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Acid reflux is a problem that stays with someone for life. It’s caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter and allows fluids to rise from the stomach into the esophagus which cause corrosive damage because of the acid content.

In addition to the possibility of developing serious health conditions such as erosive esophagitis, Barretts esophagus, and esophageal cancer, patients afflicted with acid reflux have to deal with the agony of heartburn on a daily basis.

But all of that may change. There is a new surgical procedure that is finding its way into clinics across the nation which may help to snuff out acid reflux for those who undergo the surgery. Known as the Plicator procedure, this treatment option requires a mere twenty minutes and is an outpatient procedure. Does it sound too good to be true? Heres a simple explanation of what exactly happens when one undergoes a Plicator procedure.

- The Plicator, which is a small electronic device, is placed on the end of an endoscopy tube. Endoscopies are a simple procedure performed by doctors in which a tube is lowered into the digestive tract via the mouth while the patient is in a state of conscious sedation.

- The Plicator travels through the digestive tract until it reaches the stomach. Once the Plicator is firmly in place in the stomach, it is maneuvered so that it can grab the tissue that is located in between the stomach and the esophagus. The Plicator then closes its arms, causing it to crimp the tissue. A single suture is placed to secure the fold that was made by the Plicator.

- This results in a tighter opening between the stomach and esophagus, helping the lower esophageal sphincter to maintain the passageway more easily.

Those who undergo this procedure usually don’t experience any unwanted side effects, and are often back to their normal activities the following day. Several studies have been done to measure the effectiveness of the procedure for eliminating heartburn.

These studies showed that prescription heartburn medications could be eliminated in 70% of the patients who had the procedure done. Plus, 80% of the patients who had the procedure done showed improvements in their reflux symptoms afterwards.

The effects of the surgery are seen very quickly. Within several days following the procedure, most people were able to decrease their heartburn medication. Sore throats and abdominal pain occurred in some patients, but only lasted for a few days. If this sounds like a procedure that would help you with your acid reflux, talk to your doctor about it and get their informed advice.

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