Vim & Vigor - Summer 2010 - Community Healthcare - (Page 4)

By Mary FEtsch Heartburn New incisionless surgery may be solution for GERD sufferers Relieving Chronic Thankfully for Fryer, and others diagnosed with GERD, St. Mary Medical Center offers a new and effective treatment alternative. Gastroenterologists Peter Mavrelis, M.D., and Ahmad Shughoury, M.D., and general surgeon Dennis Streeter, D.O., are the first specialists in Northern Indiana trained to perform a new, incisionless procedure called EsophyX TIF. E ating is one of life’s fundamental pleasures for most people. Savoring the flavor of a rich chocolate or enjoying the taste of a good wine is often coupled with the social fulfillment of family and friends. But for those with chronic heartburn, even a cup of coffee can turn into an unpleasant experience. Eleanor Fryer of Portage knows the pain and frustration of chronic heartburn too well. Diagnosed with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), Fryer’s chronic heartburn was severe enough to affect her daily life. “It made no difference what I ate,” says Fryer. “Three bites and I was done. I could feel the heartburn coming on.” Like many GERD sufferers, Fryer’s discomfort would last throughout the day and would keep her awake at night. Burning in her esophagus, coughing and constant clearing of her throat continued despite her efforts to control what and when she ate, and the medications she took. “The pills you’re supposed to take once a day … I took three or four times and they still didn’t work,” says Fryer. “There was no relief for me and I was miserable.” RepaiRing the ValVe EsophyX TIF (transoral incisionless fundoplication) allows physicians to reconstruct and repair the junction and valve between the esophagus and stomach without incisions. This new solution helps those with GERD who no longer benefit from reflux medications. GERD is caused by reflux and regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus. In normal swallowing, a valve between the esophagus and stomach opens to allow food to pass into the stomach then closes to prevent reflux of the food back into the esophagus. For those with GERD, this valve is weakened or absent, allowing the acidic digestive juices to flow back (or reflux) into the esophagus. GERD is typically treated with medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs can lose their 4 Vim & Vigor • SUM M ER 2 010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2010 - Community Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2010 - Community Healthcare
Contents
Community Message
Community Briefs
Relieving Chronic Heartburn
A New Read on Patient Safety
Who Is Your Spark?
Ready ... Set ... Get Motivated!
Having Reservations?
Stressing Stress
Second Act
Adults at Play
In Good Hands
Think Again
No Kidding
Giving Is Great Medicine
EMTs Train to Be First Link in Survival Chain
Emergency Services Across the System
Graduating to an Active Lifestyle
From Crutches to Kickstand
To Train or not to Train?

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2010 - Community Healthcare