Incisionless Procedure Improves Long-Term GERD Symptoms, 70% of Patients Are Able to Stop Taking Proton Pump Inhibitor Medications for Two Years

(Santa Ana, CA)–Today, Coastal Communities Hospital announced publication of US registry data showing that long-term gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) sufferers who underwent an incisionless procedure at their hospital maintained symptom relief without the need to take proton pump inhibitor medicines for two years. The results were published in the November issue of the journal American Surgeon in a study designed to assess the impact of the TIF procedure on patients with chronic GERD at 6-, 12- 24- and 36 month follow-up points.

   

“These new findings demonstrate the long-term positive outcomes that come from treating the underlying cause of GERD with this innovative, incisionless approach,” said Dr. Yasser Salem. “Previously, recommended treatment for GERD patients included lifestyle changes and/or increased doses of prescription medications for the long term, which has been linked to causing a variety of other health complications. In our program we see patients who have been on heartburn medication for over 15 years, still suffering from reflux symptoms such as regurgitation and chronic cough,” Dr. Salem commented.

“Furthermore, we want GERD sufferers to know that something called a hiatal hernia plays a critical role in the cause of their persistent and troublesome reflux symptoms,” said Dr. Salem. “TIF without incisions requires a small hiatal hernia, less than two centimeters. However, in our program we also treat patients with larger hiatal hernias using a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach.”

Dr. Yasser Salem is an accomplished physician having been ranked in the top 10 for TIF procedures in 2014. As a Coastal Communities Hospital physician for over 11 years, Dr. Salem routinely performs over 100 surgeries every month ranging from major vascular surgery to general abdominal surgeries. He is a recipient of the Physician of Excellence Award from the Orange County Medical Association and is a member of the American College of Surgeons, SAGES, American Medical Association and the Orange County Medical Society.

“Coastal Communities Hospital remains dedicated to developing safe, effective, and low-risk technologies and procedures that treat the tens of thousands of GERD patients who fall into the treatment gap between medical prescription therapy and invasive surgery,” said Coastal Communities Hospital CEO Luke Tharasri. “Given these long-term, real-life outcomes, we believe the TIF procedure can significantly enhance the quality of life for GERD patients. After successfully treating hundreds of patients, we are extremely pleased with the outcomes and look forward to better serving our community with this innovation in the treatment of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease. ”

GERD is a chronic condition in which the gastro-esophageal valve (GEV) allows gastric contents to wash back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and possible injury to the esophageal lining. GERD is the most common gastrointestinal-related diagnosis made by physicians during clinical visits in the U.S. It is estimated that pain and discomfort from acid reflux impacts over 23 million people two or more times per week in the U.S.