Endoscopic suturing is a new procedure for the treatment of chronic heartburn or reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), that may eliminate the need for daily medication and surgery. Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center is the first in Chicago to offer patients this treatment alternative.
The endoscopic suturing procedure uses a device that acts much like a tiny sewing machine. This device is connected to a flexible tube and inserted down the throat enabling the physician to place stitches at two different locations near the valve that connects the stomach to the esophagus. The two stitches are then tied together to create a pleat near the valve. The pleats improve the patients' symptoms and reduce or eliminate the need for acid-controlling medications. The outpatient procedure requires mild sedation and patients can return home the same day.
"Endoscopic suturing has the ability to effectively and economically relieve many people of their severe heartburn just days after the procedure," Rush gastroenterologist Dr. John Losurdo. "This is a treatment that chronic heartburn sufferers should be excited about." Symptoms of GERD include burning behind the breastbone, difficulty swallowing, asthma, chest pain and nausea.
Heartburn occurs when the contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus. A valve, the lower esophageal sphincter, located between the esophagus and the stomach, will normally open after swallowing to allow food into the stomach. This valve will then close quickly to prevent the reflux of food and stomach juices back into the esophagus. If the valve relaxes or weakens, the stomach contents can back up into the esophagus causing heartburn. If this happens frequently it becomes the chronic condition known as GERD.
Patricia Danza from Schaumburg, Ill., who suffered daily from soreness and burning in her throat, difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath, was among the first to undergo the procedure at Rush.
"I lived for years with my misery and over the counter antacids," said Danza. "Just three days after the procedure, my sore throat was gone and so was my reflux."
Chronic heartburn affects 15 million Americans each day. GERD is a serious medical condition that significantly reduces one's quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to other medical problems such as espohagitis (an irritation or swelling of the esophagus), ulcers, asthma, strictures (a narrowing or closing of the esophagus) and a precancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus.
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center includes the 809-bed Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital; 154-bed Johnston R. Bowman Health Center for the Elderly; Rush University (Rush Medical College, College of Nursing, College of Health Sciences and Graduate College); and seven Rush Institutes providing diagnosis, treatment and research into leading health problems. The medical center is the tertiary hub of the Rush System for Health, a comprehensive healthcare system capable of serving about two million people through its outpatient facilities and five member hospitals.