said.
Dr Wholley says after the procedure, patients spend one night in the hospital and then eat a soft diet for about a month. He says 70% to 80% of patients have no heartburn symptoms, after the procedure.
Long term use of acid reflux drugs called proton pump inhibitors is linked to a higher risk of thinning bones and hip fracture.
Comments
I had this done in Pittsburgh a few years back. Haven't had reflux since. It's changed my life.
Tina C.
August 23, 2012 at 5:54 pm
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.