MetroSouth Hosts Free Reflux Seminar

A life-altering, non-invasive surgery is now available at MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island for chronic heartburn patients who have struggled for years with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

MetroSouth Medical Center’s Heartburn Clinic is offering a free seminar on Thursday, June 23, 7 p.m. at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Lawn, 9333 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn, for anyone interested in reflux treatment options. To register, call 708-489-7927.

Drs. Felipe Gracias and Ramon Manglano, surgeons, and Kevin Dolehide, D.O., gastroenterologist, of the MetroSouth Heartburn Clinic, will discuss reflux treatment options and a new, innovative procedure offering patients fewer long-term complications, reduced recovery time, less scarring and less pain than other traditional surgery options.

The Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure uses the FDA-cleared EsophyX device that rides over a video camera and travels from the mouth into the esophagus, where the valve is folded over and held in place with suture-type fasteners.  This prevents stomach fluids from backing back up into the esophagus.  The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, takes less than an hour under general anesthesia.

Published data shows that at least 90 percent of patients who have had TIF will be able to stop taking daily medicine for reflux.