Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologists focus on the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system, including a range of organs starting at the mouth and ending at the rectum.
Heartburn and reflux treatment in Frisco, Texas
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition that results in reflux or heartburn when the stomach acid is not properly contained in the stomach and rises into the esophagus.
GERD symptoms can be very painful and, if left untreated, harm the digestive system.
Your choice for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) care in North Texas
If you are having GERD symptoms, obtaining an appropriate diagnosis is important for understanding your reflux and developing the best treatment plan for you.
With the only heartburn and reflux center in Collin and Dallas counties, Medical City Frisco offers a comprehensive program to diagnose and treat esophageal and stomach (foregut) diseases and help you live more comfortably.
GERD symptoms
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In addition to chronic heartburn, other GERD-related symptoms can include asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain and a chronic, non-productive dry cough. It can also cause acid reflux, indigestion and regurgitation.
Other GERD-related issues can include hiatal hernia (stomach hernia), achalasia (failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to open when swallowing) and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
Testing for GERD
Tests that can be used to diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms include:
- Questionnaires to help providers understand how your symptoms affect your daily life
- Catheter-free esophageal pH monitoring with a disposable capsule that transmits information about esophageal acid levels
- Upper endoscopy (EGD) using an endoscope (thin, flexible tube with a light and camera) to inspect the esophagus, stomach and part of the small intestine
- Nuclear gastric emptying scan — uses radiology to follow how quickly food moves through and leaves your stomach
Treating GERD and esophageal disorders: Minimally invasive options
The Heartburn and Reflux Center at Medical City Frisco offers transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), an innovative endoscopic procedure that rebuilds the anti-reflux valve and restores the body’s natural protection against reflux without requiring incisions in your abdomen.
Robotic or laparoscopic techniques can use used for these procedures:
- Fundoplication – surgically wraps part of the stomach fundus around base of the esophagus to reinforce the sphincter and relieve inflammation caused by reflux
- Gastrectomy/esophagectomy — removes part or all of the stomach/esophagus
- Heller myotomy — minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat achalasia, cutting the esophageal sphincter muscle
- Hiatal hernia repair — recreates or reinforces the muscles surrounding the lower esophagus, and is typically performed with anti-reflux procedures
- Magnetic sphincter augmentation — laparoscopic procedure that implants interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores around the esophagus. The beads’ magnetic attraction works to expand the esophageal sphincter’s barrier function and prevent reflux. The procedure is reversible and allows patients to preserve such normal functions as belching or vomiting.
- Partial gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction – can be used to treat gastric reflux in patients with previous sleeve gastrectomy surgery or patients with persistent obesity
- Pyloroplasty/partial gastrectomy — widens the opening in lower part of the stomach so contents can empty into the small intestine