In Gujarat, gastric reflux is a common problem. According to a recent study by Noble Gastro Hospital in Ahmedabad, between 30% and 40% of people live in the state who suffer from acidity and heartburn. Leading gastroenterologists at the hospital led the study, which emphasises the urgent need for efficient treatment options to reduce the suffering and disruption these disorders create.
Elaborating on the findings, Dr. Yogesh Harwani, Director and Senior Gastroenterologist, from the hospital said, “We, at our state-of-the-art centre for Gastroenterology based out of Ahmedabad see an increasing number of patients suffering from gastric reflux. Our research further says that 3 out of 10 individuals experience symptoms of acidity and heartburn, often stemming from a loosened valve between the food pipe and stomach known as hiatus hernia in medical terminology. Major lifestyle changes can help to relieve the pain and distress such as avoiding eating citrus food especially late at night, avoiding smoking, alcohol and medicines which relieve acidity that patients may need to take long term.”
GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a disorder in which stomach acid frequently refluxes—or flows back—into the food pipe, causing discomfort and inflammation. Because acid reflux is more common as people age and the body’s muscles become more relaxed, GERD is typically found in middle-aged and older adults. Nonetheless, a Noble Hospital research found that 80% of the state’s GERD patients are between the ages of 20 and 40, a trend that is worryingly rising in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities.
Patients who require intervention are those whose conditions don’t improve with medication. Fundoplication and other surgical techniques have historically been used to treat hiatus hernia. But these procedures leave scars, require longer hospital stays, and may not be preferred by every patient.
Amazing developments in endoscopic technology have completely changed the face of gastrointestinal care by providing less intrusive options that have been shown to work. The GERDx method, a non-surgical intervention administered orally without requiring an abdominal incision, is one example of such an invention. In order to mitigate reflux and lower the risk of consequences like oesophageal cancer, GERDx entails applying sutures to fix the weak valve while under moderate anaesthesia. Similarly, the anti-reflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) technique is a less complex endoscopic procedure in which argon plasma gas is used to ablate the surface of two layers of loosened valves in order to promote healing and strengthen the damaged valve layers. The GERD HQRL score, which measures the quality of life for GERD patients, significantly improved, and the use of anti-acid medications decreased in 82% of treated patients.
Notably, endoscopic techniques such as GERDx and ARMA are effective in the event that an early-stage hiatus hernia is discovered. Numerous patient trials carried out across Europe have validated this method and demonstrated positive results. Patients recovering from surgery might not need acid-reducing medications. This treatment, which promotes early healing and shortens hospital stays, is currently accessible and used by experienced gastroenterologists in India.
Dr. Yogesh Harwani confirms that these state-of-the-art therapies are accessible and effective in India, highlighting their capacity to promote quicker healing and shorter hospital stays. Gastric reflux can be a burden, but Noble Gastro Hospital wants to improve people’s quality of life by providing non-surgical treatments that balance comfort and effectiveness for patients.
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-Namit Pandey