Hospital highlights - March 4, 2010

Permanent Heartburn Relief

In partnership with Palouse Surgeons, WHMC has started offering a new innovative incision-less procedure for persons suffering from chronic heartburn or acid reflux. The procedure, called EsophyX, reconstructs the body’s natural anti-reflux barrier to prevent the backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus. The EsophyX procedure is performed through the mouth and not an incision so recovery time is shortened. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within a few days of the procedure. Clinical results show that more than 85 percent of patients are able to completely stop using acid reflux pills and are still off of them 12 months later.

I had an earlier form of this procedure about 15 years ago when it required surgery. The procedure eliminated my heartburn and dramatically improved the quality of my life. I am still heartburn free to this day. Getting heartburn under control was especially important for me because my father died from cancer that started at the base of his esophagus. He had chronic heartburn; I can not remember him without a roll of antacid tablets in his pocket. Heartburn and acid reflux are not just uncomfortable, they can lead to very serious disease.

To see if you are a candidate for the procedure, contact Palouse Surgeons.

David E. Womack, CEO

Whitman Hospital & Medical Center