Treatment of gastric reflux by endoscopic gastric banding and Argon Plasma ablation

FV Hospital doctors have performed endoscopic gastric banding to treat gastric reflux for more than 100 patients.

Photo: FV

Cardiac valve ligation to prevent reflux, "cut" the risk of cancer due to Barrett's esophagus using Argon burning technique

For many years, Mr. NHP (60 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) has suffered from persistent gastroesophageal reflux. Initially, he suffered from heartburn after every meal, but gradually, the burning sensation in his chest became more frequent. Many nights, Mr. P. had to sleep sitting up because every time he lay down, he felt something from his stomach rising up his throat. He went to many hospitals for treatment but could not recover. In the past 2 years, the reflux symptoms became more severe, he choked when eating, and often felt like something was stuck in his throat. Tormented by reflux, he was extremely frustrated.

During a general health check-up at FV Hospital, Mr. P's wife learned that there was an effective treatment for gastric reflux. She happily scheduled an appointment for Mr. P to come to FV for a check-up.

Through examination and endoscopy of Mr. P., Dr. Ngo Van Huy, Deputy Head of the Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary, FV Hospital, determined that the patient had reflux with cardiac valve regurgitation (grade 3-4). More dangerously, he also had Barrett's esophagus caused by years of reflux - a precancerous lesion of the esophagus.

With this condition, Dr. Huy suggested treating Mr. P. in 2 steps. The first step is to control reflux by endoscopic gastric banding. Immediately after that, Argon plasma coagulation (APC) or Argon burning technique will be combined to help prevent Barrett cells from causing esophageal cancer.

Illustration of a normal stomach (left) with a closed cardia, and a stomach with an open cardia (right) leading to gastroesophageal reflux. Photo: Freepik

According to Dr. Ngo Van Huy, previously reflux treatment mainly relied on acid-reducing drugs or Nissen surgery. However, these methods have many limitations such as: drugs only have temporary effects; while Nissen surgery is complicated, painful, requires many days of hospitalization and slow recovery time.

Endoscopic gastric banding is performed by using a specialized band to create a tight fit around the cardiac valve. This process stimulates the formation of natural scar tissue, which helps the valve close more tightly and prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.

Doctor Ngo Van Huy explains the treatment method for Mr. P.

For patients with Barrett's esophagus like Mr. P., Argon Plasma technique will be applied in parallel. "The mechanism of Argon plasma is to use the energy of high-frequency electric current to convert Argon from gaseous state to plasma state, to destroy Barrett's pathological cells. The gastrointestinal endoscopist can adjust the current intensity to control the penetration of Argon Plasma, helping to selectively destroy the diseased tissue area, protect the surrounding healthy tissue area, increase the accuracy and safety of the procedure," Dr. Huy explained.

The endoscopic procedure for Mr. P., performed by Dr. Ngo Van Huy, took about 60 minutes. The patient had his cardia ligated first and then the next day, Argon was used to cauterize the Barrett's esophagus. Mr. P. was discharged the same day.

In the following days, Mr. P.'s health improved significantly, and the discomfort that had been weighing heavily on his chest disappeared. "Now I am truly optimistic and comfortable. It has been a long time since I have had this feeling. I am very grateful to the team of doctors and nurses at FV, wonderful people! They treated and took care of me very devotedly and carefully," Mr. P. emotionally shared.

Gastroesophageal reflux: many potential risks

According to Dr. Ngo Van Huy, the rate of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Vietnam is increasing rapidly, estimated to affect nearly 20% of the population. However, about 1.3% of Asians have gastroesophageal reflux disease, which can lead to Barrett's esophagus.

There are many causes of reflux, among which unscientific eating habits, alcohol abuse, coffee, spicy foods, high-seasoning foods, eating late at night... are the leading risk factors. In addition, obesity, increased abdominal pressure, prolonged stress... are also factors that make acid from the stomach easily reflux.

"Many people mistakenly think that reflux is simply heartburn, but in fact this is a chronic digestive disease that can cause esophageal ulcers, esophageal strictures, and most dangerously, Barrett's esophagus - a precancerous condition," Dr. Huy analyzed.

Dr. Huy recommends that anyone who has heartburn, choking, or discomfort after eating that lasts more than a few weeks should see a doctor early for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to avoid the disease progressing to a dangerous stage.

Repeated exposure of the esophageal mucosa to stomach acid can lead to complications such as esophageal cancer.

Photo: FV

To treat gastric reflux using the above method, readers can contact the Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, FV Hospital via phone number (028) 54 11 33 33

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dieu-tri-trao-nguoc-da-day-bang-noi-soi-that-tam-vi-va-dot-argon-plasma-185250324170700905.htm