Reflux esophagitis (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. One of its manifestations is heartburn.

GERD, or reflux esophagitis, is a disease in which the contents of the stomach regularly enter the esophagus. To prevent food from returning to the esophagus, there is a “damper” between the esophagus and the stomach – the gastroesophageal (esophageal-gastric) sphincter. It is a muscular ring that closes when food enters the stomach. Thanks to this sphincter, the contents of the stomach with hydrochloric acid do not enter the esophagus.

In GERD, the gastroesophageal sphincter is defective and remains open all the time. Because of this, the contents of the stomach, which has a very high acidity, are thrown back into the esophagus and corrode its mucous membrane. Constant inflammation of the esophageal mucosa can lead to precancerous changes in it, and then to a malignant tumor. In order to recognize precancerous changes in the esophagus in time and make sure that there is no oncological disease, qualified diagnostics is necessary.

Reflux treatment in Israel is carried out both with the help of modern medicines and with the help of minimally invasive surgical operations that do not require incisions. Within a few days after such a surgical intervention, the patient returns to normal life.

The price of a standard GERD diagnostic program is from $1656.

Diagnosis takes 3-4 days. Treatment can begin the next day after an accurate diagnosis. Assuta is a private clinic, it has the latest generation equipment, there are no interns or trainees, only professors and doctors with over 15 years of experience.

WHO DIAGNOSES AND TREATS REFLUX-ESOPHAGITIS IN ASSUTA

Professor Zamir Galperin

Head gastroenterological department

Professor Ben Horin Shomron

Head of the Laboratory of Immunology

Dr. Ron Greenberg

Senior Physician of the Department of Surgery

Dr. Amir Szold

Head of the Department of Endoscopic Surgery

METHODS OF TREATMENT OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE IN ISRAEL

Conservative therapy

1. Proper nutrition. The patient is advised to eat small portions, to exclude overeating. It is recommended to exclude from the diet foods that increase acidity or relax the gastroesophageal sphincter. Such products include citrus fruits, tomatoes, alcohol, menthol and mint, smoked meats, coffee, chocolate. Since the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus increases in a horizontal position, it is recommended not to eat 2 hours before bedtime and to raise the head end of the bed.
2. Medical treatment. Treatment of GERD in Israel includes the use of proton pump inhibitors. These medicines reduce the production of hydrochloric acid by the stomach. Therefore, even if acid from the stomach enters the esophagus, it irritates its mucous membrane less. Thus, not only the symptoms of GERD are reduced, but also the risk of developing cancer.

Surgical treatment

In Israel, surgical methods for the treatment of GERD are also used. If, as a result of constant irritation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, precancerous changes have formed on it (Barrett’s esophagus), a minimally invasive procedure is performed – radiofrequency ablation, during which the affected areas of the mucosa are cauterized. This procedure lasts only about half an hour and is performed on an outpatient basis.

With the help of minimally invasive surgical operations in Israel, the esophageal-gastric sphincter is strengthened.

How to get treatment in Israel?

You can ask any questions about treatment at the Assuta clinic using the application on the website or by phone. +7495-7899230 (your call will be forwarded free of charge to the international department of the clinic in Israel). Our consultant doctor will call you back within 1-2 hours. The consultation is completely free. Privacy is guaranteed.