LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Baptist Health Gastroenterology Clinic in Little Rock is now offering a new comprehensive evaluation to determine the root cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients as well as a new treatment option for people with GERD.
For evaluation, three different tools are available to:
- Assess motor function or peristalsis of the esophagus. (Using a test called esophageal manometry)
- Determine if acid reflux is causing the symptoms. (Using a device-based pH reflux testing system called Bravo)
- Confirm or rule out gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders. (Using minimally invasive technology called EndoFlip)
For treatment, transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is a new endoscopic procedure that is less invasive than surgery for people with GERD and/or hiatal hernias who want a lasting solution. A gastroenterologist uses a TIF device to reconstruct the valve between the stomach and esophagus, re-creating a better barrier against acid reflux.
The TIF procedure provides a significant reduction in GERD symptoms and improved quality of life. Many patients are able to stop taking proton pump inhibitor medication.
“Reflux is not merely inconvenient or bothersome but in some patients can cause lasting damage and even cancer,” said Ali Khan, MD, of Baptist Health Gastroenterology Clinic. “Treatment of GERD is often delayed for various reasons. However, we can provide early and appropriate minimally invasive interventions to treat this condition.”
Patients will have an initial consultation with a provider at Baptist Health Gastroenterology Clinic. Procedures will be completed in Baptist Health’s GI center.
Baptist Health offers comprehensive gastrointestinal services, including endoscopy, to help doctors diagnose and treat digestive issues. The team treats everything from ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome to colorectal and stomach cancers.
For more information about gastroenterology services at Baptist Health, visit Baptist-Health.com or call 1-888-BAPTIST.
About Baptist Health
For more than a century, Baptist Health has delivered all our best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health, Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization, is here For You. For Life. – with more than 250 points of access that include 12 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; and a graduate residency program. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. For more information about Baptist Health, visit Baptist-Health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app.