Description:
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition that can have a significant impact on the quality of life of an individual. It is caused by failure of the sphincter mechanism at the lower end of the oesophagus. Symptoms of GORD can be broadly grouped into those directly related to reflux episodes such as heartburn, regurgitation and waterbrash; and those symptoms caused by complications of reflux disease, including dysphagia and respiratory symptoms.
Drug therapy, combined with lifestyle modifications, is the standard treatment for patients with mild symptomatic GORD. Patients with more severe symptoms or oesophagitis may be treated with more intensive drug therapy and anti-reflux surgery may be needed.
The patient is sedated and given an injection of antibiotics. A needle catheter is then introduced through an endoscope into the gastro-oesophageal junction. This catheter is filled with a bio-compatible polymer and solvent and is used to inject or implant the polymer into the gastro-oesophageal junction. The injection is made along the muscle layer or deep submucosal layer of the cardia. Multiple injection/implants (often four) are performed in a circumferential manner around the oesophagus under fluoroscopic and endoscopic control.
|
