NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Montefiore
Medical Center has introduced a natural orifice surgery through the
mouth, to relieve gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), most
commonly known as acid reflux. Since this natural orifice
transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) does not require any
incisions, recovery is faster and it is essentially scarless.
“This procedure represents the next step in the evolution of
surgery, which can greatly enhance the quality of life for people
who suffer from acid reflux,” said Diego Camacho, MD, Director of
Minimally Invasive and Laparoscopic Surgery at Montefiore and one
of only a small number of surgeons performing this surgery in the
U.S. since it was approved by the FDA. “The procedure through the
mouth can be an option for patients who otherwise would be on
reflux medication their entire lives and it is less invasive than
past surgical options and results in reduced pain and
discomfort.”
According to Dr. Camacho, a rod-like instrument enters the
esophagus transorally (through the mouth) rather than through an
abdominal incision and is advanced into the esophagus under
visualization of a video camera inserted down the central shaft of
the device. The device then forms and fastens several tissue folds
to reconstruct the anti-reflux valve, which creates a durable
anti-reflux barrier. “This procedure reconstructs the antireflux
valve and restores the body’s natural protection against reflux,”
said Dr. Camacho. “It provides a solution that treats the cause of
acid reflux by restoring the body’s natural protection against
reflux and stops further deterioration to the esophagus.”
The procedure takes 45-60 minutes and the patient normally goes
home the next day without taking pain medications.
Montefiore Medical
Center encompasses 126 years of outstanding patient
care, innovative medical “firsts,” pioneering clinical research,
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