Lakewood Ranch Medical Center now offers EsophyX™, a new, surgical choice for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as heartburn, that can be performed without making any incisions in a patient's body.

How Does It Work?
Surgeons insert the EsophyX device into a patient's body through the mouth, instead of through an incision. They then use a small video camera inserted in the central shaft of the EsophyX device to help guide it into the esophagus.

Surgeons can use the EsophyX device to correct the cause of GERD, which is often an anatomic deficiency at the gastroesophageal junction. Doctors use the device to help them reconstruct a durable antireflux valve and tighten the lower esophageal sphincter. That reestablishes a barrier to reflux and can eliminate GERD.

Studies show an 80 percent improvement in quality of life and the reduction or elimination of heartburn symptoms among patients who have had the procedure. Because patients have no external skin incisions and no internal cuts, they usually experience fewer adverse effects or complications and quicker recovery times. Most patients can go home the day after their procedure and can return to work and most normal activities within a few days.