A minimally invasive endoscopic option for carefully selected patients seeking longer-term relief from GERD.
Living with chronic acid reflux can be exhausting. For many people with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), daily medication becomes a long-term routine, and even then, symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and chest discomfort may not fully resolve. If you’ve been relying on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for years without full relief, or you’re hoping to avoid invasive surgery, there’s a modern alternative worth knowing about: GERDx™.
At Burjeel Digestive Health Institute, Abu Dhabi, our gastroenterology specialists offer GERDx™ as an advanced, minimally invasive option for patients seeking long-term relief from GERD, without the incisions and longer recovery associated with traditional surgery.
What is GERDx™?
GERDx™ is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to treat GERD by reinforcing the natural anti-reflux barrier at the junction between the esophagus and stomach. Unlike surgical fundoplication, GERDx™ is performed entirely through the mouth using an endoscope, meaning there are no external incisions.
The procedure uses a technique called endoscopic full-thickness plication (eFTP), where sutures are placed at the gastroesophageal junction to reconstruct and reinforce the body’s natural anti-reflux barrier. This may help reduce reflux episodes rather than simply managing symptoms with medication.
How Does the GERDx™ Procedure Work?
- Preparation: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
- Insertion: An endoscope and the GERDx™ device are guided through the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. No external cuts or incisions are needed.
- Plication: Using the GERDx™ device, the physician places full-thickness sutures at the gastroesophageal junction, tightening the area to reinforce the natural reflux barrier.
- Recovery: The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and most patients can go home the same day following medical assessment.
Because it is endoscopic rather than surgical, GERDx™ may involve less discomfort and a faster recovery compared with traditional anti-reflux surgery.
Who is a Candidate for GERDx™?
- Have confirmed GERD and experience persistent symptoms despite medication
- Depend on long-term PPI use and want to reduce or stop it
- Have a hiatal hernia measuring 2 cm or less
- Want to avoid the longer recovery associated with laparoscopic surgery
- Wish to avoid traditional fundoplication surgery
A thorough evaluation, which may include endoscopy, esophageal pH monitoring, and manometry, is typically required to confirm candidacy.
Benefits of GERDx™ Over Traditional Treatments
- No external incisions, as it is performed entirely through the mouth
- Shorter recovery time compared with surgical fundoplication
- Potentially reduced dependence on long-term PPI medication
- Preserves future treatment options, including surgery if needed later
- A favorable safety profile, based on available clinical studies
Why Burjeel Digestive Health Institute Recommends GERDx™
Our gastroenterology team evaluates each patient individually to determine whether GERDx™, medication, or another treatment path is the right fit. For patients who have struggled with long-term reflux management and want a less invasive alternative to surgery, GERDx™ offers a promising middle ground, supported by clinical research and performed by experienced specialists using advanced endoscopic technology.
Conclusion
GERD does not always have to mean long-term medication or the prospect of major surgery. GERDx™ offers a minimally invasive treatment option for selected patients looking to reinforce the natural anti-reflux barrier, with the potential for faster recovery and reduced dependence on medication. If persistent heartburn or acid reflux is affecting your daily life, it is worth discussing whether GERDx™ is right for you with a specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
GERDx™ aims to provide long-term symptom relief by reinforcing the natural anti-reflux barrier, although individual results can vary. Your specialist can advise you about expected long-term outcomes based on your condition.
Many patients return to normal activities within a few days, although individual recovery times may vary.
Some patients may be able to reduce or stop PPI use after the procedure, but this should always be done under medical supervision based on individual progress.
Many patients are able to reduce or stop PPI use after the procedure, but this should always be done under medical supervision based on your progress.
No. GERDx™ generally does not prevent future treatment options, including surgical intervention if needed.
Consult a Specialist at Burjeel Digestive Health Institute
If chronic acid reflux is affecting your quality of life, our expert gastroenterologists at Burjeel Digestive Health Institute, Abu Dhabi, can assess your condition and determine whether GERDx™ or another treatment path is right for you.
Book your consultation at Burjeel Digestive Health Institute today and take the next step toward lasting relief from GERD.
