Reflux Clinic for Treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

What is Reflux Clinic?

Reflux Clinic is a clinic that specializes in treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Our expert Gastroenterologists offer a wide range of services designed to help you diagnose and treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), acid reflux, heartburn, and other digestive disorders. The clinic is led by a team of highly specialized Consultants with experience in pioneering treatments and revolutionary technology to create an individualized plan for treatment that’s right for your needs.

What is GERD? 

When you have GERD (chronic acid reflux), the stomach acid and sometimes food also flow back into your esophagus regularly and might reach your throat and mouth. 

What are the Symptoms of GERD?

The symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) include,

• Heartburn
• Acid indigestion
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain in swallowing
• A feeling of food being stuck in your throat
• Night cough
• Asthma
• On camera examination, some people might have minimal symptoms. Still, severe inflammation and its long-term complications are found in the esophagus.

What are the Treatments Available for GERD, Acid Reflux, and Heartburn at Reflux Clinic

Burjeel’s Reflux Clinic offers conservative acid reflux treatment options and minimally invasive surgical interventions to treat GERD and prevent its long-term complications. 

Innovative Treatments Available at Reflux Clinic

We provide patients with surgical and non-surgical options, some of which you may not have considered before. 

Medication & Lifestyle Changes

GERD can be treated with medication and lifestyle modifications (such as eating habits). However, if it is not effective, if you are unable to take medications for an extended period, if you are concerned about the long-term side effects of medications, or if you have already developed some complications of GERD, you may want to consider surgery.

Surgical Treatment Available for GERD at Reflux Clinic

Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication and Toupet Fundoplication

The most common surgical treatment is laparoscopic antireflux surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure that eliminates acid reflux by establishing a new valve mechanism at the base of your esophagus. The fundus of the stomach is wrapped 360 degrees around the lower portion of the esophagus through keyhole surgery. This helps to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter preventing acid and food from refluxing back into the esophagus. A modification of this operation is what is the Toupet fundoplication, which involves a 270-degree wrap. 

LINX Sphincter Augmentation Device

It is a minimally invasive surgery that involves the implantation of a LINX device. It is a ring of tiny magnets that are strong enough to keep the junction between the stomach and esophagus closed to refluxing acid but weak enough to allow food to pass through.  

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

It is a viable alternative to Nissen fundoplication or the LINX device that is especially suited for morbidly obese patients suffering from GERD. Obesity is associated with a higher risk of GERD failure or recurrence after Nissen fundoplication. It is a relative contraindication to LINX device implantation. Gastric bypass surgery is an effective treatment option for GERD and morbid obesity in this subset of patients. 

What is LINX                               

LINX is a small, flexible ring placed around the lower esophagus, right above the opening to the stomach. A revolutionary treatment for reflux disease that is designed to be simple. The quarter device does exactly what your failing LES is supposed to do – prevent stomach acid from entering your esophagus.  

Who Needs LINX? 

It’s time to start your journey and take back control. LINX® is intended for patients diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as defined by abnormal pH testing and seeking an alternative to continuous acid suppression therapy. Are you concerned with a lifetime of medication, pharmacy visits, and potential side effects? If this sounds like you, talk to one of our best Gastroenterologists in Abu Dhabi, it may be time for LINX®. 

How Does LINX Work?   

Reflux occurred when a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weak or relaxes inappropriately. This allows acid and bile to flow from the stomach into the esophagus. LINX magnets help keep the LES closed so that acid and bile do not flow from the stomach to the esophagus. When you eat or drink, the forces from swallowing cause the magnets to separate, the LINX device to expand, and the LES to open for food or liquid to pass into the stomach. 

A Short Outpatient Procedure         

LINX® is implanted during a minimally invasive, same-day procedure generally completed in less than one hour. Patients typically go home within 24 hours and most return to normal activities in just a few days. And, best of all, they can resume a regular diet. 

Life After LINX      

Picture being free to live in the moment again, without worrying about GERD. After treatment with LINX®, patients reported significantly improving their quality of life. 

• Reduced Medication: 85% of patients were free from dependence on daily reflux medication after treatment with LINX. 
• Durable Resolution of Bothersome Heartburn: 88% of patients reported being free of heartburn five years after treatment with LINX. 
•  Durable Resolution of Regurgitation: LINX eliminated regurgitation in 99% of patients. 
• Significant Decrease in Gassiness and Bloating: Patients reported significant improvement in gassiness and bloating after treatment with LINX. 
•  Improved Quality of Life: Patients reported significantly improved quality of life after surgical treatment with LINX. 

Our Multidisciplinary Team of Experts at Our Acid Reflux Clinic

Prof. Dr. Basil Ammori

Consultant Laparoscopic, Bariatric, General, Gastrointestinal & Hepatobiliary Surgery

Years of Experience: 35

Nationality: United Kingdom

Languages Known: Arabic, English

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The Reflux Clinic at Burjeel Hospital offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to patient care, identifying the root cause of reflux symptoms in each individual and providing the most appropriate treatment option, thereby increasing the likelihood of a lasting recovery. Our core team includes:                                     

• Gastroenterologists       
• Family Medicine Consultants 
• Radiologists 
• Dieticians  
• Expert surgeons  

 Additional members of the team who might need to be consulted depending on each individual’s condition include: 

• Cardiologists 
• Pulmonologists 
• ENT Surgeons