Medcare Hospitals showcases Treatment Innovation by being the First in the Middle East to Launch Advanced Endoscopic Treatment for Acute Acid Reflux

The GERDX system provides a more gentle approach to erasing the effects of long-term drug treatment and massive surgical intervention.

Dr Emad Fayyad, Consultant Gastroenterologist, at Medcare Hospital Al Safa, has made history by being the first doctor in the Middle East to introduce the most advanced and effective treatment for acid reflux patients after conducting a number of successful procedures of Endoscopic Fundoplication. 

Exclusively introduced to Medcare Hospital by G-Surg, a German medical solutions provider, the new GERDX system closes the previous gap between long-term drug treatment using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and the massive surgical intervention of a fundoplication.

“At Medcare, we believe in bringing the most advanced medical technologies to our patients as we have their health and safety as our core principles. The new GERDx applicator allows us to offer a lifelong solution to a serious condition, which is not only simple and quick to perform, but also easy on the patient,” Dr Emad said.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus which irritates the lining of the oesophagus. The consequences of this backwash are often extremely painful and have a massive impact on the quality of life of those affected. With the help of the GERDX applicator – similar to a gastroscopy – several implants are placed in the area of ​​the stomach entrance, which permanently narrow it and restore the natural valve function. It is important to note that many people experience acid reflux from time to time, but GERD is a condition where patients experience moderate to severe acid reflux at least once a week. Most people can manage the discomfort with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications, while some may need stronger medications or surgery to ease symptoms.

“There was a broad desire to develop less invasive techniques without the limitations of pharmacologic therapy and the risks of LARS. Research and case studies showed that the endoscopic treatment with the GERDx device reduced acid exposure of the oesophagus and reflux-related symptoms. This state-of-the-art treatment frees GERD patients from the effects of long-term dependence on proton pump inhibitors as well,” Dr Emad added.

While daily use of proton pump inhibitors is generally effective in the treatment of the majority of patients, up to 40% have persisting symptoms. The primary alternative to chronic PPI medication is laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS). Although surgery generally results in excellent control of reflux symptoms in the long term, both surgeons and patients are frequently reluctant to select this option as LARS is associated with short- and long-term swallowing difficulties, gas-bloat syndrome, and bowel dysfunction. The short-term outcomes of GERDx are an improvement of objective reflux parameters and quality of life for the patients. The procedure is less invasive, more convenient to the patient, and with a faster recovery time. All four patients that underwent the surgery were discharged on the same day and have been able to start a normal diet in a week.

Julian Mair, CEO at G-Surg, said: “We have been introducing the endoscopic method of this surgery for more than two years around the world, and are extremely honoured to have launched it in the Middle East with Medcare Hospitals. It has been an honour to train and work with Dr Emad, who has nearly three decades of medical expertise under his belt and is a true advocate for offering the latest and best treatment approaches in the medical world to patients.”

Common symptoms of GERD include chest pain, difficulty in swallowing, regurgitation, sensation of a lump in your throat, and most commonly heartburn, usually after eating, which might be worse at night. Severe cases also show signs of chronic cough, inflammation of your voice box, and new or worsening asthma. It is advised to seek medical help if you experience severe or frequent GERD symptoms.