The specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology prof. Salih Boa provides important information about reflux disease and antireflux treatment with antireflux mucosectomy (ARM).
What is reflux disease? What are the symptoms?
Reflux is a condition caused by leakage of stomach contents back into the esophagus and is also known as gastroesophageal reflux. If you experience symptoms of reflux twice a week or more, it may be a sign of serious gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Reflux can cause symptoms such as a burning sensation in the chest, heartburn, a sour or bitter taste in the back of the mouth, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough and asthma. These symptoms can negatively affect quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications, even cancer of the lower esophagus.
What are the causes of reflux disease?
Reflux usually occurs when stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus. The most common cause of this leakage is that the lower esophageal sphincter, which controls the muscles between the esophagus and stomach, remains open longer than normal or continuously. Other causes of reflux include bad habits such as alcohol and smoking, improper diet, digestive problems that interfere with gastric emptying, certain anatomical abnormalities, and pregnancy.
How is reflux diagnosed?
Contrary to popular belief, the gold standard method used in the diagnosis of reflux disease is not endoscopy, but a pH meter. The extremely convenient capsule pH meter measures the patient's acidity level without discomfort and helps determine treatment.
What are the treatment options for reflux (antireflux mucosectomy (ARM))?
Lifestyle changes play an important role in the treatment of reflux. Some patients can control reflux with lifestyle changes or medication. However, if medication treatment is inadequate or requires continuous and long-term administration, endoscopic methods can be used.
Antireflux treatment with antireflux mucosectomy (ARM).
ARM treatment is an endoscopic treatment option for gastroesophageal reflux disease. This method restores the gastric valve, which is a natural barrier at the entrance of the stomach. By removing the superficial tissue in a controlled manner, the gastric valve becomes tighter due to the healing (fibrous) tissue that will form. The ARM treatment is extremely safe and the patient is not expected to feel any pain. After treatment, patients can start eating the same day and do not require hospitalization.
Reflux is the most common gastroenterological disease and can become a serious health problem. Prof. Salih Boa, recommends that patients with reflux evaluate their treatment options with the help of a specialist physician. Because antireflux mucosectomy (ARM) treatment is much more comfortable than surgery, it can help patients in a painless and effective way and improve their quality of life.
