STPH Offers Acid Reflux Treatment
REFLUX RELIEF: NEW PROCEDURE TREATS
GERD, ESOPHAGEAL DAMAGE
COVINGTON - Like nearly 20 million Americans, Suzanna Anglin suffered with a heavy, burning feeling in her chest after eating some her favorite foods, such as red meat and tomatoes.
Her discomfort was caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, in which the acidic contents of her stomach splash up into her esophagus when the ring of muscles in her lower esophagus sphincter did not close all the way.
More commonly known as acid reflux, GERD is more than just uncomfortable. Those acidic contents can damage the esophageal lining when the body’s barrier from harsh digestive acids does not function properly.
Over-the-counter medication such as Nexium worked well for the school-bus driver for more than a year. Then, in the summer of 2014, Anglin learned that the medication could be inhibiting her body’s absorption of Vitamin B-12, which plays a key role in the function of the brain and nervous system and the formation of blood.
“I didn’t want to take anything that might have a potential impact on my B-12 levels,” said the Bush resident and mother of two teenagers.
Anglin went to see her gastroenterologist, Phillips Jenkins MD, who thought she could be a good candidate for a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure to restore the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.
The procedure involves inserting a catheter through the mouth into the patient’s esophagus to deliver bursts of low-power radiofrequency energy to the lower esophagus during a nearly 60-minute outpatient treatment called Stretta.
“The energy induces the muscle to become thicker and stronger,” Dr. Jenkins said, adding that St. Tammany Parish Hospital is the only Northshore hospital to offer the treatment.
Studies show the FDA-approved procedure is highly effective in treating GERD, with its benefits typically lasting eight to 10 years, Dr. Jenkins said.
Anglin underwent the Stretta procedure this summer. Jenkins recommended, as with other Stretta patients, Anglin continue to take medication to control her GERD for at least four months while the lower esophageal muscle continued to regain function.
Anglin said she experienced mild discomfort the day of the procedure, but is back to enjoying her favorite foods with discomfort.
“I’m also looking forward to no longer having to take medication,” Anglin said.
###
A full-service acute care facility committed to providing world-class healthcare and the latest technology, St. Tammany Parish Hospital delivers today’s life-improving procedures with the utmost care to area residents with emphasis on wellness, preventive care and disease management close to home. STPH is a self-supporting not-for-profit community hospital; it receives no ad valorem tax funding. STPH.org