Dr. Dennis Streeter (left), general surgeon, and Dr. Peter Mavrelis, gastroenterologist (right), join Bassel Shughoury, MD, (not pictured) at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, who are the first in Northern Indiana to perform a new incisionless procedure in the treatment of GERD.
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St. Mary Medical Center The First In Northern Indiana To Perform This Surgery
Surgeons at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart recently performed the first operations using a new procedure for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The new Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure, or TIF®, using the innovative EsophyX® device, allows for incisionless reconstruction and repair of the gastroesophageal junction – an anatomical solution that helps those who no longer benefit from reflux medications.
Gastroenterologists Peter Mavrelis, MD, Bassel Shughoury, MD, and general surgeon, Dennis Streeter, DO, are the first specialists in Northern Indiana trained to perform the new procedure. “The TIF procedure using the EsophyX device can significantly improve the quality of life for our patients,” Dr. Mavrelis said. “GERD is an anatomical problem which needs an anatomical solution. Reflux medications like PPI (proton pump inhibitors) can help relieve patients’ heartburn symptoms, but don’t solve the underlying anatomical problems to prevent further disease progression. Even on PPIs, many patients are still unable to eat the foods they want or have to sleep sitting up to reduce nighttime reflux.”
St. Mary Medical Center is sponsoring two free seminars on GERD and the EsophyX TIF procedure on Tuesday, February 23 at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster; and on Thursday, February 25, at St. Mary Medical Center’s Auditorium, West Tower, 1500 S. Lake Park Ave., in Hobart. The presentations are free, however registration is necessary by calling 1 (866) 836-3477 or (219) 836-3477.
The new EsophyX TIF procedure is based on established principles of surgical repair of the antireflux barrier, except that it is “surgery from within” performed transorally (through the mouth). The procedure reduces hiatal hernia and creates a valve between the stomach and esophagus restoring the natural, physiological anatomy to prevent gastroesophageal reflux. Because the procedure is incisionless, there is reduced pain, reduced recovery, and no visible scar.
“EsophyX TIF can significantly improve the quality of life for our patients,” Dr. Shughoury said. “Many reflux patients are unable to drink carbonated or caffeinated beverages or eat rich foods or fruit without triggering reflux. After the EsophyX procedure, clinical trials show that most patients can eat and drink foods they avoided for many years. Reflux no longer impacts their life like it previously did.”
For the millions of Americans diagnosed with GERD and not fully satisfied with their treatment options, EsophyX offers an excellent alternative. “Recent studies of EsophyX have shown that the procedure can reduce patients’ dependency on medications, with 70 percent of patients remaining symptom free after two years and experiencing a dramatic improvement in their quality of life,” added Dr. Streeter. “We are very excited to be able to offer our patients the same incredible benefits less invasive procedures and no incisions.”
For more information about the innovative programs and cutting-edge technologies making a difference in the lives of patients at the hospitals of Community Healthcare System: Community Hospital in Munster; St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, visit www.comhs.org.
